Discover the most effective methods for cleaning your vinyl shower curtain or plastic liner, whether by hand or in the washing machine, using simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. We often focus on cleaning our showers and glass doors, but how frequently do we think about the cleanliness of our vinyl shower curtains or plastic liners? If you’re anything like me, you probably only remember to clean them when unsightly mold or mildew begins to appear. As you engage in your deep cleaning routine, don’t forget to tackle the limescale buildup on your showerhead as well.
Why This Method Works
Vinegar is a natural powerhouse that effectively eradicates mold and mildew. It not only combats soap scum accumulation but also prevents future mold growth due to its antibacterial properties. The addition of towels during the wash helps to scrub away stubborn mold and grime on plastic shower curtain liners. I personally prefer using natural cleaning products over harsh ammonia-based cleaners whenever possible.
What You’ll Need
- 3-4 towels (they can be used or dirty!)
- laundry detergent (any brand will do)
- 1 cup of vinegar (just regular white vinegar)
How to Clean Vinyl and Plastic Shower Curtains and Liners
STEP 1: Carefully remove the curtain or liner from the shower rod, and set the shower curtain rings aside.
STEP 2: Place the dirty shower curtain in the washing machine along with 3-4 bath towels, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
STEP 3: Select a wash cycle that uses warm water (the delicate or gentle cycle is usually best). Add a mild detergent along with a cup of white vinegar.
STEP 4: Once the washing cycle is complete, consider running it through an additional rinse cycle if your machine has that option. If stubborn stains persist, you may want to wash it one more time.
STEP 5: Lay the clean shower curtain flat to dry, or rehang it on the shower rod to allow it to drip into the tub. If you spot any remaining visible mold, gently wipe it away with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth.
Hand Washing Curtain Liners
While using a washing machine is the easiest and most hassle-free approach, you can also effectively clean your curtain liners by hand washing them.
STEP 1: Fill your bathtub with warm water, then mix in the detergent and vinegar.
STEP 2: Submerge the entire curtain or liner in the water and let it soak for about an hour.
STEP 3: For any tough stains, use a scrub brush to gently scrub the affected areas.
STEP 4: Drain the tub, and then rehang the curtain to dry.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid using water that is hotter than warm. While fabric shower curtain liners can tolerate heat, it’s best not to risk it with vinyl or plastic liners.
- Incorporate this cleaning task into your regular cleaning schedule. I like to spray my DIY shower cleaner a couple of times a week to make deep cleaning easier.
- If your liner has seen better days and hasn’t received regular maintenance, it might be more practical to replace it with a new plastic shower curtain, as they tend to be quite affordable.
- Open windows in the bathroom to facilitate quicker drying for your curtain.
- While the curtain is washing, soak the rings in the bathroom sink using a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with paper towels before reusing.
- Consider an extra spin cycle to remove as much water as possible, preventing any mess when transporting it back to your bathroom.
Can You Use This Same Method With a Cloth Shower Curtain?
Absolutely! Fabric curtains are typically machine washable and can withstand higher temperatures. You can also dry the fabric liner in the dryer on a cool setting. Just be sure to check the care instructions first, as some fabrics might require cold water to avoid shrinkage. By following these detailed steps, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your shower curtains, helping to slow down mold growth in the future!
More Cleaning Tricks and Hacks
- 10 Clever Tips to Clean with Baking Soda
- DIY Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
- How to Clean With Essential Oils
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