Maintaining a clean, fresh bathroom doesn’t have to be a chore, but there’s one spot that often gets overlooked—the plastic or vinyl shower curtains. Over time, soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains can build up, leaving your curtain looking less than its best.
The good news? You don’t have to toss it out or replace it frequently. With just a few simple steps, you can restore that curtain to its former glory. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, hassle-free methods to clean a plastic shower curtain and keep your bathroom feeling fresh and inviting. Let’s get started!
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How Often Should You Clean Your Plastic Curtain?
Cleaning your plastic shower curtain might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it should be part of your regular cleaning routine to keep it fresh and free from mildew.
Ideally, you should clean your plastic shower curtain every month. This helps prevent soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew from building up over time.
However, if your bathroom tends to get humid or if you notice mildew forming sooner, a bi-weekly quick clean might be a good idea. By staying consistent, you’ll keep your shower curtain looking great and extend its lifespan without much effort!
Sarah Sherman Samuel says “Every month, wash a plastic shower curtain to keep it free of soap scum and mildew. If you notice buildup sooner, don’t hesitate to clean it more often.”
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Things You’ll Need
To clean a plastic shower curtain, here’s a list of things you’ll typically need:
- Mild Detergent – For gentle washing of the curtain without damaging the plastic.
- Baking Soda – Helps scrub away tough stains and soap scum.
- White Vinegar – A natural disinfectant and deodorizer that works well against mildew.
- A Soft Sponge or Cloth – Used to scrub the curtain without scratching the material.
- Washing Machine – For an easy and thorough clean (ensure the curtain is machine-washable).
- Towels – Placed in the washing machine with the curtain to add friction, aiding the cleaning process.
- Bleach (Optional) – For heavy mold or mildew buildup, but be cautious as it can be harsh.
- Shower Hooks – For rehanging the curtain to dry after cleaning.
These items are typically easy to find and provide a simple solution for keeping your plastic shower curtain clean and fresh. You can combine them in a variety of ways, depending on the level of dirt or mildew on the curtain.
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Step 1: Remove the Curtain
Start by removing the plastic shower curtain or shower curtain liner from the rod. It can get tricky, especially if you have both a cloth curtain and liner. To make it easier, detach the hooks from one end and work your way across. This will prevent the entire curtain from falling unexpectedly.
Tip: If your curtain is heavily soiled or has visible mildew, pre-treat it by soaking it in a mixture of water and white vinegar in the bathtub for 15-20 minutes before moving to the next step.
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Step 2: Place It in the Washing Machine
If the curtain’s care label confirms it’s machine-washable, place it in the washer. Add a couple of towels to the load to help gently scrub the curtain clean. The towels will act as a buffer, helping to scrub off soap scum and prevent the curtain from sticking to itself.
Tip: Use white towels for this process, as colored towels might bleed onto the curtain during the machine wash cycle.
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Emily Henderson recommends using a washing machine for plastic shower curtains. She advises adding a few towels into the load to help scrub the curtain, and to use a mild detergent. She emphasizes that a monthly clean can keep it looking fresh and mildew-free
Step 3: Add Detergent, Vinegar, and Baking Soda To Wash Plastic Shower Curtains
Pour in a mild detergent, half a cup of baking soda, and half a cup of white vinegar. The detergent cleanses the curtain, while the vinegar’s acidity breaks down mineral deposits and soap scum. The baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and stain remover.
Tip: If you’re dealing with particularly tough mildew, you can add a small amount of bleach (about ¼ cup) to the wash cycle—just make sure your curtain’s material can handle it and avoid bleach if there’s any fabric detailing.
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Justina Blakeney shares that adding white vinegar and baking soda along with detergent in the wash can effectively remove soap scum and mildew. She highlights the importance of air drying the curtain afterward to prevent damage
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Step 4: Use a Gentle Wash Cycle
Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle with cool or luke warm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the plastic to melt or warp. The gentle cycle helps to prevent the liner from tearing, especially if it’s on the thinner side.
Tip: Ensure that the washing machine is on the highest water level to give the curtain ample room to move freely during the wash.
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Amber Lewis suggests using a combination of gentle detergent and cool water when washing the curtain, and adding some towels to the mix for a better scrubbing effect. Air drying is key to preventing warping
Step 5: Air Dry the Curtain
After washing, remove the curtain before the final spin cycle to avoid wrinkles. Hang it back on the shower rod in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. Avoid the dryer, as high heat can melt or shrink the plastic.
Tip: After each shower, stretch the curtain fully across the rod to ensure it dries evenly, which can help prevent mildew from forming. Keep your bathroom well-ventilated by opening a window or using an exhaust fan to reduce moisture.
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Bobby Berk from Queer Eye advises washing the curtain every month or two to avoid soap buildup. He recommends vinegar as a natural cleaner to tackle tough stains while being safe for the environment.
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Additional Tips – Shower Curtain Cleaning Hacks:
- Prevent Future Mold: Spritz the curtain with a water and vinegar solution in a spray bottle after every few showers to help prevent mildew buildup.
- Regular Maintenance: Wipe down the curtain weekly with a sponge and a vinegar solution to keep it clean between deep washes.
- Rotate Between Two Curtains: To avoid downtime while waiting for your curtain to dry, keep a spare curtain or plastic shower liner on hand.
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By following these steps and tips, you’ll keep your shower curtain looking fresh and extend its lifespan while preventing mildew and stains from forming. Regular cleaning every month will help maintain its cleanliness.
