The shower curtain acts as a barrier, keeping splashed water and the filth of the day from the rest of your bathroom. However, from hair dye to soap scum, they end up discolored and stained. In turn, they look grungy and unappealing. Here’s a simple way to get it clean, without having to buy frequent replacements.
What you’ll need
- A washing machine
- Laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- towels
Preparation to Clean the Shower Curtain
Remove the shower curtain from the rings and bar.
Add towels to the washing machine to create a scrubbing effect.
Mix in the same amount of detergent you would use to do laundry.
Add ½ cup of baking soda.
Washing the Shower Curtain
Everything should be ready after you’ve poured the soap and baking soda in. Next, add the shower curtain to the washing machine and run on a warm water cycle. This will help break up any soap residue.
Next, Add Vinegar
Add 1 cup of vinegar when the washing machine finishes, moving into the rinse cycle.
Hang it to Dry
Lastly, hang your shower curtain up to dry when the washing machine has completed its cycle. Fortunately, it shouldn’t take long to dry. However, drying times vary depending on where you live. Meanwhile, tougher stains may take a little more time and care. In this case, you’ll likely want to pre-treat it.
Optional Pre-Treatment
Pre-treating your shower curtain should take place before it goes into the washing machine and uses a few of the same ingredients so there’s no extra hassle. Take a damp cloth, a few drops of detergent, and some baking soda, and scrub each stain for a few minutes. Next, put it in the washing machine and continue with the steps listed above.
Regular Cleaning Recommended
Additionally, some shower curtains are made from materials that can easily be cleaned in the washing machine, using only laundry detergent. Regular cleaning is a sure way to avoid caked-on soap. You can easily do this every time you shower. Just rinse it at the end of every shower using the shower head or hose. (A hose shower attachment will make it easier.)
Preventing Mildew on the Shower Curtain
Soap buildup is common in bathtubs and showers but other problems like mildew may also arise. In this case, you’ll want to wash it on the hot water cycle. Additionally, you can prevent mildew by ensuring the bathroom is properly ventilated. To do so, keep a fan running while the hot or steamy water is on and let your shower curtain dry fully, ensuring it can air out across the bar between uses.
Helpful Ideas
Furthermore, liners are another way to preserve and prolong the life of your shower curtain. They provide a barrier, protecting your shower curtain from staining and soap scum.
Cleaning a shower curtain is one of the many daunting tasks of maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing home. However, this helpful hint from Homemaking.Com will leave you with a clean and fresh-looking shower curtain, and save you time and money.
