Been tossing mine out…I didn’t realize you can do this

Shower curtains are exposed to moisture daily, making them a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, soap scum, and bacteria. Every time you shower, the warm, humid air coupled with leftover soap, shampoo, and body oils sticks to the curtain. Over time, this creates an ideal environment for dirt and grime to accumulate.

Many people resign themselves to buying new curtains or liners frequently, thinking they’re impossible to clean. However, with just a bit of care, you can keep your curtain looking fresh without resorting to throwing it away every few months.

You might think vinyl or plastic shower curtains can’t be cleaned in the washing machine because they’re not made of fabric. But they actually can be washed, and it’s much easier than you think. Vinyl is surprisingly durable and can withstand a gentle machine wash, which will remove the soap scum, mold, and mildew that accumulate over time.

Here’s the step-by-step guide for how to clean your vinyl or plastic shower curtain using your washing machine:

1. Take Down the Curtain

Remove the curtain or liner from the shower rod. Be sure to check the edges and bottom for any noticeable grime, which is usually where mold and mildew thrive. These areas will especially benefit from a good wash.

2. Check for Labels or Cleaning Instructions

Many vinyl shower curtains come with specific washing instructions on their labels, so it’s worth checking them to ensure your curtain can go in the machine. In most cases, vinyl curtains are perfectly safe for machine washing on a gentle cycle.

3. Pair the Curtain with Towels

To protect the curtain and make the wash cycle more effective, toss in two or three bath towels along with the curtain. The towels will act as gentle scrubbers, helping to remove the grime from the vinyl during the wash cycle.

4. Use a Gentle Detergent

Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent—about half of what you’d normally use for a regular load. Avoid using harsh cleaners or bleach, as they could damage the curtain’s material.

5. Add Vinegar or Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning Power

If your curtain is especially grimy, add ½ cup of baking soda to the wash. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that helps cut through soap scum and deodorizes. Alternatively, you can pour ½ cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle to kill any remaining mildew and leave your curtain smelling fresh.

6. Choose the Right Wash Cycle

Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle, and use cold or warm water (never hot, as it can warp the vinyl). The gentle agitation of the washing machine combined with the towels will help scrub away the dirt.

7. Skip the Dryer!

Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the curtain promptly. Do not put the vinyl curtain in the dryer, as the heat can melt or warp the plastic. Instead, hang the curtain back on the shower rod and allow it to air dry. The combination of air and gravity will help it regain its shape and prevent any wrinkles.

To keep mold and mildew at bay, it’s a good idea to wash your shower curtain every month or two. Regular washing will extend the life of your curtain significantly and ensure that your bathroom remains a clean, healthy environment. Plus, it’s far less wasteful than throwing the curtain out and buying a new one each time it gets dirty.

Benefits of Washing Instead of Replacing
Aside from the obvious cost savings, regularly washing your shower curtain instead of replacing it has a host of benefits:

Eco-Friendly: By reducing the number of vinyl or plastic shower curtains you throw away, you’re cutting down on plastic waste. Vinyl is not biodegradable, so every curtain you toss contributes to landfills.

Healthier Bathroom Environment: Mold and mildew can be harmful, particularly to those with allergies or respiratory issues. Regularly washing your curtain will eliminate these irritants and keep your bathroom air cleaner.

Longer Curtain Life: Vinyl shower curtains can last for years if properly cared for, meaning fewer trips to the store and less money spent in the long run.

While washing your vinyl shower curtain is effective, there are a few ways you can keep it cleaner for longer between washes:

Keep it dry: After each shower, pull the curtain across the rod fully to let it dry properly. If it’s bunched up, moisture will get trapped, encouraging mold growth.

Use a daily shower spray: A quick spray of a daily shower cleaner or a homemade vinegar solution can help prevent soap scum from building up on the curtain.

Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated, either with an exhaust fan or by leaving the door slightly open after a shower to let the moisture escape.

Washing your vinyl shower curtain in the washing machine is a brilliant, easy solution that can save you time, money, and reduce waste. It’s a simple household hack that many people overlook, but once you try it, you’ll never go back to buying new curtains every time yours gets dirty. With just a little effort, you can keep your shower curtain clean, mold-free, and lasting for years.