How to Clean a Shower Curtain and Liner the Right Way
nikitabuida / Getty Images
Learning how to clean your shower curtain and liner is just as important as cleaning other bathroom surfaces. Given the daily contact with water and the humid environment, curtains and liners can easily become covered with mildew, soap scum, and hard water stains. But with a regular routine and a couple of household supplies and cleaning tools, you can keep both your curtain and liner in tip-top condition.
Read on to learn how to clean your shower curtain in three different ways, as well as how to clean the shower liner and rings for a sparkling clean bathroom.
How Often to Clean Your Shower Curtain
Since a shower curtain typically gets used on a daily basis, wash it at least once a month to keep it clean and prevent mildew from forming.
How Often to Clean Your Shower Liner
Clean your shower liner every time you clean the curtain, so at least once a month. Pull the liner shut after every use to ensure it air dries properly and wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth every couple of days to prevent buildup.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain With a Washing Machine
The majority of cotton, polyester, and vinyl shower curtains can be washed in a washing machine, but check the tag on your curtain to be sure.
Take the Curtain Down
Take the shower curtain off the rod and remove the rings.
Pre-Treat Stained Areas
If you notice stains on the shower curtain, treat them before throwing them in the washer. Apply laundry detergent, dish soap, or a stain remover to the stained area. Gently rub it in and let it soak in for the instructed amount of time.
Throw It in the Washer
Throw the shower curtain in the washer and add a mild laundry detergent. Wash it in warm water on a gentle cycle, unless you are washing a vinyl curtain in which case you'll want to use cool water.
You can add a couple of towels in with the curtain to create friction and rub off some of the dirt.
Dry the Curtain
Check the care instructions on the curtain and if they allow, tumble dry it on a low setting. If you are not sure whether the curtain can go in the dryer, stay on the safe side and hang it back up on the rod, fully close it, and let it air dry.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain By Hand
Take down the curtain. Remove the curtain from the rod and take off the rings.
Dampen it. Place the shower curtain in the bathtub or sink and dampen it with warm water.
Use cleaning supplies. Grab a non-abrasive sponge and either baking soda, dish soap, or a mild laundry detergent. Depending on the size of the stains, add a tablespoon or so of the cleaning solutions directly onto the stains and gently rub with the sponge.
Rinse off. Rinse the curtain under running water, or if it is heavily stained, let it soak in water for up to an hour.
Wring it out and let it dry. Wring out as much water as possible, shake the curtain out to release wrinkles, and hang it back up on the rod. Fully close it for maximum air exposure and let it dry.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain Without Removing It
Mix your cleaning solution. Mix a cleaning solution in a spray bottle by combining one part distilled white vinegar and four parts warm water.
Spray the curtain. Fully close the curtain and spray the solution all over it, going a little heavier on stained areas.
Rinse it off. Use warm water to rinse off the cleaning solution, then let the curtain air dry.
How to Clean Your Shower Liner
Mix your cleaning solution. In a spray bottle, mix one part distilled white vinegar and four parts warm water, then shake to combine well.
Spray the liner. Generously spray the solution all over the hanging shower liner, allowing it to sit for up to 15 minutes.
Scrub stubborn spots. Use a sponge to scrub off stubborn stains and hard water spots.
Rinse and dry. Rinse off the cleaning solution with warm water, then fully close the liner, and allow it to air dry.
How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings
Remove the rings. Take the rings off the shower curtain rod and place them in the sink or a bowl.
Mix a cleaning solution. Fill a bowl with warm water and add one of these three: distilled vinegar, bleach, or baking soda. Always use four parts water and one part of the other substance.
Let them soak. Let the curtain rings soak in the mixture for up to 15 minutes.
Scrub stubborn spots. If you notice stuck on grime, give it extra attention with a non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse and dry. Once the 15 minutes are up, rinse the rings under warm running water and dry them off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth before placing them back on the curtain rod.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Shower Curtains
Have more than one shower curtain so that you can alternate between two or more curtains. This way, they won't sustain as much wear and tear and while one is being washed, it can be replaced with a spare.
To prevent soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains from building up on your shower curtain, clean it regularly. Keep a bottle of cleaning solution handy and spray the curtain with it every couple of days, then wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth.
Fully close the curtain and liner after each shower for maximum air ventilation to fully dry the curtain and prevent it from being wet for prolonged periods of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to replace a shower curtain?
Replace a shower curtain and liner every six months for maximum hygiene.
What is the difference between a shower curtain and liner?
A shower curtain hangs on the outside of a bathtub, is typically made from cotton, polyester, nylon, or vinyl, and often has a decorative design. A liner hangs on the inside of the tub and is usually made from clear or white plastic.
How do you clean the bottom of a shower curtain?
Heavily spray the bottom of a shower curtain with a cleaning solution, then scrub it with a cleaning brush or sponge to loosen and remove any mildew or hard water stains. Rinse off with warm water and repeat as needed.
Read Next: How to Clean a Shower
Read the original article on The Spruce.
