Why does my shower curtain get so dirty?

Author: Mr. Brown Bosco  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

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. Keep your shower and bath curtains looking as good as new with our tips for cleaning.

How to prevent shower curtain from getting dirty?

Preventative tip: Close your curtain fully after every shower. This will allow the water to drip off, rather than collecting in the folds and giving mold a happy home in which to thrive.

What is the brown stuff on my shower curtain?

Mold and mildew come in every color of the rainbow, but you'll typically notice them as little pink, orange, gray, brown, or black dots on your shower curtain. Hopefully, you can avoid mold and mildew with proper shower maintenance. But don't stress if you have some in your bathroom; it's easy to clean.

How often should you replace shower curtains?

Shower curtains should typically be replaced every 6 months to a year, depending on factors like usage, humidity, and maintenance. Here are some considerations: Mold and Mildew: If you notice significant mold or mildew buildup that can't be cleaned, it's time to replace the curtain.

What is the black stuff at the bottom of my shower?

It is mildew. It thrives in warm, moist environments, and it feeds off of soap scum.

Why Your Shower Curtain Is so Annoyingly Clingy

Why do shower curtains turn black?

Mildew, of course. No one likes seeing mildew on the shower curtain. Unfortunately, it's going to grow there at some point. The shower is hot and humid and this is exactly the climate in which mildew thrives.

How do I get rid of the black on the bottom of my shower?

To clean a shower floor made of ceramic, porcelain tiles, fiberglass, or acrylic, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the floor and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Next, scrub the floor with a brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Lastly, dry the floor with a squeegee or towel.

When to throw away a shower curtain?

Shower Curtains & Shower Curtain Liners: Every 6 Months

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. Most fabric shower curtains are machine washable, but always check the care instructions before washing.

How often do hotels wash shower curtain?

During high occupancy periods, each shower curtain and liner should be removed from the shower curtain rod for laundering. Every day, each room attendant should replace three shower curtain setups as part of her 16 guestroom-cleaning requirement.

Why you should always close the shower curtain?

After a shower, you should close the shower curtain to allow it to dry more effectively.

How do you get grime off the bottom of a shower curtain?

Place your shower curtain and liner in the washing machine, along with a towel and baking soda. Run a regular cleaning cycle. "Throw [them] in the machine with ½ cup of baking soda and a towel or two. The baking soda will break down the grime, and the towels will wipe it off as it spins," suggests Aaron.

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.

Why is there black stuff in my shower not mold?

If you're finding black residue around your water fixtures, it's most likely because of the trace levels of manganese and/or iron in your water supply.

Why are my curtains so dirty?

All the dust from air vents and fans settle on the draperies. Consider them as powerful dirt magnets! 4. Every time you vacuum or dust, debris and dust particles circulate into the air at higher speeds and, of course, land on your curtains.

What is the alternative to a shower curtain?

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to shower curtains, from glass shower enclosures to bath screens and shower blinds. Discover six of the best ideas here to find the right option for your bathroom.

How to keep a shower curtain clear?

Now Keep It Clean!
  1. Now Keep It Clean!
  2. Place an empty spray bottle on the table and combine 2 cups vinegar, 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap and 1 cup distilled water into the spray bottle using a funnel. ...
  3. Make it a Routine.
  4. Spray this mixture on your shower curtain every two weeks and wipe it clean with a towel.

How do shower curtains get dirty?

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. Keep your shower and bath curtains looking as good as new with our tips for cleaning.

Should a shower curtain be inside or outside the bath?

First and foremost when you are taking a shower, keeping the curtain inside helps keep warm air in and water from splashing out. Put the outer curtain outside the tub and the liner inside if you're using a curtain and liner set.

How do hotels keep their shower glass so clean?

Professional-Grade Products: Many hotels rely on specialized glass cleaners and Restoration Powder™ to tackle stubborn stains. Protective Coatings: Hydrophobic coatings are often applied to keep water from clinging to the glass. Effective Tools: Microfiber towels and soft cloths are used to ensure a streak-free shine.

Why does my shower curtain turn black?

Is the bottom of your shower curtain pink or black, even though those are not in the color scheme of your bathroom decor? That's mold—and it's both unsightly and unhealthy to have around. While the easiest way to take care of the problem is to simply throw away the liner or shower curtain, you can salvage them.

How often should I buy a new 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.

Is it better to wash shower curtains hot or cold?

Put the shower curtain or liner in the washing machine and use a small amount of detergent. Choose a gentle cycle with warm water and the highest water level. Delicate or handwash cycles with slow spin speeds are safest for plastic curtains.

What is black gunk in shower?

Black Fungus/Slime

The mold will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, soap and food residues in pet water dishes.

How to make a shower white again?

To clean a shower properly, start by spraying the surfaces with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste. Rinse thoroughly, and regularly clean to prevent buildup.

Why is there brown stuff in my shower?

What causes stains in my shower? Stains are often caused by hard water, soap scum, mold, mildew, or mineral deposits.

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