How To Clean A Moldy Shower Curtain?
QUICK ANSWER
Wash a moldy plastic shower curtain in the washing machine with 2 bath towels and 1 cup of white vinegar on warm. For fabric shower curtains, wash with detergent and 1 cup of bleach (white only) or oxygen bleach (colored). Hang to air dry immediately after the cycle.
Shower curtains and liners accumulate mold faster than almost any other bathroom item because they sit constantly damp and have folds that trap water. The cleaning approach differs between plastic and fabric. Either type can be machine washed in most cases, saving the cost of replacement. Here is the right method for each and when replacement is the better call.
Can you save a moldy shower curtain?
Yes, most shower curtains and liners can be cleaned and reused even with significant mold. Plastic and vinyl liners (PEVA, vinyl, or EVA) handle machine washing well. Fabric curtains (polyester, cotton, hemp) wash like normal laundry. Replacement is around 10 to 30 dollars for liners and 20 to 60 dollars for fabric curtains, so the cost-benefit depends on the original price and how attached you are to the pattern. Curtains with severe mold throughout the entire surface or visible holes from extended moisture exposure are usually beyond saving.
How do you clean plastic shower curtains?
Take down the curtain. Put it in the washing machine with 1 to 2 bath towels (the towels provide friction to scrub the curtain during the cycle). Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of laundry detergent. Run on the warm gentle cycle. The combination removes soap scum and kills mold. Do not put plastic curtains in the dryer; the heat melts and warps them. Instead, immediately hang the wet curtain back on the rod where it can air-dry while hanging in its natural shape.
How do you clean fabric shower curtains?
Check the care label first since fabric curtains range from washable polyester to dry-clean-only specialty fabrics. For washable curtains: take down and check for any plastic accents that should be removed first. Wash on warm with regular laundry detergent. For white fabric curtains, add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the wash. For colored fabric curtains, add 1 cup of oxygen bleach (OxiClean) instead. Air dry by hanging from the shower rod immediately to prevent wrinkles. Avoid the dryer for fabric curtains too since the heat can shrink them.
How often should you clean shower curtains?
Wash shower curtains and liners monthly to prevent mold from establishing. Quick weekly maintenance: spray the curtain with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution after the last shower of the day and let air-dry. This keeps soap scum from building up between full washes. Replace plastic liners every 6 to 12 months even with regular cleaning since the plastic eventually develops permanent staining and the seam areas weaken. Fabric curtains last several years if properly cared for.
Moldy shower curtains usually clean up well in the washing machine: vinegar and detergent for plastic, regular wash for fabric. Never put plastic curtains in the dryer. Hang to air dry immediately after washing. Monthly washing prevents the deep mold buildup that takes multiple cycles to address. Replace plastic liners every 6 to 12 months even with cleaning since they wear out eventually.
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