Does your vinyl shower curtain have mildew or mold on it? Check out how to clean a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine. It's easy to clean those shower curtain liners so they look like new again!
We regularly clean our showers and shower doors but how often do you think to clean your vinyl shower curtains or shower curtain liners?
If you are like me, you probably remember to clean them when you notice mold or mildew growth on them.
No worries! Cleaning a vinyl or plastic shower curtain is easy to do and doesn't take a lot of time.
You can easily clean a vinyl shower curtain in the washer.
It only takes a few minutes of your time and you can have a clean and mildew-free shower curtain. Check out how to clean a vinyl shower curtain below.
How To Clean A Vinyl Shower Curtain
To clean your plastic or vinyl shower curtain you will need a few things.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 towels (it's ok if they are dirty!)
- laundry detergent (it can be any brand)
- vinegar (just the plain white stuff)
Getting Started
Start by removing the shower curtain from the rod. Take off any of the rings that are on the shower curtain.
Next, place the shower curtain in the washing machine with about 3-4 towels. Make sure that the towels are evenly distributed.
Washing The Shower Curtain
Then start the laundry cycle with warm water and add detergent plus a cup of vinegar. If you have a delicate cycle you may want to wash your shower curtain on that cycle so it doesn't get torn up.
I don't recommend using anything hotter than warm water because it could damage your plastic shower curtain or liner.
If you have an extra rinse cycle option on your washing machine I recommend using it.
The vinegar will help kill off any of the mold and mildew. Plus vinegar works great to get rid of everything from soap scum build-up on your liner to hard water stains.
The towels that you placed in the plastic shower curtain liner will act like a car wash to your vinyl shower curtain to help wipe away any dirt and grime.
The best part is you don't have to do any scrubbing or heavy cleaning!
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Drying Your Vinyl Shower Curtain
When the cycle is done remove the shower curtain and check to make sure all of the mold and mildew have been removed.
If you had some really bad staining you may need to run the shower curtain through the laundry one more time.
When all the mold and mildew is gone lay the shower curtain out someplace where it can air dry. You can also re-hang it to let it drip dry.
With just a few minutes of your time, your shower curtain is now clean and mildew free. It's such an easy and fuss-free way to get your vinyl shower curtain clean and remove hard water build up and soap scum.
Keeping Your Vinyl Shower Curtain Clean
If you want to keep your vinyl or plastic shower curtain looking clean and free from mold and mildew you can spray it down after every use with a shower spray.
I like to make my own DIY shower spray that is easy to use and works great!
Just spray down the shower curtain after every shower and make sure that it can properly dry. It works great to keep your shower curtain clean.
Check out these other cleaning tips and tricks.
- Spring Cleaning Tips & Cleaning Printable
- How To Speed Clean The Bathroom
- Easy Tips To Reduce Dust At Home
Using a mix of warm water, laundry detergent, and vinegar you can easily remove the mold from your shower curtain liner.
When the water on the shower curtain takes so long to dry it causes mold or mildew build up to form on the shower curtain or liner.
Yes, as long as your shower curtain is in good shape it should hold up just fine in the washing machine. The trick is to use warm, not hot water.
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Leslie says
Thanks for another helpful post. You always put in important small details when you share things like this, yet the posts are not so long that I have to return to them later. I enjoy your helpful tips.
KATHIE says
I've found that after washing your shower curtain this way, you can throw it in the dryer. This is for a cloth OR vinyl curtain. Just set your dryer at the "NORMAL" setting & dry for 1-2 min. This will get rid of a lot of the water. Then just hang up & most of the wrinkles will fall out.
Jacqueline says
I also soak the curtain rings ( if plastic) in vinegar while washing the curtain!
Julie says
Oh, how smart! Love this tip, thank you for sharing!