The bathroom may look spotless, but have you remembered to clean the plastic shower curtain? Possibly you’re considering replacing them with something fresh. I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to clean plastic shower curtains.
Let’s learn
In a nutshell, you can wash the curtain by hand by soaking it in the tub and then cleaning it with a soft brush and some soap. Alternatively, throw it in the washing machine with a little soap and a couple of towels and wash it on a gentle cycle.
Types of Plastic Shower Curtains
- Nylon
Compared to vinyl or PEVA, nylon is more difficult to maintain a spotless appearance, yet water-resistant and enduring.
- Polyester
Polyester is not as water-resistant or long-lasting as nylon, but it is far easier to care for and clean than nylon.
- Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA / EVA)
The components make the curtains made of PEVA/EVA waterproof and long-lasting
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC stands in contrast to other types of vinyl in that it is considerably less elastic and far stiffer.
- Vinyl
One of the most common materials is vinyl. It can withstand moisture and is simple to wipe down.
The Recommended Cleaning Schedule for Plastic Shower Curtains
Maintaining the curtains mold- and mildew-free significantly increases their durability. A good rule of thumb is to wash your shower curtain once a month. Shower curtains and liners get dirty fast from everyday use, but you can keep them clean by either hand washing or machine cleaning regularly.
Since the plastic curtains will come into touch with water each time you take a shower, washing them is more effective at preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
In addition, hard water deposits and soap scum are less likely to accumulate if you clean once a month.
Now to avoid filling the already filled landfills or wasting your money, here are the tips on cleaning your plastic shower curtain.
How To Clean Plastic Shower Curtains by Hand
Step 1: Add warm water to a tub
Step 2: Toss in a few drops of liquid dish detergent
Step 3: Let the curtain soak for 30 minutes in this mixture
Step 4: Scrub any grime off with a damp sponge or cloth
Step 5: be sure to rinse it well with warm water before hanging the shower curtain to dry
You should always wash your shower curtain and liner by hand because of the risk of developing mildew and mold.
Plastic shower curtains can also become brittle due to the accumulation of elements in the water. Washing them by hand will increase their longevity while keeping them sparkling and new.
How To Clean Plastic Shower Curtains in a Washing Machine
You can toss curtain shower made of cloth, plastic, or vinyl in the washing machine for a quick clean. You can also safely wash magnetic curtain rods and rod rings.
However, always read the label for instructions before cleaning the curtains or rod rings.
You will need the following;
- Washing machine
- A cup of white vinegar
- Warm water
- Washing detergent
- Bath towels
The Steps
Step 1: Take down your bathroom curtain from the rings
Unhook the shower curtain from its rod and remove the rings. If they become grimy, you can clean the rings individually in a sink with hot water and detergent.
Step 2: Turn on the washer’s heaviest load setting and fill it with warm water
Set the washing machine in the correct load setting to avoid misfortunes while cleaning. Ensure the water is warm to the touch.
Step 3: Add a mixture of a cup of white vinegar with a few drops of detergent
The detergent and white vinegar solution will help weaken the dirt, thus making them easy to remove
Step 4: Set the washer to the gentlest cycle possible, using the warmest water and maximum water levels.
The gentle cycle and low-speed spin keep the curtains safe while in the washer
Step 5: Put in some bath towels
The bath towels have two purposes: they help clean the dirt and help you balance the curtain load in the washing machine.
Step 6: After the wash, remove the curtain from the washer, give it a good shake, and then re-hang it on the rod so it can dry completely.
Ensure you air dry plastic or vinyl curtains since they cannot withstand the hot temperatures
How To Clean Plastic Shower Curtains with Bleach
You can use bleach to clean plastic shower curtains, remove stubborn stains, and kill or prevent mold growth. Shower curtains made of polyester should not be cleaned with bleach.
You will need the following;
- Bleach
- Washing machine
- Bath towels
- Detergent
Follow this simple step to avoid messing up
Step 1: Hook off the curtains from the holding rod
Removing the curtains from the rod and the rings makes it much easier to clean them than if they were still attached.
Step 2: Pour some bleach into the washing machine
You can fill the bleach dispenser up to the optimal fill line or about 1/3 cup of bleach. You can use half a cup of bleach to a regular load if you are using a conventional washing machine.
Step 3: Set the washing machine on hot
Choose a hot wash temperature, toss in some detergent, and soak the plastic curtain for 20 to 30 minutes in a gentle cycle. You can add some bath towels for balancing.
Step 4: Air-dry the curtains
You can dry your curtains and liners by re-hanging them on the rod or in the open air away from the sun.
Alternatively, you can use any of the three options below;
Use bleach directly to the obstinate stain, wait ten minutes, and then continue washing as you normally would.
Put the shower curtain in the bowl of your washing machine, along with a quarter cup of bleach.
