Your shower curtain works hard every day, so it’s no surprise it can collect soap scum, mildew, and musty smells over time. The good news? Giving it a good clean is easier than you think!
From tossing it in the washing machine to scrubbing it by hand, here are the best ways to wash your shower curtain and keep your bathroom looking and smelling fresh.
How Often Should You Wash a Shower Curtain?
A clean shower curtain can make your whole bathroom feel fresher and more inviting. How often you wash it depends on your routine and the material, but a little care goes a long way.
- Every month is a good rule of thumb: To keep mold and soap scum at bay, wash your shower curtain at least once a month. Many people ask, can you wash a shower curtain in the washer? — and the answer is yes, for most materials!
- Spot clean between washes: If you notice mildew or stains popping up before your next wash, give your curtain a quick scrub. This simple habit helps maintain a clean shower curtain without too much hassle.
- Replace when needed: Even with regular washing, shower curtains eventually wear out. If it looks worn or has stubborn stains that won’t come out, it’s best to get a new one to keep your bathroom fresh.
What Are the Different Types of Shower Curtains?
Knowing what kind of shower curtain you have helps you care for it properly and choose the best cleaning method.
Here are a few common types you’ll find in most bathrooms:
- Plastic shower curtains: Affordable and water-resistant, plastic curtains are easy to wipe down and replace.
- Fabric shower curtains: These feel more luxurious and often require gentle washing, especially when comparing a fabric shower liner vs plastic.
- Vinyl shower curtains: Similar to plastic, vinyl is durable and simple to clean with a quick rinse or machine wash.
- Eco-friendly shower curtains: Made from organic or recyclable materials, these are great for the environment and usually need delicate care.
How to Machine Wash Your Shower Curtain
Tossing your shower curtain in the washer is one of the easiest ways to freshen it up.
Just follow these simple steps to get it looking like new again.
1. Check the care label first
Before you do anything, read the label to make sure your curtain is machine washable. Most fabric and lightweight plastic curtains handle a gentle cycle just fine.
2. Use mild detergent and cold water
Add a gentle detergent and set your washer to a cold, delicate cycle. This prevents damage and keeps colors from fading.
3. Throw in some towels
Toss in a couple of old towels to help scrub off grime and protect the curtain from tearing. The towels act like gentle scrubbers during the wash.
4. Air dry or hang it back up
Skip the dryer to avoid heat damage. Instead, hang the curtain back on the rod to drip dry fully.
How to Hand Wash a Shower Curtain
Hand washing is a safe bet for delicate or non-machine-friendly curtains. It is safer than to wash plastic shower curtain in washing machine. It only takes a little extra effort and keeps your curtain in great shape.
- Fill the tub with warm, soapy water: Use mild detergent and warm water in the bathtub or a large sink. Let the curtain soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge: Focus on any spots with soap scum or mildew. Be gentle to avoid tearing the fabric or liner.
- Rinse and hang to dry: Once clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove soap. Hang it up to drip dry completely before using it again.
How to Clean Your Shower Liner
Your liner can get just as grimy as the curtain itself. Follow these quick tips to keep dirty shower curtains and liners under control.
- Spray it down weekly to prevent buildup.
- Machine wash plastic liners on gentle with towels.
- For fabric liners, hand wash with mild soap and warm water.
- Replace very dirty shower curtains and liners if stains won’t come out.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain or Liner Without Removing It
Too busy to take your curtain or liner down? No problem — you can keep it fresh and mold-free right where it hangs with these quick tricks.
Spray with a vinegar solution
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, then mist the entire curtain or liner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with the showerhead.
Use a bathroom cleaner for tough spots
For soap scum or mildew, spray a gentle bathroom cleaner directly on problem areas. Wipe with a sponge while the curtain is still hanging.
Scrub with a soft brush weekly
Lightly scrub the bottom edge and corners — these spots collect the most grime. Doing this weekly helps prevent stubborn buildup.
Rinse well and keep it spread out to dry
After cleaning, rinse the curtain thoroughly with warm water. Always spread it out fully so it dries faster and stays mildew-free.
How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings
Don’t forget about the rings when you wash your shower liner or curtain — they get grimy too!
Here’s how to freshen them up easily.
- Remove the rings and soak them in warm soapy water.
- Scrub each ring with an old toothbrush to remove soap scum.
- Rinse well and dry completely before putting them back.
- When you wash a plastic shower curtain in washing machine, clean the rings separately for best results.
Tips to Keep a Shower Curtain Cleaner for Longer
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your curtain and liner fresh between washes. Try these easy habits to avoid mildew and soap scum buildup.
- Always spread the curtain out after showering so it dries faster.
- Use a daily shower spray to stop grime from sticking.
- Keep your bathroom well-ventilated to reduce moisture.
- Wash shower liner and curtain monthly to prevent stubborn stains.
- Replace old curtains and liners when they start looking worn or discolored.
FAQs
Got more questions about how to keep your shower curtain looking spotless? Here are some quick answers to help you out.
Can You Put a Shower Curtain in the Washer?
Yes! Most fabric and even some plastic shower curtains can safely go in the washer on a gentle cycle. Always check the care label first to avoid damage.
Can You Put a Shower Curtain in the Dryer?
It’s best not to put shower curtains in the dryer, especially plastic ones, as heat can warp or melt them. Instead, hang them back on the rod to air dry naturally.
Can You Wash Plastic Shower Curtains?
Absolutely — you can wash plastic shower curtains in your washing machine on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent and add a few towels to help scrub away grime.
What Temperature to Wash a Shower Curtain?
Always use cold or lukewarm water when washing a shower curtain to prevent shrinking or damage. Hot water is unnecessary and can harm the material.
Keep Your Shower Curtain Fresh with Help from the Pros
Maintaining a clean shower curtain is easy when you know how — but for deep cleaning or laundry you don’t want to tackle alone, trust a professional laundromat in Corpus Christi, TX.
SpinXpress Laundry is the area’s premiere spot for hassle-free washing and unbeatable wash and fold service. Stop by or visit our website to experience the SpinXpress Laundry difference today!
