Have you ever noticed how dirty your shower curtain can get over time? Soap scum, hard water stains, mold, and mildew can make your shower curtain look unsightly and smell unpleasant. Not only that, but these contaminants can also pose health risks for you and your family.
You don’t need to buy expensive or harsh chemicals to keep your shower curtain clean and fresh. You can use a natural and effective product that you probably already have in your kitchen: vinegar.
Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can remove dirt, grease, odors, bacteria, and fungi from various surfaces. It is also cheap, eco-friendly, and safe to use around children and pets.
This article will show you how to clean a shower curtain with vinegar easily. We will also cover how to prepare and protect your shower curtain before cleaning, address different types of shower curtains, and maintain your shower curtain in good condition.
Following this guide, you will be able to enjoy a cleaner and healthier bathroom.
Preparation and Safety Measures
You will need some materials and tools before cleaning your shower curtain with vinegar. Here is what you will need:
- White distilled vinegar (do not use apple cider vinegar or other types of vinegar as they may stain or damage your shower curtain)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Laundry detergent (preferably mild or natural)
- Bleach (optional)
- A spray bottle
- A washing machine or a large bucket or tub
- Some white towels (do not use colored towels as they may bleed onto your shower curtain)
- A cloth or sponge
- A squeegee or a towel
To remove your shower curtain from the rod and hooks, follow these steps:
- Unhook the shower curtain from one end of the rod and slide it off carefully.
- If your shower curtain has metal hooks or rings, remove them from the curtain and set them aside. You can clean them separately with soap and water or vinegar.
- If your shower curtain has plastic hooks or rings, you can leave them on the curtain and wash them together.
When handling vinegar and bleach, you should take some safety precautions. Here are some tips:
- Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with your skin and eyes.
- Do not mix vinegar and bleach together, as they can produce toxic chlorine gas.
- Do not use vinegar on marble, granite, or other natural stone surfaces, as it can etch them.
- Do not use bleach on colored or printed shower curtains, as it can fade or bleach them.
- Do a spot test on a small area of your shower curtain before applying vinegar or bleach to make sure it does not damage or discolor it.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods
Two main methods to clean a shower curtain with vinegar are in a washing machine or by hand. Both methods are effective and easy to follow. Choose the method that suits your preference and availability of resources.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain with Vinegar in a Washing Machine
Cleaning your shower curtain with vinegar in a washing machine is a convenient and fast way to get rid of dirt and grime. Here is how to do it:
Add Towels
Place your shower curtain and one or two white towels in the washing machine. The towels will help prevent the shower curtain from wrinkling, sticking to itself, or tearing in the machine. They will also act as scrubbers to remove dirt and stains from the shower curtain.
Add Baking Soda and Detergent
Add the normal amount of laundry detergent you would use for a regular load of laundry. Then, add half a cup to a cup of baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and stain remover that will boost the cleaning power of vinegar and detergent.
Add Bleach (Optional)
If your shower curtain is very dirty or has mildew, add half a cup of bleach to the washing machine. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and whitener that will kill mold and mildew spores and make your shower curtain look brighter.
However, only add bleach if your shower curtain is white or transparent. Do not add bleach if your shower curtain is colored or printed, as it may damage or discolor it.
Add Vinegar
Start the washing machine and choose the highest cleaning level and the warm water setting. Add one cup of white distilled vinegar to the first rinse cycle as the machine fills with water.
Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that will dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, odors, bacteria, and fungi from your shower curtain.
Hang to Dry
Stop the washing machine before the spin cycle starts, and remove your shower curtain. Check if it is clean enough for your liking. If not, you can repeat the process or spot-treat any remaining stains by hand. If it is clean, hang it in the shower to drip dry.
Do not put it in the dryer, as it may melt or shrink.
How to Clean a Shower Curtain with Vinegar by Hand
If you cannot access a washing machine or prefer to clean your shower curtain by hand, you can use vinegar and baking soda to scrub it down manually. Here is how to do it:
Spray Vinegar Solution
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of white distilled vinegar and water. Remove your shower curtain from the rod and hooks and spread it out on a flat surface, such as a floor or a table.
Spray the vinegar solution generously over the shower curtain, especially on areas with stains or mildew.
Scrub with Baking Soda
Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge and use it to scrub the shower curtain gently. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or mildew and rub them in circular motions until they come off.
You can also use an old toothbrush to reach into crevices or folds.
Rinse with Water
Rinse the shower curtain with warm water to remove all traces of vinegar and baking soda. You can use a hose, a showerhead, or a large bucket of water for this step.
Ensure no residue is left on the shower curtain, which may cause discoloration or odors.
Dry with a Towel
Use a squeegee or a towel to wipe off excess water from the shower curtain. Then, hang it back up in the shower to air dry completely. Do not fold or store it while damp, as it may encourage mold and mildew growth.
