5 Expert Tips for How Often to Wash Shower Curtain and Liner Diligently

How often to wash shower curtains? When was the last time you cleaned your shower curtain? Have you ever noticed mold and mildew on your shower curtain or liners? In this blog post, you will find out how often to wash your shower curtain and liner and  how to wash them. And there are many useful tips for extending the lifespan of your shower curtain.

Why Is It So Important to Clean the Shower Curtain?

As we know, a bathroom is a place where mold and mildew can easily grow because of the humid environment.

Shower curtains are especially easy to get dirty. Most mold and mildew in the shower curtain are harmless to normal people, but they can affect people who suffer from immune system diseases.

Cleaning shower curtains regularly can prevent mold or mildew growth in your bathroom. Moreover, cleaning your shower curtain can make your bathroom smell-free and look nice and clean.

How Often to Wash Shower Curtain and Liners?

The shower curtain is not hung directly next to the water, so cleaning the shower curtain once every two or three months is enough. It should be noted that if the bathroom is often used, you should clean shower curtains once a month or more frequently in order to prevent mold or bacteria from growing.

But if you see any stains or dirty things in your shower curtain or liners, you need to clean them immediately. Regularly washing and cleaning your shower curtains and liners will extend their lifespan and keep your bathroom clean and fresh.

How to Clean Your Shower Curtain

When we clean our shower curtains, there are usually two main ways: by hand and by washing machine, which depends on the type of shower curtains. You need to prepare some natural laundry detergent, white vinegar, and baking soda as well.

How do I clean a plastic shower curtain or liner?

When you clean your plastic shower curtains or liners, you can use some special cleaning spray to remove the remaining soap scum on them. Then you need to put the plastic shower curtain into the bathtub. If you don’t have a bathtub, you need to prepare a big bucket.

Add hot or warm water to the tub. You don’t have to fill the whole tub; just cover the shower curtain.

Add a cup of white vinegar to the water in the tub. Vinegar can remove the soap scum on the shower curtain and help disinfect.

Wait for the curtain to soak for about 10 minutes in the water, and then use a microfiber cloth to remove stains. Then rinse the shower curtain with clean water until it is completely cleaned. When finishing washing, hang the shower curtains to air dry.

Washing a plastic shower curtain by hand can be a huge task because the curtains are very heavy. Some people might not know that plastic shower curtains can also be washed in the washing machine.

1. Take the shower curtain off the rings and put it into the washing machine.

2. Choose the gentle wash cycle and warm-water setting of the washing machine.

3. Add cups of detergent, some white vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.

4. Start the washing machine cycle to clean the shower curtain.

5. Hang your plastic or fabric curtain on the rod to air dry.

How do I clean a vinyl shower curtain or liner?

Hand-washing vinyl shower curtains or liners can be easy. You can prepare a fiber rag and a little bit of baking soda. Damp the rag and put baking soda on it to make a mild cleaning paste. Then scrub the curtain and rinse it off with warm water. If there are many stains, add more baking soda and let the curtain soak for more minutes in the water before rinsing it off. When finishing washing, hang the shower curtains to air dry.

You can also throw the vinyl shower curtain and liner directly into the washing machine and choose a quick wash or rinse mode. Remember to use warm water or a mild cycle because hot water will melt the shower curtain or liner. Add detergent to the washing machine, or choose to add a little white vinegar or baking soda to remove soap scum, mold, and grease. After washing, hang the vinyl shower curtain and liner on the rod to air dry.

How do I clean a fabric shower curtain or liner?

When you need to wash a fabric shower curtain or liner, you can put it in the washing machine. Choose a quick wash or rinse mode. Add some white vinegar or a cup of baking soda instead of laundry detergent. You can also add a little essential oil to make your shower curtain smell nice. After washing, hang the fabric shower curtain and liner to air dry, or you can put it in the dryer and set it to a low temperature.

How Can You Clean Shower Curtain Liners or Rings?

Clean shower curtain liners

People might forget to clean the liner when they clean shower curtains. And do you know how to clean a shower curtain liner? Actually, you can use washing machines to clean the shower curtain liners because they are often made of materials like polyester, nylon, and vinyl.

What’s the best way to clean the shower curtain? Remove shower curtain liners from the rings first. Select the gentle mode and hot water settings when you turn on your washing machine. The next step is to put shower curtain liners in the washing machine. In the washing machine, you can put some soap and bleach. The cycle is then started, and they dry naturally after washing. When you wash your shower liner, you can put one or two cotton towels into the washing machine, as they can prevent shower liners from wrinkling.

Clean shower curtain rings

Cleaning shower curtain rings can be easy. You can use laundry detergent, white vinegar, or baking soda. Another useful cleaning agent is bleach, which can effectively remove mold and mildew from shower curtain rings. When you use bleach, take the rings from the shower curtain and put them in a bowl. Mix one part bleach with three parts water in the bowl. Let the rings soak in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub the rings with a soft brush, and then thoroughly rinse them with water. Put the rings to naturally air dry.

Tips for Extending Your Shower Curtain Use

To extend the use of your shower curtain, here are some tips for you:

1. Clean and maintain shower curtains regularly.

To make shower curtains last longer, regular cleaning is necessary. When you clean the shower curtains, remember to choose some mild detergent. Don’t use some harsh chemicals because they can damage the shower curtain.

2. Choose to use shower curtain liners.

You need to use shower curtain liners in order to avoid direct contact between the shower curtain and water. Remember to buy high-quality liners, and don’t forget to clean the shower curtain liners as well.

3. Properly drying shower curtains

Drying shower curtains properly can help keep them in good condition. After each time you take a shower, make sure you hang the curtains to completely dry. Don’t let the curtains be exposed in a wet condition for a long time; otherwise, they will grow mold and mildew.

4. Keep the bathroom ventilated

You can install exhaust fans in your bathroom to keep the air circulating so that too much bacteria doesn’t grow. It’s also important to clean out other bathroom items regularly.

Conclusion

In summary, the frequency of the shower curtain depends on the frequency of the use of the shower curtain and the type of shower curtain. In general, it is recommended to clean it every one to two months. Check the shower curtain regularly for any signs of discoloration, odor, or visible dirt, and clean or replace the curtain promptly if necessary.

FAQs

How often should I clean my shower curtain?

Generally, you can wash and clean your shower curtain every 2 to 3 months. But if you frequently use the shower curtain, you can wash it more frequently. Don’t forget to clean the shower curtain liners and rings as well.

Can I wash the shower curtain in the washing machine?

Yes, most shower curtains can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Some special curtains must be washed by hand. You need to check it when buying.

How often should I replace my shower curtain?

You can enhance the longevity of your shower curtain by replacing it every 6–8 months, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. If you notice any visible dark stains, it’s a clear indicator that it’s time to invest in new shower curtains. Consider exploring reputable online platforms like cottoncat.com for a wide selection of high-quality shower curtains to refresh your bathroom decor. Their range of products ensures both functionality and style, making it a convenient choice for your shower curtain needs.

How do I keep my shower curtain from getting moldy?

You can regularly clean and replace your shower curtain. Meanwhile, you can install an exhaust fan in your bathroom and open bathroom doors and windows frequently to allow air to circulate.