How to Clean Shower Curtains?

Shower curtains have both functional and decorative role in the bathroom. It is used as a shower door for keeping water in place and also establishes a stylish aesthetic. No matter if the curtain is simple or luxurious, it needs to be cleaned. 

Shower curtains are regularly exposed to body soil, bath soaps, humidity, and lots of moisture that is responsible for the growth of mildew. Washing the curtains will increase their shelf life and keep the bathroom environment healthier. Learn how to clean shower curtains.

Things you will need:-

Supplies

• Distilled white vinegar
• Heavy-duty detergent
• Chlorine bleach (optional)
• Oxygen-based bleach (optional)

Tools

• Washer
• Dryer

Instructions for Cleaning Fabric Shower Curtains:-

• Read the Label- the first step for cleaning the curtains is to read the care label, and you will find much-needed information about fiber content, water temperature instruction, washing, drying temperature, and ironing tips.
• Take It Down- you will have to take the curtains down if you want the best results. When you are removing the curtains from the shower rod, check if the hooks or rings also need to be cleaned—most of the time, a damp cloth to clean soap scum or dust by wiping down. You can also check for any rips in the curtains that need to be mended.
• Wash It-  most fabric shower curtains need to be washed in warm water on the press cycle. When the permanent press cycle uses final spin speed, and it reduces to prevent excessive wrinkling of the curtains. You need to use heavy-duty and good detergents like Persil or Tide to get rid of soap scum build-up and body soil.
• Dry Curtains- curtains cab be dried on medium-low heat. Remove curtains when they are slightly damp; this prevents wrinkles. Hang the shower curtain promptly so that wrinkles will fall as the curtains finish drying.
• Ironing- Heavy fiber shower curtains made with natural fiber often need some touch-up and ironing to make the seams flat and monogrammed, or embroidered fabric seems to pucker a little after washing. Follow the fabric care instructions properly and select the correct ironing temperature according to the fabric type. After the ironing is done, hang the curtains again.

 How Often to Wash Shower Curtains?

You should wash your curtains often than you think. Ideally, curtains should be washed once every month. If that is too much for you, they make a habit of cleaning them once every three months, which means seasonally.

How to Wash Vinyl Shower Curtains?

Vinyl shower curtains contain the water very nicely. These are made often using polyethylene vinyl acetate or PEVA or polyvinyl chloride. Consumers prefer non-chlorinated, softer PEVA liners because of the health effect concerns. Vinyl showers curtains come in different weights and are also used as a fabric shower curtain liner that does not repel water.   

Things you will need:-

Supplies

• Heavy-duty laundry detergent
• Chlorine bleach (optional)

Tools

• Washer

Instructions for Cleaning Vinyl Shower Curtains:-

• Take It Down- take down the vinyl shower curtain off the shower rod. Check for any tears and rips that are prone to occur easily. These rips cannot be repaired and need to be replaced.
• Wash Cold Water-  you can clean the shower curtains in the washer using a cold water setting and gentle cycle. Always remember to add colorfast T-shirts or towels to the load, and this prevents excessive wrinkling.
• Skip the Iron and Dryer-  never place the vinyl shower curtain into the tumble dryer. When you take it out of the washer, shake it properly, and hang it immediately on the shower rod for air drying. By the time it will dry, all the wrinkles will be gone. If the wrinkles still stay when you take the hot shower, these wrinkles will drop automatically.
• Mildew discoloration-  if you find mildew stains even after washing the shower, mix chlorine bleach and make a solution with water. Soak the stain for 10-15 minutes.

Repairing a Vinyl Shower Curtain

Tears and repair in vinyl curtains can be repaired using waterproof duct tape until you go to buy a new curtain.

Storage:-

Vinyl curtains should be kept dry and clean before you hang them or fold them flat. Keep them in a well-conditioned space with no dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Removing Mildew Stains From Fabric Shower Curtains

If you notice any mildew discoloration and stains in the curtain after washing, use oxygen-based bleach and water solution to soak the stains away mix water and bleach in enough quantity to soak the curtains properly. Let the curtains soak overnight. Rinse well next morning and hang them to dry. If the shower curtain is made with natural fiber and solid white, you can use water and chlorine bleach solution. Follow the directions mentioned for mixing and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Chlorine bleach is harsher, so limit the soaking time.