Shower curtains seem to be a hub for mold and mildew, and can get expensive if you have to constantly replace them. Instead of throwing your it out just clean it! I'm sharing 4 ways to get a clean shower curtain and save that money for something else!
Yesterday, I got a question from one of my readers, J, who is a newly single dad asking me this, "Might you have a suggestion for cleaning/minimizing mold/mildew on bottom corners of shower liner?" I was saving this post for a spring cleaning series I am planning, but since J asked, I thought I'd go ahead and share these tips. I can't tell you how many shower curtains and shower curtain liners I have thrown out, because they get soooo gross. I cannot handle that disgusting pink or black mold and mildew or soap scum build up that happens down at the bottom. Just nasty, right? Well, the good news is, there are several ways to save your money and just clean your shower curtain or liners and not have to spend unnecessary money on them any more!
- Throw it in the washing machine! Wash a plastic curtain on the highest water level with regular amount of detergent, and add two to three bath towels for extra cleaning agitation. Then, hang to dry. If your shower curtain is fabric or decorative, it's best to wash it following the instructions on its care label. Or, to quickly freshen it, pop it into the dryer on air or fluff with a fabric softener sheet.
- Add ½ cup borax and ½ cup vinegar to 2 cups water, pour onto the affected areas and let sit for 8-10 minutes. Then scrub with sponge or cloth. Mix 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid with 1 pint of household bleach and spray the solution on the curtain liner.
- Make a paste of vinegar and salt and spread it on the mildewed area. Let dry for 1-2 hours and then clean it off with a damp cloth.
- Mix 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid with 1 pint household bleach and spray the solution on the curtain. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Any of these methods will clean your plastic shower curtain liner. For fabric shower curtains, you really need to pay attention to the manufacturers instructions. I hope these tips help you save a little time and money as well as help you keep your bathroom clean and mildew free!
Debbie Futch says
Another way to clean sponges that works great for me is I throw them in the washing machine with a load of whites which I use both detergent and bleach. Then I air dry them. I get about two to three months of use on the sponges that have a scrubber on one side. For shower scrubbies, I fill the sink and put a few drops of dawn and about a quarter cup of bleach along with a quarter cup of vinegar. Again, I let them air dry.
Albert Gobius says
I just a bloke,nylon shower curtain was very grout grey with soap scum and mould. Nearly threw out. Decided to soak in bucket of 1 liter of cleaning vinegar and 250gram of Borax with couple liter of warm water. Leave soaking for couple hours, then put whole lot into front loader washing machine, i hour cycle, with some cold power, came out sparkling brand new. Unbelievable but true. Works well. Cheers Albert. G.
Kimmy lewis says
Thank you ..i have two grandbabies that live with me and im trying to get rid of the dangerous chemicals for their safety..they are 2 years old and 1 years old..so i thank you for all your tips ..god bless
Jessica says
Hi thanks for the suggestions. I user to wash my shower curtains. I'd since forgotten about that, apparently. However I would be careful about the use of bleach. Bleach, especially when children are involved, is highly unhealthy-toxic actually. Bleach continues to "work" after its been applied and rinsed. The fumes can cause increases in asthma and respiratory issues.
And being a chemical, if it comes into contact with urine (think the toilet) even long after application, it releases VOCs, toxic fumes. So just a word of caution. All this is google-able.
Jessica says
It's actually disturbing how the bleach industry has sold us into believing that bleach is God's gift for cleaning and how many people believe it. Try cleaning your tub with baking powder and vinegar. It has a fun fizzy reaction when paired. It's easy peezy and you don't have to air it out for hours!!
Mary J Fritcher says
Jessica, don't you mean baking soda? I've used baking soda & vinegar to clean for years and it keeps your sinks & bathroom drains free of gunk build-up.
Jessica says
Hi, Mary! In this case I use borax...it helps to really clean the shower curtain, although I'm sure baking soda could work as well :)
NorthernGirl says
Bleach is the only thing that kills norovirus and D. difficile. Keep that in mind if you are trying to prevent transmission of these pathogens in your household.
Linnea Lahlum says
Any ideas for cleaning the black mildew that develops in the grout lines in the shower? I find it penetrates even the silicone caulk I apply at the bottom where the tiles meet the pan. Stripping out the caulk to clean underneath, then recaulking, is so much work.
So really 2 problems: mildew on the grout, and mildew on and IN the caulk. Thanks for your suggestions.
Jessica says
Hi, Linnea! I will be researching this problem for you and hopefully find a solution that will help you!
Rosemary says
Many people have recommended Clorox toilet bowl gel cleaner. They say it works wonders on grout. on shower and tile floors. I would think you have to reseal the grout since the cleaner has bleach in it and will weaken the grout to some degree.
Michelle Margeson says
When I saw this comment I had to share!!! I clean houses for a living and I have discovered that Lysol toilet cleaner with bleach, only the blue, gets coffee stains off counter tops, your sink will be looking brand new and it’s great in the shower/ tub!!! Made my tub look brand new!!!
Ivory says
Oh my, someone been peeking in my shower, because you posted information about how to clean shower curtain, I needed this badly. I will be doing THS tomorrow when I do my Saturday laundry. Thanks for sharing.