How To Wash A Shower Curtain To Keep It Free Of Mold And Mildew, According To An Expert

Unfortunately, your shower curtain is one of the greatest attractors of mold in your bathroom. Whether your curtain is plastic, fabric, or you have both, you can guarantee they will develop some type of mold if you don’t wash them  (or replace them) often enough. 

Below, we tapped Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, for how to properly wash a shower curtain the right way, every time. 

Before Getting Started

Cleaning a shower curtain is crucial because it’s a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and soap scum, which can be harmful to your health. A shower curtain can get dirty due to the constant exposure to moisture, soap, and body oils, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, according to Stein. Any moist area is susceptible to mold and mildew, and this is no exception. 

Not all shower curtains are the same, and different types of fabrics or plastic might require different types of cleaning methods. For example, you want to avoid high heat and abrasive scrubbing on plastic shower curtains, as this will prevent damage, tears, and melting. “Instead, opt for a gentle wipe-down or a cool, extra-delicate wash cycle,” says Stein. “Fabric shower curtains can handle a bit more, such as machine washing on a warm or cool delicate cycle and spot cleaning with commercial cleaners—always check the care label for specific instructions.”

When cleaning your shower curtain, especially with bleach or other strong cleaners, you want to make sure that the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. Wearing gloves can also protect your skin from irritation and a mask can protect your face and airways. 

Health and Safety Concerns

Proper ventilation is vital when using bleach because bleach fumes can be harmful if inhaled. “Ventilation ensures these fumes disperse, keeping the air safe to breathe and preventing respiratory issues,” explains Stein. “This is best practice with any chemicals or cleaners, too.” It’s also advisable to wear gloves to protect the skin from chemicals when cleaning your shower curtains. 

Additionally, overwashing or using high heat can damage the curtain material. “Always handle with care and follow safety and garment care guidelines,” suggests Stein. 

What You Need

• Hot water
• Bleach (for soaking method)
• Tub or washing machine
• Detergent
• Scrub brush
• Magic Eraser (optional)
• Gloves (for safety)
• Mask (for safety)

How To Wash a Shower Curtain

Method 1: Soaking with Bleach (for plastic shower curtains and white fabric shower curtains only)

1. Take down the shower curtain.
2. Fill a tub, bucket, or washing machine with hot water and add half a cup of bleach.
3. Soak the shower curtain in the bleach solution for a few hours.
4. Rinse the curtain thoroughly and scrub with a scrub brush to rinse. If you see persistent stains, grab a Magic Eraser and wipe.
5. Hang the curtain to dry fully. 

Method 2: Washing Machine

1. Remove the shower curtain from the rings/hooks.
2. Place the curtain in the washing machine.
3. Add a small amount of detergent.
4. Select the delicate cycle and warm water setting.
5. Run the washing machine with the highest water level.
6. Hang the curtain to dry.

How Often Should I Wash My Shower Curtain?

For optimal cleanliness, wash your shower curtain every 1-2 months. “Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of mold, mildew, and soap scum, keeping your bathroom fresh and hygienic,” says Stein. “You can also scrub the plastic curtain when you are cleaning the shower walls or tub too—double duty!”