To prevent a fabric shower liner from mildewing, keep it fully spread out to dry after every shower and run your exhaust fan for 15-30 minutes. Once or twice a month, wash the fabric liner in your washing machine with regular detergent and 1/4 cup of white vinegar on a warm cycle, then hang it up to air-dry.
To keep your shower curtain liner from molding, you need to eliminate trapped moisture. After every shower, spread the curtain completely flat so it can dry. Leave your bathroom exhaust fan running or window open for 15 minutes, and mist the liner with a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution.
Washing machine
Fold the moldy areas inward so you don't spread any mold spores. Toss the shower curtain and liner into the washing machine with a couple towels. Add ½ cup of baking soda into the machine with a normal amount of laundry detergent. Run the washing machine on a warm, gentle cycle.
Yes, fabric shower liners absolutely get moldy. Because bathrooms are naturally humid environments, fabric liners that remain wet are prime real estate for mold, mildew, and bacteria. The lower portions of the liner are most vulnerable since water pools there and soap scum easily accumulates.
Wash your fabric shower curtain liner every 1 to 2 months. If your bathroom has high humidity or the shower sees daily use by multiple people, aim for monthly cleanings to prevent stubborn soap scum and microbial growth.
Washable fabric shower curtain liners offer a durable, mold-resistant, and machine-washable alternative to plastic. Typically made of 100% water-repellent polyester or microfiber, they prevent water from escaping the tub while remaining soft to the touch.
Wash the liner in warm water using a small amount of laundry detergent and 1/3 cup of bleach. Adding a few white cotton towels to the load will help with the agitation and also prevent the curtain from wrinkling. Hang the shower curtain liner on the rings so it can dry. Never put a plastic liner in the dryer.
For the absolute least toxic shower curtain, skip vinyl or PVC and choose natural fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton or hemp. For a waterproof option, choose EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate), which are free of chlorine and phthalates.
Vinegar is the better choice for killing mold. While bleach removes surface stains, its chemical structure prevents it from penetrating porous surfaces like wood and drywall, leaving the roots intact. Vinegar penetrates these materials, killing mold at its roots.
You don't necessarily need to change out plastic shower curtains or liners when they become grimy. As we've discussed, OxiClean™ bathroom cleaners can help you remove soap scum, or stains from hard water or mold and mildew.
Leaving your shower curtain open can help prevent moisture from getting trapped, which would encourage mold and mildew to take hold, says Mock. “Keeping your shower curtain open allows air to flow around the curtain, reducing the chances of these issues developing,” she explains.
To effectively kill black mold on fabric, use distilled white vinegar or oxygen-based bleach. For colored fabrics, vinegar is best as it will not fade dyes. For white fabrics, you can use diluted chlorine bleach.
A simple solution of vinegar and water will easily wash away any grime. "The vinegar will help break down mold and soap scum," says Bowen. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Saturate the curtain or liner with the cleaning solution.
To easily clean mildew off a fabric shower curtain liner, toss it in the washing machine with your regular detergent, 12one-half12 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of white vinegar on a warm cycle. For heavily stained curtains, pre-soak in an oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) solution for 4-6 hours before washing.
Microorganism growths will permanently stain a fabric. The resulting damage will remain as a darkened area and only radical treatment procedures inappropriate for a historic textile will visually diminish such stains. Once a microorganism population is established, it alters the pH of the cloth.
To prevent mold on a shower curtain, spray it with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mold blocker like Mold Armor after showers. These solutions stop mold growth and prevent soap scum buildup. Frequently closing the curtain to allow it to dry completely is also effective.
Attempting to clean mold with vinegar (or bleach) can disturb the colony, causing it to release spores into the air. These microscopic spores can spread throughout your home, creating new growth in other areas, and increasing the risk of respiratory problems for those nearby.
While mold and mildew are both types of fungi that thrive in damp areas, mildew stays on the surface and is usually easier to clean. Mold is more invasive, tends to penetrate deeply into materials (like drywall or wood), and poses greater health risks if left untreated.
Effective Cleaning: The surfactants in Dawn help lift and remove mold from various surfaces. Safe for Most Surfaces: Dawn is gentle enough for use on many surfaces, including tiles, countertops, and fabrics.
PVC shower curtains are the absolute worst for offgassing VOCs and other chemicals you just learned about. Avoid these, period! However, alternative synthetic shower curtain liners made from PEVA, EVA, nylon, and polyester are PVC, chlorine, and phthalate-free, making them a safer option.
Hotels often use detergents made of hotel sheets and towels. These detergents are mild and light enough for use on shower curtains.
The best washable fabric shower curtain liners are made of tightly woven, water-resistant polyester. They combine a soft, non-plastic feel with the ability to be tossed directly in the washing machine. Top-rated, highly accessible options include:
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.
Yes, you can wash your fabric shower curtain and plastic or vinyl liner together. Washing them as a combined load saves time and the fabric curtain can act as a buffer for the liner.