Shower curtains are one of those household items that often get overlooked—until they’re covered in soap scum, mold, and mildew. After a few weeks of regular use, they can start to look downright gross, and for many people, the easiest solution is to toss them out and buy a new one. This might seem like a quick fix, but over time, it becomes a costly and wasteful habit.

One woman, sick of constantly replacing her grimy shower curtain liner, discovered a simple yet brilliant solution: instead of tossing it, she washed it in her washing machine. And the best part? It works, even for those vinyl shower curtains that most people assume are disposable!

Here’s everything you need to know about washing your vinyl shower curtain in the washing machine—saving you money, keeping your bathroom fresh, and doing your part for the environment.