You will, most likely, only need a liner if you have a cotton shower curtain, as cotton absorbs moisture more than the other materials mentioned. Most liners are made out of vinyl which naturally repels water. Weighted liners are also good to have, as they stay in place more easily.
Shower curtain liners are great for extending the life of any shower curtain, and they're especially useful if your curtain doesn't dry quickly or you have a poorly ventilated bathroom.
1. Polyester Fabric While polyester is not perfect (it is a plastic itself), polyester fabric liners are are great alternative to vinyl: they contain no PVCs, perform well, are easily washable, and are inexpensive. My favorite is easy to find at Bed Bath & Beyond.
You will, most likely, only need a liner if you have a cotton shower curtain, as cotton absorbs moisture more than the other materials mentioned. Most liners are made out of vinyl which naturally repels water. Weighted liners are also good to have, as they stay in place more easily.
While you can technically make a shower curtain out of any fabric, it's best to choose materials that are water-resistant or can be paired with a waterproof liner. Fabrics like polyester, cotton, and linen are commonly used because they hold up well in a moist environment.
The best eco-friendly, non-toxic shower curtains and liners are made of natural fabrics, such as hemp, linen, and cotton (preferably organic). Both hemp and linen have antibacterial properties and are machine-washable and very durable.
Step 3: Hang the shower curtain to air dry
While some fabric curtains can be tumbled on low heat in the dryer, plastic or vinyl curtains should only be air dried. Check the care label before attempting to put fabric curtains in the dryer.
We recommend: Stay away from PVC or Vinyl shower curtain liners.
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.
If you're looking for a non-toxic shower curtain liner, the best options are liners made from organic fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp. These are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. They do take longer to dry, but they don't emit any VOCs during production or use.
Before you hang up a new shower curtain, you first need to buy a shower liner. Why? Because shower liners protect your shower curtain from getting wet and growing mold and mildew. A liner also keeps the water in the tub or shower.
If you have a fabric shower curtain and don't want to use a vinyl liner, consider waterproofing your fabric. The easiest way to waterproof the curtain is to take the fabric to a dry cleaner or tailor for professional service.
Attaching heavy-weight magnets to the inside or outside of the shower curtain can help to weigh it down. This method keeps the curtain in place during your shower, preventing it from billowing inward. Consider placing the magnets along the curtain's bottom edge to ensure even weight distribution.
While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.
Use a mold-killing solution in the washer
Borax — You can use borax in a regular washing cycle, but only with organic fabrics like cotton and linen. Dissolve half a cup of borax in hot water and add it into the machine once it has filled with water.
Place your shower curtain in the washer. Add a few drops of detergent and 1 cup of vinegar to the machine. (The vinegar will remove any mold that has accumulated on the curtain). Once the cycle is complete, hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
Let Them Dry – After each bath or shower, it's crucial to let your curtain dry thoroughly. Spread the shower curtain open, allowing it to drape outside the bathtub, ensuring faster drying. Using the bathroom fan to decrease humidity can also expedite the drying process.
Cotton shower curtains add an elevated look that other materials have a hard time coming close to matching. They're soft to the touch, relatively easy to clean, and oh-so-inviting. Just be sure to keep an eye on them—cotton has a tendency to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew if left unchecked.
Yes, fabric shower curtains need a liner to reduce your exposure to mold, mildew, and bacteria. However, there are 3 exceptions: You wax your fabric shower curtain to make it naturally waterproof. You are able to wash your fabric shower curtain frequently to remove build up.
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 decorative curtain should stay outside the tub while the liner hangs inside for the best moisture control. By allowing air to flow between the curtain and the liner, this arrangement improves the drying process for both materials. Between washings, mildew, and mold growth can be reduced with adequate ventilation.
Replace it every six to 12 months, and do the same for curtains you can't wash. Now you know, scroll on to find liners and curtains will help keep your bathroom looking clean and stylish.