How To Clean Shower Curtain

Shower curtains are an essential part of any bathroom, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you don't clean your shower curtain regularly, it can start to look dingy and smell musty. In this article, we'll show you how to clean a shower curtain so that it looks and smells fresh and new.

Materials You'll Need

White vinegar
Baking soda
Bleach (optional)
Washing machine
Dryer

Instructions

1. Remove the shower curtain from the rod.

Before you start cleaning your shower curtain, you'll need to remove it from the rod. Most shower curtains are attached to the rod with plastic hooks. Simply unhook the curtain from the hooks and set it aside.

2. Check the care label.

Before you wash your shower curtain, it's important to check the care label. The care label will tell you how to wash and dry the curtain properly. Some shower curtains can be machine-washed and dried, while others need to be hand-washed or air-dried.

3. Pre-treat any stains.

If your shower curtain has any stains, you'll need to pre-treat them before you wash it. To pre-treat a stain, apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth.

4. Wash the shower curtain.

Once you've pre-treated any stains, you can wash the shower curtain. If the care label says that the curtain is machine-washable, you can wash it in your washing machine on a gentle cycle. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine along with the shower curtain.

If the care label says that the curtain is hand-washable, you'll need to wash it by hand. To hand-wash the curtain, fill a bathtub or sink with cold water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Submerge the curtain in the water and swish it around for a few minutes. Then, drain the water and rinse the curtain thoroughly with cold water.

5. Add baking soda to the wash.

Once you've washed the shower curtain, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine or bathtub. Baking soda will help to neutralize any odors and brighten the curtain.

6. Dry the shower curtain.

If the care label says that the curtain is machine-dryable, you can dry it in your dryer on a low heat setting. If the care label says that the curtain is air-dryable, you'll need to hang it to dry. Do not put the curtain in the dryer if it is made of plastic, as the heat from the dryer could damage it.

7. Rehang the shower curtain.

Once the shower curtain is dry, you can rehang it on the rod. Make sure to clean the shower rod before you rehang the curtain, as any dirt or soap scum on the rod could transfer to the curtain.

Additional Tips

Clean your shower curtain regularly, at least once a month.
If your shower curtain is made of mildew-resistant material, you can prevent the growth of mold and mildew by spraying it with a vinegar solution once a week.
If your shower curtain is starting to look dingy, you can brighten it up by soaking it in a bleach solution for 30 minutes. Be sure to rinse the curtain thoroughly with water before you rehang it.