The Simplest Method for Cleaning a Plastic Shower Curtain or Liner
A relaxing shower can be easily spoiled by a grimy curtain or liner. When you’re aiming to feel refreshed, the last thing you want is to be faced with something unclean. However, it’s common for plastic shower curtains and liners to gather soap scum and hard water deposits over time, leading to mildew due to constant exposure to moisture.
While purchasing a new one is an option, cleaning a plastic shower curtain is a straightforward process. With a little effort, you can save money and rejuvenate your current liner. To discover effective methods for restoring your plastic curtain to its original pristine condition, we sought advice from a few experts.
Things You’ll Need
- Washing machine or large container
- Mild laundry detergent
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
How to Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain or Line
Step 1: Take Down the Curtain
Begin by taking down the curtain or liner from the shower rod. This may require some patience and effort, particularly if you have both a cloth curtain and a liner on the same rod. To avoid any mishaps, start from one end and gradually work your way to the other, ensuring the entire setup remains secure. Remember to also remove any rings or hooks used to fasten the curtain to the rod.
Step 2: Place It in the Washing Machine
According to Derek Chiu and Leslie Tam, co-Founders of UrbanMop, placing your shower liner in the washing machine using the large load setting is one of the most effective cleaning methods. However, it’s important to check the label beforehand—while most plastic liners and curtains are suitable for machine washing, those with a cloth outer layer or special detailing may not be. If you opt for hand washing instead of using the machine, ensure you have a container large enough to accommodate the curtain, and then follow the same steps outlined below.
Step 3: Incorporate Detergent, Vinegar, and Baking Soda
In addition to a small amount of mild detergent, our experts suggest including half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda in the wash. The acidic properties of white vinegar effectively combat hard water and soap scum stains, while baking soda serves as a natural deodorizer. When combined, these two ingredients create a potent yet gentle cleaning solution that preserves the integrity of your liner.
Step 4: Run on the Gentle Cycle
Next, using cool or lukewarm (never hot) water, run the machine on a gentle cycle. You don’t want to agitate the load too much or the liner can rip, so make sure the washer is on the highest water setting (largest load) and the most docile bin speed.
Step 5: Remove the Curtain and Hang to Dry
Keep an eye on the load throughout the wash cycle. Then, remove the curtain just before it is complete, as this can help cut down on wrinkles formed from the final spin and draining process. Hang up the curtain in a well-ventilated space (like a room with open windows or outside) to allow it to dry thoroughly.
How to Prevent Mold on a Plastic Shower Liner
If you want to cut down on the frequency of a full shower liner wash, keep a spray bottle filled with one part vinegar and four parts water under your bathroom sink. Once a week, spray the liner—specifically the area that hangs into the shower and gets the wettest—so that it is saturated with the solution. Then, give it a thorough rinse with hot water. This will help break down any mold and mildew—and prevent it from coming back or getting worse.