Put your shower curtain in your bathtub with warm water, add one cup of bleach, and let it sit there for 20 to 30 minutes.
How To Dry the Plastic Curtain After Washing
After washing, drying is of equal significance. Never dry it out in the sun, as it might trigger the plastic to fade and crack.
I would also not recommend using a drier because the plastic will melt if it becomes too hot.
Plastic shower curtains can be hung from a pole or line to dry. That way, it won’t get all twisted or brittle on you.
How To Prevent Molds from Growing on the Plastic Shower Curtains
Every day when you get out of the shower, spray the curtain down with some white distilled vinegar or spray cleanser to keep it clean.
If you want to prevent mildew and mold from forming in the folds of your shower curtain, shake it out and open it up after each usage.
It’s also a good idea to let some fresh air into the room by opening a window or running a ventilation fan while you’re in there.
Lastly, make sure to give the curtains ample time to dry out in between sessions to minimize the amount of moisture they’re exposed to.
How To Clean the Shower Curtain Rings
Now that the shower curtains are clean, what’s your pan with the curtain rings? I guess they are also grimy and may pass the dirt down to the curtains.
Here is a simple guide that works well on both plastic and metal rings;
Step 1: Put one cup of white vinegar into the warm water in a sink or bowl
Step 2: Soak the rings and wait two or three hours before removing the rings from the solution.
Step 3: Take the rings out of the solution and rinse them.
Step 4: Try brushing away the grime and corrosion that might still be visible
Step 5: Thoroughly wash and re-rinse the rings to remove dirt completely
Step 6: Spread them in the open air to dry up
How to Remove Mildew from Plastic Shower Curtains
The market is flooded with plastic shower curtains that can withstand mildew growth. However, the promise of being mildew resistant should be treated with caution. Mildew is still a possibility, albeit it is far less likely.
When you encounter mildew on your plastic shower curtains, kindly use the following guide to get rid of them
Step 1: Take down the curtain in the bathroom
Step 2: Fill the tub with lukewarm water
Step 3: To the warm water, let in a few drops of bleach
Step 4: Soak the curtain in this solution.
Step 5: Rinse your shower curtain in the washing machine after soaking it for some time. The water temperature should be warm, not boiling. It’s a good idea to check the curtain periodically to verify that the water temperature isn’t rising too quickly.
Step 6: You can use the time the curtain is rinsing to give the tub a good rinsing with warm water to remove any traces of bleach.
Step 7: Hang the curtains back up after the rinsing cycle is complete
FAQs
How do you clean a plastic shower curtain without a washing machine?
- Pour in some hot water in a bathtub
- Add a spoonful of laundry detergent to the bathtub
- Add ¼ cup of baking soda into the detergent warm water solution
- Insert the plastic curtain and let it soak for 10-15 minutes
- You can choose to handwash after soaking or use a gentle sponge to scrub off the dirt
- Had the curtain up to expedite the drying process
How do I keep the bottom of my shower curtain clean?
Use a brush or sponge to scrub the bottom of your shower curtain if it’s particularly dirty, as this can help remove built-up soap residue, grime, and bacteria that may otherwise cause a foul stench. Use a handheld shower head, a spraying can, and a container or pail of water, and start at the top to thoroughly clean the shower curtain and liner.
How do you keep a clean shower curtain?
- Pour some baking soda onto a soft cloth
- Clean the entire shower curtain with a sponge.
- Rinse with water to eliminate all traces of baking soda.
- A second round of scrubbing with baking soda and rinsing may be necessary to remove very tenacious stains from the curtain.
What do professional cleaners use to clean showers?
Cleaning experts use a brush and a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap to scrub the tiles thoroughly. Finally, give the area a good scrub to make it look brand new. The professionals employ a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove the embedded filth and mildew from the grout.
Will vinegar remove mold from the shower curtain?
Vinegar can remove soap scum and mold from a shower curtain. To finish, rinse the curtain in warm water and repeat the process for any other stained areas.
How do hotels keep glass shower doors clean?
A common practice among hotels is installing a shower filter to eliminate harmful minerals. Nonetheless, a vinegar solution can be used to clean the shower door regularly, reducing the accumulation of deposits.
How do you get black mold off the bottom of a shower curtain?
- Spray a solution of 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide to one cup of water over the shower curtain
- Keep the curtain sitting for around 10 minutes.
- Give it a good rinse.
- Scrub the mold away using a baking soda paste.
- Rinse again, then hang to dry
Bottom Line
Now you know that plastic shower curtains are easy to clean. However, you need to clean them regularly to block the growth of mold and mildew.
You can clean the plastic shower curtain in the washing machine with a gentle detergent, warm water, and a gentle spin cycle.
For a successful, go through the recommendations provided by the curtain’s manufacturer.