Plastic shower curtains and liners may be affordable and easy to replace when they get dirty, but the cost adds up over time (and it’s not great for the environment). Rather than tossing them when they look worse for wear, cleaning your shower curtain and liner will make them look good as new. Ahead, experts explain how to wash your shower curtain and liner in the machine or by hand.
How Often to Clean Your Shower Curtain
Wash your shower curtain once every three months to avoid a buildup of stains, mildew, and other grime, says Lauren Bowen, director of franchise operations at Two Maids and a Mop. However, if your shower curtain starts to look dirty, you can clean it more often than this.
I’ve noticed that in humid climates or bathrooms with poor ventilation, mildew can creep in faster than you’d expect, sometimes in just a month. To keep things fresh, I like to give my curtain a quick once-over during my regular bathroom cleaning to spot any early grime. Adding a small fan to your bathroom can help reduce moisture and extend the time between deep cleans. A study from the American Society for Microbiology points out that damp environments can double the growth rate of mold, so keeping your bathroom dry is key to cutting down on cleaning frequency.
How Often to Clean Your Shower Liner
Your shower liner should be cleaned once a month because it comes into direct contact with water. “The liners are more likely to accumulate bacteria and mold due to frequent use,” says Katie Dills, the senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority. To prevent this buildup, monthly cleaning is a must.
Since the liner takes the brunt of water exposure, I’ve found that giving it a quick spray with a vinegar-water mix after showers can really slow down mold growth. It’s not a substitute for a full clean, but it’s a simple trick to stretch the time between washes. Research from cleaning product studies suggests that vinegar’s acetic acid can kill about 80% of mold spores on contact, which makes it a great preventive tool. Plus, it’s cheap—way less than constantly replacing liners.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these common cleaning supplies on hand before you begin cleaning your shower curtain and liner.
- Detergent
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Cotton towels
- Microfiber towel
- Bucket
- Soft-bristled brush
- Washing machine
You probably already have most of these items at home, which makes this a budget-friendly project. I always keep a gallon of white vinegar on hand—it’s a cleaning powerhouse and costs about $3 for a big jug at most grocery stores. If you’re out of bleach, don’t skip it; its disinfecting power is crucial for tackling bacteria. A soft-bristled brush is gentle enough to avoid damaging delicate fabrics but tough on stains. If you’re eco-conscious, opt for a biodegradable detergent to keep things greener.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain in the Washer
The simplest way to launder your shower curtain is in the washing machine, but check the tag to ensure this method is safe first.
- Take the shower curtain off the rings.
- Select the delicate cycle and warm water setting.
- Place your shower curtain in the washer.
- Add a few drops of detergent and 1 cup of vinegar to the machine. (The vinegar will remove any mold that has accumulated on the curtain).
- Once the cycle is complete, hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
I’ve found that adding a couple of old towels to the wash helps balance the load and gives the curtain a gentle scrub during the cycle. The vinegar not only fights mold but also leaves the curtain smelling fresh without that harsh chemical odor. If you’re worried about water waste, using a front-loading washer can save up to 20 gallons per cycle compared to top-loaders, according to energy efficiency studies. Just make sure to skip the dryer—heat can warp some materials, and air-drying keeps things simple and cost-free.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain By Hand
Hand washing is a method best reserved for synthetic shower curtains that cannot be machine washed, says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox.
- Fill a bucket big enough to hold your shower curtain with water.
- Add a 1/4 cup of bleach per every gallon of water to the bucket.
- Let the curtain soak for five minutes.
- Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly.
- Add fresh water to the bucket with a few drops of laundry detergent and submerge the shower curtain again.
- Let the curtain soak for 15 minutes.
- Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly.
- Hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
Hand washing can feel like a chore, but it’s great for delicate or vintage curtains that might tear in the machine. I like to do this outside on a sunny day—makes rinsing easier and the fresh air helps with drying. The bleach step is critical because it kills off bacteria that vinegar alone might miss. If you’re sensitive to bleach, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. This method uses less water than a washing machine, which can be a plus if you’re trying to keep your utility bill down.
How to Clean Your Shower Liner
Shower liners are often made of polyester, nylon, and vinyl, says Gagliardi. Typically, these can all be cleaned in the washing machine—but be sure to check the care tag before following this method.
- Take the shower liner off the rings.
- Select the delicate cycle and hot water setting.
- Place the liner loosely in the washer.
- Add a few drops of detergent and 1/3 cup disinfecting bleach to the appropriate dispensers.
- Start the cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, hang your liner back on the rod to air dry.
- Wash your shower liner with two to three white cotton towels. They’ll provide some scrubbing action and prevent wrinkling.
The towels in the wash trick is a game-changer—I’ve noticed it really helps get rid of stubborn soap scum without extra effort. Hot water is key here because it activates the bleach’s disinfecting properties, killing off germs that thrive in damp environments. If your liner is looking extra grimy, a quick pre-soak in a vinegar solution can loosen things up before the wash. This method keeps your liner in use longer, saving you from buying a new one every few months, which can cost $10-$20 a pop.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain or Liner Without Removing It
Don’t want to remove your shower curtain or liner from the rod? There’s an easy workaround. A simple solution of vinegar and water will easily wash away any grime. “The vinegar will help break down mold and soap scum,” says Bowen.
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
- Saturate the curtain or liner with the cleaning solution.
- Scrub stains with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the curtain or liner with warm water.
- Let air dry.
This method is a lifesaver when you’re short on time or just don’t feel like wrestling the curtain off the rod. I keep a spray bottle of this mix under my sink for quick cleanups. The vinegar smell fades fast, and it’s satisfying to see those stains disappear without much elbow grease. For tough spots, let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing—it makes a big difference. This approach is also super economical, using just pennies’ worth of vinegar compared to store-bought cleaners.
How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings
Curtain rings are arguably the easiest part of your shower to clean—just let them soak in a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Remove rings from the rod.
- Place rings into a bowl with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
- Let the rings soak for 30 minutes.
- Remove and dry with a microfiber towel.
I’ve found that metal rings can get surprisingly gunky, especially at the clasp. If yours are really grimy, a quick scrub with an old toothbrush during the soak can help. This method works for plastic or metal rings, and the microfiber towel gives them a nice shine. Keeping the rings clean not only looks better but also makes them slide more smoothly on the rod, which is a small but noticeable upgrade to your shower routine.
