That dirty or aging shower curtain and shower curtain liner do not always need to be thrown away and replaced. They can be easily cleaned and brought back to like-new condition, saving you both money and time during those occasional house cleaning projects.
Shower Curtains & Shower Curtain Liners: Every 6 Months
If you have a plastic shower curtain liner, it's easy to see when mold, mildew, or other buildup has accumulated. You can wash it with a diluted bleach solution and a sponge, throw it in the washing machine (hang to dry), or just toss it and purchase a new one.
Uses for Worn-out Plastic Shower Curtains
Here are a few ideas to get your mind churning on how you can use this big piece of plastic: Dropcloth for interior painting. Table cover for messy DIY or craft projects. Protect your car seats under kids' booster seats.
After showering make sure to keep the curtain liner closed. Meaning, keep is pulled out so no water can be trapped in the folds. Use a bathroom fan to help with the humidity. Also, if it is possible you can wash the liner in the washing machine. If it is a plastic liner just buy a new one every so often.
Recycling a shower liner is difficult, as most are made of plastic #3, which is generally not recyclable in municipal recycling systems. The Outlines liner replenish system helps you dodge these bullets because you only swap out the dirtiest part of the shower liner, which is recycled.
The bottom line. You can recycle plastic bags and overwrap packaging, but don't put them in your home recycling bin! You'll need to drop them off at your local grocery store or possibly at the local recycling facility if available.
How often to wash a shower curtain? As a best practice, consider washing your shower curtains at least once a month. With daily usage in your home, shower curtains and liners can quickly become soiled, but by regularly hand washing or running through your washing machine can help keep them fresh and clean.
“Shower curtain liners should be replaced every six months, as the lack of ventilation and accumulation of humidity will cause mold and mildew,” says Bowen. To prolong the life of your shower curtain liner, mix one part vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the liner.
Method 1: Ammonia and distilled water. Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum.
You will have to contact your local sanitation company to schedule special bulk pickup service for your used bathroom items. However, items picked up by your local waste management company will be taken to the landfill.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain Liner. Simply take down the curtain and toss it in your washing machine. Add a bath towel to help with scrubbing the shower liner. Make sure you keep it on the gentle setting to avoid damaging the liner.
The frequency of replacing a shower liner depends on its quality, the amount of use, and how well it's maintained. Generally, a shower liner can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. However, if you notice signs of mold, mildew, or the liner is ripped, it's time to replace it.
Ways to reuse a shower curtain liner
Give it to your kids to use as a play mat (including allowing them to color on it). Place it under a picnic blanket if the ground is a little damp to keep you (and your food) nice and dry. Turn it into an art smock for people of any age creating art.
Because of their function, shower curtain liners are often wet—and where there's moisture, there's the inevitable mold, mildew and soap scum. Here's how to wash a shower curtain liner and keep it clean.
As a general rule, it is recommended to replace your bath towels every two to three years, with five years the maximum. Over time, frequent laundering and normal wear and tear can cause towels to lose their absorbency and become less soft.
Shower Curtain: Many vinyl or polyester shower curtains can be used without liners since these materials are water-resistant. Bear in mind though, this means the curtain itself will then be exposed to all the soap scum and dirt and will require more regular cleaning.
The shower pan liner is the most important aspect when it comes to waterproofing, since it protects both the porous shower wall framing and lower floor layers from eventual water permeation and subsequent moldy outbreak.
“This answer shocks people, but most manufacturers recommend changing your shower liner every six months,” Carson says. “It's very important to regularly change out your shower curtain, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness or autoimmune condition.”
"Regular washing, or about once every one to two weeks, is recommended to maintain cleanliness and a healthy sleep environment," says Harris. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet. Once a month if you do. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet.
Never put it in the dryer, as this may cause the curtain to become misshapen or melted. Because mildew breeds in damp, warm areas, it's important to keep things dry. After showering, keep the shower liner inside the tub and the curtain outside of it so that air can move between the two.
Black bin bags can't be recycled, so don't put them in your recycling bin. If you put your recycling into a black bag, the bin crews will throw the entire bag into the rubbish, even if you leave the bag open.
Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.
4. Are Ziploc bags recyclable? Ziploc bags, like plastic bags, cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bins. However, most grocery stores that have recycling receptacles for plastic bags may also accept these Ziploc bags as well.