How to Prevent and Clean Mold on Plastic Shower Curtains

Last Updated: March 22, 2023 References

Ridding your shower curtain from nasty mold and mildew is easy, provided you have access to a washing machine. Try this solution and your shower curtain will be squeaky clean with little effort.

Steps

1
Take your shower curtain off the rod. This is easily done by unhooking the fasteners.^{[1]
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2
Put the shower curtain in your washer with a few towels that need washing and add the usual detergent.^{[2]
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3
Use hot water and the usual cycle for washing your towels and shower curtain.^{[3]
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4
Do not use fabric softeners. These should not be used on towels anyway since they affect absorbency.
5
Shake or drip dry your shower curtain.^{[4]
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6
Rehang your sparkling clean shower curtain.^{[5]
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7
After you shower leave your shower curtain open (not bunched up) so that it may dry without accumulating mold or mildew.^{[6]
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- It's best to compact the shower curtain a little by opening both ends and also moving the rings midway toward each end toward the center. This distributes gentle bends across the shower curtain rather than trapping water by crumpling or folding it over on itself. Not only will the curtain still be fully exposed to air, but air will be free to slowly circulate around it from the sides and overhead to more rapidly dry the entire interior of the shower area. This works even better if you leave the bathroom door open a little after a shower.

Community Q&A

Question

My curtain has crinkled up. How can I straighten it?

Samara Helton

Community Answer

You can always put it in the dryer as long as it isn't plastic. if it is plastic, lay it out and put books on the corners. You can spread it out a little more every hour or so.
Question

Can I use this method on brass fixtures?

Community Answer

Clean well with Brasso brand brass cleaner or there are other brands that work well, then spray with a clear coat paint. This should hold the desired brass finish for a long time.
Question

Can the same method be used on a plastic shower curtain?

Community Answer

Yes, but do not use hot water on a plastic curtain, as it could potentially start to melt the plastic. Instead use warm or cold water for plastic.