How to Wash and Revitalize Fabric, Plastic and Vinyl Shower Curtain Liners

Maintaining a clean bathroom involves more than just scrubbing surfaces and floors; it also requires attention to often overlooked items, such as the washing your fabric, plastic or vinyl shower curtain liner.

Neglecting this essential part of the bathroom can result in a build-up of soap scum and mold. Shower curtain liners that most of us buy are made of plastic or vinyl but some are made of fabric as well. For the most part, they can all be washed the same and they can easily be cleaned and like new in no time.

Discover the simple yet effective steps to rejuvenate your shower curtain liner, saving you the hassle and expense of buying a new one.

How to Wash a Shower Curtain Liner

Revitalizing your shower curtain liner is a breeze with the following steps:

1. Fill the washing machine with cool or warm water.
2. Add in your regular laundry detergent along with 1 cup white vinegar.
3. When the washer is about 1/2 full add the curtain liner and towels to create a large load.
4. Wash on a gentle cycle.

If the liner is plastic or vinyl, a brief spin in the dryer with the rest of your laundry helps prevent dripping during transportation back to the bathroom.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Plastic or Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner by Hand

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine for plastic or vinyl shower curtain liners is crucial for several reasons. Mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive in the damp conditions of the shower. Additionally, individuals living in areas with hard water need to be especially vigilant as the minerals present can lead to a build-up on the curtain liner, affecting both its appearance and structural integrity over time.

Without proper care, plastic or vinyl shower curtain liners may become brittle, making them prone to tearing and diminishing their overall effectiveness. Cleaning them can preserve the longevity of the shower curtain liner.

For plastic or vinyl shower curtain liners prone to mold and mildew, follow these steps:

• Fill the bottom of the tub with just enough hot water to almost cover the liner.
• Add in 1 cup vinegar.
• Add the liner and let sit about 10 to 20 minutes.
• Use a cleaning cloth or scrub brush to clean the liner.
• Drain the tub then rinse the curtain liner and hang to dry.

Removing Mold and Mildew from Fabric Shower Curtain Liners

These can be washed with a few towels as mentioned above. Wash in the warm/hot water as indicated by the label. Add in your regular laundry detergent along with 1 cup OxiClean.

Dry on a gentle cycle, remove promptly and hang back on the shower rod.

If the bottom of the fabric shower curtain liner is heavily stained, try soaking it for a few hours. This can be done by putting a clean bucket in the shower. Add at least a gallon of warm to hot water and mix in a large scoop of OxiClean, let the bottom part of the shower curtain soak then wash.

Removing Wrinkles from a Shower Curtain Liner

If, for whatever reason, the liner ends up with wrinkles, hang it on the shower curtain rod and turn the shower on hot water. Place the stream of water at the shower curtain liner. This can help remove wrinkles.

The wrinkles should also work out after a few showers.

How to Clean the Shower Curtain Rings

The other thing many of us don’t think about is washing the shower curtain rings. These can also be a place that harbors mold and mildew.

While the shower curtain is washing you can also wash the rings. Take them off the curtain rod and place them in the bathroom sink.

1. Fill with hot water and about 1/2 cup white vinegar.
2. Let them soak about 20 minutes or so.
3. Take an old toothbrush or a green scrubby and run that around the rings.
4. Drain the water, rinse and hang back on the curtain rod.

While the rings are soaking, this is another good opportunity to wipe down the shower curtain rod. Just wet a wash cloth in the water you filled the sink with and wipe the rod clean.

Washing the shower curtain liner isn’t hard and should, at the very least, be washed every few months. Viola!