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How to Clean a Shower Curtain

marthastewart.com/8102520/how-clean-shower-curtain-liner

Cleaning & Organizing
Bathroom Cleaning Tips

How to Clean Your Shower Curtain and Liner the Right Way

Whether yours is made of cloth, nylon, or vinyl, the cleaning method is relatively the same.

Plastic shower curtains and liners may be affordable and easy to replace when they get dirty, but the cost adds up over time (and it's not great for the environment). Instead of tossing them when they start to look a little worse for wear, try cleaning your shower curtains and liners—doing so is actually simple (and you might even be able to toss yours into the washing machine).

How Often to Clean Your Shower Curtain 

Since your cloth shower curtain doesn't hang directly next to the water, it doesn't need to be cleaned as frequently as the liner itself. "Washing your curtain once every three months is usually enough to keep it in good shape,” says Lauren Bowen, director of franchise operations at Two Maids and a Mop. However, if you notice it's consistently getting wet, you should clean it every month to reduce the buildup of mildew, bacteria, and odors. 

How Often to Clean Your Shower Liner

Your shower liner should be cleaned once a month. "The liners are more likely to accumulate bacteria and mold due to frequent use," says Katie Dills, the senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority. To prevent this buildup, a monthly cleaning is a must. 

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these common cleaning supplies on hand before you begin cleaning your shower curtain and liner.

• Detergent
• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Cotton towels
• Microfiber towel
• Bucket
• Washing machine

Most shower curtains—whether they're cloth or plastic—can be cleaned in the washing machine or by hand following a few simple steps.

Washing Machine

The simplest way to launder your shower curtain is in the washing machine, but check the tag to ensure this method is safe first. 

1. Take the shower curtain off the rings. 
2. Select the delicate cycle and warm water setting. 
3. Place your shower curtain in the washer. 
4. Add a few drops of detergent and 1 cup of vinegar to the machine. (The vinegar will remove any mold that has accumulated on the curtain). 
5. Once the cycle is complete, hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.

By Hand 

Hand-washing your shower curtain is a big lift, and should only be done with certain materials. A cotton shower curtain that isn't suitable for the washing machine "would be very difficult to hand wash because it could be heavy and awkward when wet, as well as difficult to rinse completely," says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. "Taking these to a laundromat is worth it."

Hand washing is a method best reserved for synthetic shower curtains that cannot be machine washed. 

1. Fill a bucket big enough to hold your shower curtain with water. 
2.  Add 1/4 cup of bleach per every gallon of water to the bucket. 
3. Let the curtain soak for five minutes. 
4. Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly. 
5. Add fresh water to the bucket with a few drops of laundry detergent and submerge the shower curtain again. 
6. Let the curtain soak for 15 minutes. 
7. Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly. 
8. Hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
   

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How to Clean Your Shower Liner

Shower liners are often made of polyester, nylon, and vinyl, says Gagliardi. Typically, these can all be cleaned in the washing machine—but be sure to check the care tag before following this method. 

1. Take the shower liner off the rings. 
2. Select the delicate cycle and hot water setting. 
3. Place the liner loosely in the washer.
4. Add a few drops of detergent and 1/3 cup disinfecting bleach to the appropriate dispensers. 
5. Start the cycle. 
6. Once the cycle is complete, hang your liner back on the rod to air dry.
   

Wash your shower liner with two to three white cotton towels. They'll provide some scrubbing action and prevent wrinkling.

How to Clean a Shower Curtain or Liner Without Removing It

If you don't have access to a washing machine large enough for your shower curtain or liner, their materials don't allow for machine washing, or you simply don't want to remove either piece from its rod, there's an easy workaround. 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. 

1. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution to saturate the inside of the curtain or liner completely. 
3. Repeat on other parts of the curtain or liner that look dirty. 
4. Rinse the curtain or liner with warm water. 
5. Let air dry. 

How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings

Curtain rings are arguably the easiest part of your shower to clean—just let them soak in a mixture of vinegar and water.

1. Remove rings from the rod.
2. Place rings into a bowl with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
3. Let rings soak.
4. Remove and dry with a microfiber towel