Keeping a shower curtain clean isn’t the most thrilling chore, but it makes a big difference in how your bathroom looks and smells. And when you spot mold, you've waited too long.
Most curtains and shower liners—fabric, vinyl, or plastic—can be cleaned with basics like white vinegar, baking soda, or a simple cleaning solution. The biggest turning point for us was realizing that some plastic liners are safe for the washing machine! Still, there comes a moment when mold and mildew stains, odors, or wear win the fight and replacing it is the better move.
How Often You Need to Clean a Shower Curtain
Most people overthink this. The real answer: clean it every few weeks (depending on how busy your bathroom is).
Moisture hangs around shower stalls, and that mix of steam, soap scum, and hard water stains makes curtains a perfect landing spot for gunk:
- Every 2-4 weeks in humid or high-use bathrooms
- Every 4-6 weeks in a well-ventilated space
- More often for fabric shower curtains since they hold moisture
- A little less for plastic shower curtains and vinyl shower curtains
How to Clean a Shower Curtain and Plastic Liner
Before you decide replacing is your only option, give your curtain or shower liner a good refresh. You don’t need fancy tools, just a few basics like a soft-bristled brush, a microfiber towel, and cleaners you probably have under the sink.
If your curtain has care instructions or a care label, check it before cleaning. Some curtains are machine washable; others are a little picky and prefer hand washing or gentle products only.
For basic grime or soap scum:
- Take the plastic liner off the rod.
- Lay it in the tub.
- Shake on some baking soda.
- Drizzle on white vinegar so it fizzes a bit.
- Give it a light scrub.
- Rinse and hang to dry.
If it's machine-washable:
Did you know most plastic liners are machine washable?
Use cool water, regular detergent, and a towel or two in the load to help with agitation. After the washing machine cycle, hang it back up to dry—easy.
For stubborn mold and mildew stains:
I usually use something stronger like Lysol's Bathroom Bleach Cleaner along the bottom of the plastic curtain that tends to cling to the tub. If you want a gentler solution, mix equal parts vinegar and lemon juice, spray it, wait, then wipe it down.
Just be careful if your tub or walls are natural stone; acidic products can stain. If your walls are plastic laminate, milder cleaners usually work best.
If stains stick around, repeat the cleaning or let the mix sit a little longer before scrubbing.
When to Replace Your Shower Curtain
Even the most loyal curtain has its limits. A general rule: replace liners every 6-12 months and curtains every 1-2 years.
Watch for:
- Stains that don’t budge after a good cleaning
- Mold that reappears in days
- A sour smell that refuses to leave 🤢
- Tears or stretched holes
- A liner that clings to you like it’s lonely
- A once-waterproof curtain that now stays damp
Fabric liners can last longer but still need swapping when they stay musty. Vinyl shower curtains sometimes crack or warp as they age. And if the curtain looks dull or sticky even after washing, it may have lost its coating.
If you want it to last longer, pull it closed each night so it dries evenly.
And remember: wash or rinse shower mats often since they trap moisture at the bottom of the shower.
FAQ
Can I clean my curtain while it’s still hanging?
It's easier if you take it off for a deep clean, but you can reduce the time between deep cleans with a little weekly maintenance:
- Spray the inside of the liner with diluted vinegar or a mild bathroom cleaner
- Scrub lightly with a soft brush
- Rinse it with the shower head.
What if my curtain smells musty even after washing?
That usually means the mold is in the fibers of a fabric liner. When anything starts to smell like that, we've found it helpful to use Lysol's Laundry Sanitizer. It deep-treats without the effects of bleach, and doesn't simply mask the smell.
Do stronger cleaners work on all curtain types?
Not always. Some fabrics fade or weaken with harsh sprays. If you have natural stone nearby, skip anything acidic. A mild surface cleaner is safer in mixed-material bathrooms.
