How to Wash a Shower Curtain

Every shower curtain gets dirty or mildewed at some point. No matter how often you clean your shower, mold and mildew will always grow on the shower curtain because the bathroom contains a lot of moisture. Many people who have plastic or vinyl shower curtains simply throw away the shower curtain when it gets dirty and buy a new one. But did you know that you can simply clean the shower curtain in the washing machine just like all your other laundry. This technique works to clean both vinyl, plastic and cloth shower curtains, so no matter which type you have, there's no need to ever throw on away again.

Things You Will Need

• washing machine
• laundry detergent
• color safe bleach
• Shower spray

Start by looking at the shower curtain from the inside of the tub. If you notice any mildew near the bottom of the shower curtain, spray it with a shower spray solution, then allow the curtain to sit for a few minutes and then wipe with a disposable cloth. Additionally, you can create your own spray by mixing up a solution of one part household bleach and two parts water.

Remove the shower curtain from the shower by detaching it from the shower rings. Be sure to place the shower rings in a safe location where they won’t get lost or misplaced.

Set your washing machine dial to the gentle or delicate cycle with hot water and allow tub to fill with water. This washing machine cycle is also sometimes called “handwash”.

Put a normal amount of laundry detergent into the washing machine as indicated by the directions on the detergent container.

Step 5

Add a normal amount of color-safe bleach to the washing machine as indicated by the directions on the bleach container.

Place the shower curtain into the washing machine. It’s important that you not do this until the washing machine is completely filled with water, soap and bleach.

Step 7

Add any other dirty clothes that need to be washed. If you don't like putting clothes in with the shower curtain, it's a great time to wash towels, or light weight area rugs. Adding other items rather than washing the shower curtain alone will aid in the cleaning process. If you are washing a vinyl shower curtain, do not include clothing with zippers or sharp edges as they may damage the curtain.

When the washing machine wash cycle is complete, remove the shower curtain and air dry. Drying can be done on a clothes line outside, laid over a deck railing or simply rehanging the curtain in the bathroom.