How to Clean a Shower Curtain Without Ruining It

ByDEMIRTAY · 2026-11-09

A shower curtain lives in a warm, wet room, so it needs a little care to stay fresh. Fabric (polyester) curtains are the easiest: most of them can simply go in the washing machine.

How often should you wash it?

About once a month for a fabric curtain, every two weeks in a busy family bathroom. Wash a liner as often as the curtain, or replace it when it gets cloudy.

Machine washing a polyester shower curtain

Remove the hooks and shake off any loose dust.
Wash on a gentle, cold or 30°C cycle with a small amount of mild detergent.
Add a couple of towels to the drum; they scrub the curtain gently and balance the load.
Skip bleach and fabric softener on printed curtains; they can fade the colors and reduce water resistance.
Do not tumble dry hot. Hang the curtain straight back on the rod and let it drip-dry: the creases fall out on their own.

Removing mildew spots

Spray small spots with a mix of one part white vinegar and one part water, leave for 15 minutes, then wash as above. For stubborn spots, rub gently with a paste of baking soda and water before washing.

Everyday habits that prevent mildew

After every shower, pull the curtain fully closed so it can dry flat instead of bunched up.
Run the extractor fan or open a window for 15–20 minutes.
Keep the liner and curtain apart at the bottom so air can circulate.
Do not leave wet towels hanging on the curtain rod.