How to Clean Your Shower Curtain and Liner the Right Way

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.

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. 

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

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. 

1. Take the shower curtain off the rings. 
2. Select the delicate cycle and warm water setting. 
3. Place your shower curtain in the washer. 
4. 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). 
5. Once the cycle is complete, hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.

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.

1. Fill a bucket big enough to hold your shower curtain with water. 
2. Add a 1/4 cup of bleach per every gallon of water to the bucket. 
3. Let the curtain soak for five minutes. 
4. Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly. 
5. Add fresh water to the bucket with a few drops of laundry detergent and submerge the shower curtain again. 
6. Let the curtain soak for 15 minutes. 
7. Remove the curtain and rinse thoroughly. 
8. Hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
   

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. 

1. Take the shower liner off the rings. 
2. Select the delicate cycle and hot water setting. 
3. Place the liner loosely in the washer.
4. Add a few drops of detergent and 1/3 cup disinfecting bleach to the appropriate dispensers. 
5. Start the cycle. 
6. Once the cycle is complete, hang your liner back on the rod to air dry.
   

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. 

1. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Saturate the curtain or liner with the cleaning solution.
3. Scrub stains with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse the curtain or liner with warm water. 
5. Let air dry. 

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.

1. Remove rings from the rod.
2. Place rings into a bowl with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
3. Let the rings soak for 30 minutes.
4. Remove and dry with a microfiber towel.