How to Wash Fabric Shower Curtains? Effective and Efficient Methods

If it has been a while since you cleaned your fabric shower curtain, here is all the information you need to know about the best and most productive techniques.

Shower curtains can be cleaned more easily than you might realize. And you should occasionally do it. We insist, and depending on the material of your shower curtain and the cleaning products you have on hand, you have a variety of cleaning options.

So how to wash fabric shower curtains? You can use laundry detergent to clean the shower curtain or liner, or you can use white vinegar in place of detergent to pretreat the shower curtain.

Although the tips in this article cover cleaning techniques for the majority of shower curtain types, for the best results, always check your curtain’s label or packaging.

How to Wash Fabric Shower Curtains?

Gather your supplies, which include a bucket for washing your curtain, rubber gloves, laundry detergent, baking soda, and a 1:1 bleach/water solution.

By Hand

Spray any spots of pink mold or discernible mildew with a 1:1 mixture of bleach and water while the curtain is still fastened to the rod. Give it ten to fifteen minutes to rest.

The curtain should then be taken down and placed in a tub or bucket that is big enough to hold it. Liquid detergent, 1 tablespoon, is added. Fill the tub with warm water until the curtain is mostly submerged.

To encourage suds, rub the curtain while wearing gloves, paying special attention to the hem and other areas that are obviously dirty. If the shower curtain is particularly filthy, mix in a tablespoon more bleach. Give it ten minutes or so to soak.

Check for any remaining stains while wearing gloves. If stains persist, rub them vigorously with baking soda and a teaspoon of bleach solution before checking for more stains while wearing gloves. If stains still exist, apply a bleach solution, sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda on top, and then scrub the stain vigorously.

Spreading out the curtain on the rod will allow it to air dry when it is rehung. You can choose to turn on a fan to hasten the drying process and prevent mold from returning.

In the Washing Machine

Spray a 1:1 bleach and water solution on any spots where pink mold or visible mildew is present while the curtain is still fastened to the rod. 10 minutes are sufficient.

Take off the shower curtain, then put it in the washing machine. As directed by your washing machine, add laundry detergent for the smallest load (typically less than 1 tablespoon) and, at your discretion, 1 tablespoon of bleach. Use either cold or warm water to run the machine through its normal cycle (warm water will help disinfect the machine).

The curtain should be hung up again to dry naturally. Air drying will increase the lifespan of your curtain because the spin cycle eliminates the need to use the dryer.

Things to Consider When Washing Fabric Shower Curtains

What kind of shower curtain you have is the first thing to think about. A fabric curtain made of cotton, linen, polyester, or a blend is just as simple to clean as any other cloth in your house.

Use a mild detergent and simply toss it in the washing machine on the cold cycle. Consider using a mesh laundry bag for additional protection if you have a delicate or decorative shower curtain, or wash a towel alongside it to protect the shower curtain.

When washing synthetic shower curtains, use a mild detergent, just like you would with natural fabrics. Avoid chlorinated bleach at all costs because it can fade white polyester and reduce the lifespan of your shower curtain by eating away the fabric’s outer layer.

Remember that most synthetic shower curtains are made to be antimicrobial, so you don’t need to wash them with harsh cleaners.

How Long Will the Washing Take?

When cleaning a shower curtain or liner by hand, it can take 20 to 35 minutes, with 15 to 25 of those minutes spent waiting for cleaning agents to work.

If you’re using a washing machine, you’ll need a wash cycle’s worth of time plus roughly ten minutes to let cleaning agents do their thing.

How Often Should I Clean a Shower Curtain?

A lot more often than you might imagine. Shower curtains go through a lot of wear and tear, including being frequently soaked in warm water, being stored in a dark, humid environment, and accumulating soap scum and hard water stains.

Even today’s shower curtains, which are made to withstand dirt and bacteria, still need some assistance to stay clean and odor-free. Ideally, you should clean your shower curtain once a month to keep it in tip-top condition.

Alternatively, you can extend the time between deep cleanings by wiping down your shower curtain during your weekly cleaning routine. Spray a general-purpose cleaner or white vinegar in a spray bottle and give it five minutes to sit before wiping the curtain down. This will help keep your shower curtain free of stains and mildew for a longer period of time.

By sticking to this schedule, you can cut down the interval between removing and cleaning your shower curtains from once a month to roughly every three months.

Conclusion: Wash Fabric Shower Curtains

To keep mold growth under control, you might want to clean your curtain every other week or once a month, depending on your climate and how well your bathroom is ventilated. Recall that clean, dry environments promote slower microbial growth.

Most contemporary curtains are simple to clean, and by keeping your shower curtain and liner clean and fresh, you’ll avoid having to buy replacements and your home will look nicer.

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