How to Clean Shower Curtain

Why Shower Curtains Get Moldy So Quickly

The shower curtain and liner are constantly exposed to warm water, soap, and steam — and they rarely dry completely between uses. This makes them one of the fastest surfaces in the bathroom to develop mold, mildew, and soap scum. A dirty shower curtain is not just unsightly; it's a source of mold spores that spread throughout the bathroom. Regular cleaning extends the life of the curtain and keeps your bathroom hygienic.

Shower Curtain vs. Shower Liner: What's the Difference?

• Shower curtain: The decorative outer curtain, usually fabric. Hangs outside the tub.
• Shower liner: The waterproof inner liner (usually plastic or PEVA) that hangs inside the tub and takes the direct water contact.

The liner needs cleaning most frequently — it's the one that gets wet every shower. The decorative curtain needs less frequent washing.

How to Clean a Fabric Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine

1. Remove the curtain from the rings.
2. Place in the washing machine with 2–3 bath towels — the towels act as scrubbers to help clean the curtain.
3. Add your regular laundry detergent plus 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
4. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water.
5. Remove promptly and hang back on the rod to air dry — do not put in the dryer unless the care label specifically allows it.

How to Clean a Plastic or PEVA Shower Liner in the Washing Machine

1. Remove the liner from the rings.
2. Place in the washing machine with 2–3 bath towels.
3. Add detergent and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
4. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm (not hot) water — hot water can warp plastic liners.
5. Remove immediately and hang to air dry. Never put plastic liners in the dryer.

How to Remove Mold from a Shower Curtain

For mold spots on a white or light-colored liner, add 1/2 cup of bleach to the wash cycle (instead of vinegar — never mix the two). For colored curtains, use white vinegar instead of bleach to avoid color fading.

How to Clean a Shower Curtain Without a Washing Machine

1. Leave the curtain hanging on the rod.
2. Spray with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water using a spray bottle.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a microfiber cloth or soft brush.
5. Rinse by running the shower over the curtain.

How Often Should You Clean the Shower Curtain?

Wash the liner monthly. Wash the decorative curtain every 2–3 months. Replace plastic liners every 3–6 months — they're inexpensive and eventually develop mold that can't be fully removed.

Preventing Shower Curtain Mold

• After every shower, spread the curtain fully across the rod so it can dry completely.
• Run the exhaust fan during and after showering.
• Spray the liner weekly with a diluted vinegar solution as a preventive treatment.
• Use a dehumidifier if the bathroom stays persistently humid.

Recommended Products

• Lucy's White Vinegar (1 Gallon) — add to wash cycle and use as preventive spray
• Empty Spray Bottles (16oz, 2-Pack) — for vinegar preventive spray
• Amazon Basics Microfiber Cloths (24-pack) — for hand-cleaning the curtain
• Dehumidifier (95oz, 1000 sq ft) — reduce humidity to prevent curtain mold