Addressing Different Curtain Types
Not all shower curtains are made of the same material. Depending on your shower curtain type, you may need to adjust your cleaning method and products accordingly. Here are some common types of shower curtains and how to clean them:
Fabric Shower Curtains
Fabric shower curtains are usually made of cotton, polyester, nylon, or synthetic fibers. They are soft, durable, and easy to wash and dry. You can follow the same steps as cleaning a shower curtain with vinegar in a washing machine or by hand.
You should check the care label of your fabric shower curtain for any specific instructions or warnings. Some fabric shower curtains may require cold water, gentle cycle, or air drying to prevent shrinking or fading.
Plastic Shower Curtains
Plastic shower curtains are usually made of vinyl, PVC, or PEVA. They are waterproof, durable, and inexpensive. However, they are also prone to developing mold and mildew, especially in humid environments.
Follow the same steps as cleaning a shower curtain with vinegar in a washing machine or by hand.
You should avoid using bleach on plastic shower curtains as it may damage or discolor them. You should also avoid using hot water or high heat as they may melt or warp the plastic.
Vinyl Shower Curtains
Vinyl shower curtains are a type of plastic shower curtains that are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are thick, sturdy, and easy to clean. However, they are also known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation.
Follow the same steps as cleaning a shower curtain with vinegar in a washing machine or by hand. You should avoid using bleach on vinyl shower curtains as it may damage or discolor them.
It is advisable to refrain from using hot water or high heat, as they have the potential to melt or distort the vinyl.
PEVA Shower Curtains
PEVA shower curtains are another type of plastic shower curtains that are made of polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA). They are thin, lightweight, and eco-friendly. They do not contain PVC or VOCs and are biodegradable.
Follow the same steps as cleaning a shower curtain with vinegar in a washing machine or by hand. You should avoid using bleach on PEVA shower curtains as it may damage or discolor them.
It is advisable to refrain from using hot water or subjecting PEVA to high temperatures, as they have the potential to cause the material to melt or deform.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your shower curtain with vinegar is a great way to keep it fresh and sanitary. However, following some routine maintenance tips, you can also prevent mold and mildew from growing on your shower curtain. Here are some ways to keep your shower curtain clean and dry:
1. Use a Squeegee
After every shower, use a squeegee to wipe off excess water from the shower curtain. This will help prevent water droplets from evaporating and leaving behind mineral deposits that can attract mold and mildew.
2. Spray Natural Cleaners
You can also spray your shower curtain with natural cleaners such as vinegar, lemon juice, tea tree oil, or hydrogen peroxide. These cleaners have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can inhibit mold and mildew growth.
Spray your shower curtain once weekly or whenever you notice any odors or stains.
3. Wash Regularly
Even with regular wiping and spraying, your shower curtain will eventually need thorough washing. Depending on how often you use your shower and how humid your bathroom is, you should wash your shower curtain at least once a month or every season.
This will help remove any dirt, soap scum, hard water stains, mold, and mildew that may have accumulated over time.
4. Replace When Needed
No matter how well you clean and maintain your shower curtain, it will not last forever. Over time, your shower curtain may become worn out, torn, faded, or stained beyond repair.
If you notice any deterioration or damage on your shower curtain, it is time to replace it with a new one.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning a shower curtain with vinegar is an easy and effective way to keep your bathroom clean and healthy. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that removes dirt, grease, odors, bacteria, and fungi from shower curtains.
Following this guide, you will be able to clean your shower curtain with vinegar in simple steps:
- Prepare and protect your shower curtain before cleaning.
- Choose between washing machine or hand washing methods
- Address different types of shower curtains such as fabric, plastic, vinyl, or PEVA.
- Maintain your shower curtain with routine tips such as wiping, spraying, washing, and replacing
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, who may also benefit from learning how to clean a shower curtain with vinegar.
Thank you for reading, and happy cleaning!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to how to clean a shower curtain with vinegar:
You can wash a shower curtain with vinegar in the washing machine or by hand. Add the machine’s curtain, towels, detergent, and baking soda. Then add vinegar to the rinse cycle. Or spray the curtain with vinegar and water, scrub it with baking soda, and rinse it.
You can clean a plastic shower curtain with vinegar the same way as a fabric one. However, avoid hot water or high heat as they may damage the plastic. Also, avoid bleach as it may discolor the plastic.
You can get mold off a fabric shower curtain with vinegar, baking soda, or bleach. Wash it in the washing machine or by hand with these cleaners. Add bleach only if your curtain is white or transparent. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle.
You can keep your shower curtain from getting moldy by regularly wiping, spraying, washing, and replacing it. Wipe off excess water after each shower. Spray it with natural cleaners once a week. Wash it with vinegar and baking soda once a month. Replace it when it looks bad.
You can get rid of soap scum on a fabric shower curtain with vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Wash it in the washing machine or by hand with these products. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle or lemon juice to the final rinse cycle.
