Yes. You should plan to machine-wash your shower curtain about once a month to keep it mildew-free. Be sure to double check the care tag on your curtain to make sure you clean it properly.
The simplest way to launder your shower curtain is in the washing machine, but check the tag to ensure this method is safe first. Take the shower curtain off the rings. Select the delicate cycle and warm water setting.
The easiest way to clean a murky, moldy shower curtain liner is to toss it in the washing machine with laundry detergent and a half cup of bleach. If you've got a top-loading machine, you'll also want to throw in a towel or two as buffers so that the curtain doesn't end up in tatters from the agitator.
If you're concerned about your washing machine having magnets clanking around inside, you can always hand wash your shower curtain instead. However unless otherwise stated on the label, plastic shower curtains with magnets are safe to machine wash.
Never try to dry a plastic curtain in a dryer; let it air dry so you do not damage the dryer and the curtain. I stock up on liners when they are on sale and change them when needed. Plastic shower curtain liners are not meant to last. I tried a cloth curtain liner but it let the water through and got the floor wet.
Please do not wash the shower curtain magnets in a washing machine or dryer, Magnets are sensitive to heat and can demagnetize with excessive heat. If you need to wash the curtain in a washing machine please remove the shower curtain magnets attached to the curtain before washing and drying in a machine.
Run a cold water cycle and let the shower curtain liner air dry rather than put it in the dryer. For extra protection against mildew, Bowen recommends adding ½ cup baking soda and ¼ cup vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Can you put bath mats in the washer? Yes, most bathroom mats can be washed in a washing machine. Certain bathroom rugs are made with materials that cannot be exposed to high temperatures, so be sure to always check the care label before washing.
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.
Can you wash plastic shower curtains? Plastic shower curtains may be washed by hand or in a washing machine. If washing by hand, soak the curtain in your bathtub and scrub with a soft brush and soap until clean. Or, toss your curtain in the washer on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and a few towels.
Mold grows on shower curtains because they get wet frequently. “Every day, the shower curtain gets wet,” explains Kapur. “Moisture always goes there,” and mold needs moisture to thrive.
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.
Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.
Clean those ugly mildew stains off your plastic shower curtain by putting it and a couple of soiled towels in your washing machine. Add 1/2 cup laundry detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda to the load, and wash it in warm water on your machine's regular cycle. Add 1 cup white vinegar to the first rinse.
Mix a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the paste and gently scrub the mold-stained areas of the curtain. Be sure to scrub both sides of the vinyl or fabric. Wash the curtain as usual and hang to air-dry.
Just be sure that the cotton and linen aren't lined. Polyester and nylon must be machine-washed because they can't withstand the chemicals used in dry cleaning. When you wash any of these types of curtains, be sure to set your washing machine to gentle at a cold temperature.
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.
Let the liner hang inside the tub and the curtain hang outside the tub for better airflow between the two. To help keep mildew at bay between washings, spritz a vinyl liner with a daily shower cleaner.
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.
Machine washing is the fastest and easiest way to ensure your bath mats are clean and free of bacteria. Simply shake away any debris, then wash your rug through a regular wash cycle on the cold setting. Use your regular detergent and avoid vinegar or bleach, which can damage some mats.
Hard Water
Over time, these excess minerals can stain the finishes of your tub and shower with an orange tint.
Certain shoes don't belong in the washer, like those made from leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl.
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.
Vinegar should not be placed directly in the washing machine. However, it can be beneficial to use it to treat stains and odors prior to washing. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the items before placing them in the washing machine.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!