How often should I wash my shower curtain?

Author: Dr. Maynard Collier  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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.

Is it safe to wash shower curtain in washing machine?

Over time, bath and shower curtains can become dirty due to mould, mildew and a build-up of soap scum. Shower curtains can easily be washed and refreshed, either by hand or in the washing machine.

How often are you supposed to change shower curtain liner?

Shower Curtains & Shower Curtain Liners: Every 6 Months

While your shower curtain doesn't need to be washed or replaced as often as the other items in your bathroom, you should clean it now and then. If you have a plastic shower curtain liner, it's easy to see when mold, mildew, or other buildup has accumulated.

Are you supposed to wash shower curtain liners?

Both fabric and vinyl shower curtain liners are washable, and need washing as part of maintenance.

How do I keep my shower curtain from getting moldy?

The best way is to keep the shower curtain mildew free is to keep it dry. When you take a shower, remove it from the bathroom and store it in a dry place. Once humidity in the bathroom returns to normal and you've mopped up all the water that splashed on the floor during your shower, put the curtains back up.

Easy Does It: How to Clean a Shower Curtain Liner | HGTV

Should you leave shower curtain open or closed to prevent mold?

As soon as you get out of the shower, wipe the floor and close the curtain so it can fully dry out. Shower curtains are prime targets for mildew. If you have a shower with a door, leave the door open to air out the inside of the shower.

What can I spray on my shower curtain to prevent mold?

You can prevent mold from growing on your shower curtain liner by spraying it after each use with a solution of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. If you use hydrogen peroxide, however, keep in mind that it will bleach fabric over time, so be careful not to get it on a cloth curtain.

Will vinegar remove mold from a shower curtain?

First, mix one part white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle. Close the shower curtain so it extends the full length of the tub or stall, and, on the tub-side, spray with the vinegar and water solution. The vinegar will work to break down soap scum and mold.

How often should you wash your shower?

While you should clean out your shower at least once a week, you only need to clean off your shower curtains every one to three months. Simply wipe down your shower curtain with a disinfecting agent and rinse it off afterward.

Can you put shower curtains in the dryer?

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. Learn how to wash and dry towels.

What is the difference between a shower curtain and a shower liner?

Shower curtains typically hang outside of the bathtub and are used for privacy and style. They're often made of fabric that absorbs (rather than repels) water, meaning they're not waterproof and take longer to dry. Shower liners protect your bathroom and stop water in its tracks.

How often should I throw out my shower curtain?

“It's very important to regularly change out your shower curtain, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness or autoimmune condition.” Carson points to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, which also recommends replacing your shower curtain liner every six months to a year.

Do people wash their shower curtains?

Probably more often than you think. After all, you come face to face with your shower curtain or plastic liner on an almost daily basis. Ideally, you should be washing it once a month. At the very least, however, you should aim to clean your plastic shower curtain once every three months.

How often should I replace my shower liner?

“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.

What is the best solution to clean shower curtains?

Scrub: Use a sponge or soft brush dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to scrub the entire surface of the curtain. Baking soda or vinegar: For tough stains, mold, or mildew, use baking soda or vinegar. Make a paste using baking soda and water, or mix equal parts vinegar and water.

How often should you change your bed sheets?

To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most. Hygiene is a big factor, and one of the reasons is sweat. If you've ever tried sleeping in a heatwave, you'll know how difficult it can be.

At what age should you shower everyday?

Tweens and teens: Guidelines for bathing

Thankfully, most kids want to bathe daily once they hit puberty. Dermatologists tell parents that once puberty starts, kids should: Shower or take a bath daily. Wash their face twice a day to remove oil and dirt.

How often should you wash your toilet?

The answer is that you can't really clean your toilet too much, but Lysol® recommends you clean your toilet weekly. What to use to clean a toilet? Before you tackle the task, make sure you have everything you need to clean a toilet with: A toilet brush.

Is it OK to wash moldy shower curtain in washing machine?

“If the curtain is made of cloth, put it in your washer on the warm water setting and use gentle laundry detergent. Make sure to choose the highest water level and the gentlest cycle to avoid damage,” Bowen notes. Hang it back on the curtain rod to dry.

What are symptoms of black mold exposure?

The most common symptoms of black mold exposure include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Coughing.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Red eyes.

Is vinegar or bleach better for shower mold?

Vinegar has been found to kill 82% of mold species! Plus, it is great at preventing mold in the first place. Vinegar contains no toxic fumes like many other agents used to kill mold, such as bleach. Pour mild white vinegar into a spray bottle, do not dilute with water.

How do I keep my shower curtain mold free?

Mold growth prevention is key.
  1. Choose machine-washable shower curtains.
  2. Maintain an indoor humidity of 35 to 50%. ...
  3. Clean the liner, curtain, rod, and rings once a month if applicable.
  4. Separate the liner and curtain after showering.
  5. Squeegee the shower after use and deep clean the bathroom regularly.

What can I spray in the shower to prevent mold?

directions. In a 1/2 gallon power sprayer (see picture) pour in 1/2 cup of clorox, fill with water to the 1/2 gallon mark.

Should a shower curtain be inside or outside a tub?

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.

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