Once the wash cycle is complete, shake out the curtain and hang it back up on the shower rod 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.
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.
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.
To prevent mildew, it's best to leave the shower curtain open after use. This allows air to circulate and helps the curtain dry more quickly. If the curtain remains closed, moisture can get trapped, creating an ideal environment for mildew growth.
Liba Plastic Shower Curtain Liner
If you live in a high-traffic household, a heavy-duty liner, like this option from Liba, might be worth considering. As with many of the picks that we tested, this liner is made with EVA, a thick vinyl material that's durable and mold- and mildew-resistant.
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.
Keep doors closed all the time.
After you shower, the interior space is at its wettest point. Try to keep the doors open for a half hour or so until the steam clears. If you have a fan in your bathroom, make sure to turn it on and let the air circulate.
Once the wash cycle is complete, shake out the curtain and hang it back up on the shower rod 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.
“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.
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. Hang the shower curtain liner to dry.
Method 1: Ammonia and distilled water. Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum.
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.
Wash in cold, warm or hot water, depending on the material. For plastic curtains/liners, you should wash on cold to prevent melting or warping. At the rinse cycle, add 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow fabric curtains to run through the spin cycle, then hang to dry.
For most curtains, air drying is the best option. If machine drying is necessary, use a low heat setting and remove them while slightly damp to avoid wrinkles.
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.
While plastic shower liners can go in the washing machine, they should never be tossed into the dryer as the heat will damage the material.
Air Dry Only: Refrain from putting the liner in the dryer; instead, hang it back up to air dry naturally to avoid damaging the fabric or causing shrinkage. Prevent Mold and Mildew: After washing, spray the liner with a vinegar/water mixture.
Always dry the walls of the shower cubicle or bathtub after use with a cloth, a shower squeegee with a rubber lip or a Window Vac, so that residues and lime deposits don't have a chance to form in the first place. If you have a shower curtain, shake it out and dry it after a shower.
If the door is opened at this time, the bacteria and odor in the bathroom will spread to every corner of the home, and the home environment will become more and more dirty! Therefore, it is recommended that when not in use, it is best to close the door and turn on the exhaust fan for ventilation.
To let moisture escape, leave your bathroom window open during showering and for at least 15 minutes after. If your bathroom doesn't have any windows, leave the door open instead. Some plants, including spider plants and snake plants, can also help remove moisture from the air.
You can even leave the bathroom door open slightly to prevent that humid air from getting trapped. Improving ventilation is key to sending mold spores packing before they proliferate.
PEVA and EVA Shower Liners
If you're conscious about the environment, consider PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) shower liners. They are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
According to Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute, there's a clear guidance on when to make the swap. “Generally, you should change your towels every three to four uses,” she says. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.”
This common issue is primarily caused by convection. The hot air rises as you shower, drawing in cooler air from below. This creates a pressure imbalance that causes the shower curtain to billow inward, disrupting your shower experience and potentially allowing water to escape onto the bathroom floor.