How To Wash Your Shower Curtains

When is the last time you washed your shower curtain and its plastic liner? If you are like most people, you may not have a clear recollection of cleaning this area of the bathroom. You can spend a significant amount of time each week scrubbing and sanitizing this space, so the last thing that you want to do is to leave behind a large area that harbors mildew, soap scum and other elements. Cleaning the shower curtain and the liner can seem like a big job, but this chore is actually easier to do than you may realize. How can you clean your shower curtain and liner the easy way?

• The Washing Machine Method

You may be aware that you can toss the cloth shower curtain in the washing machine, but did you know that you can also wash the plastic shower curtain liner this way? Simply take both of the materials off of the rod, toss them in the machine and adjust the temperature setting to warm.

Then, choose your choice of cleaning agent. Your normal dishwashing detergent should do the trick, and this may be preferred if you are washing the plastic liner with the cloth shower curtain. You can also substitute the dishwashing detergent with white vinegar or bleach. This method may be most effective at removing a thick buildup of soap scum and mildew. Avoid mixing cleaning agents together.

The shower curtain should go through the rinse and spin cycles, but it is best to remove the plastic liner before the spin cycle. After the wash cycle, you can toss the cloth shower curtain in the dryer, but hang the plastic shower curtain liner to allow it to air dry. Do not place the plastic material in the dryer.

• The Handwashing Method

Taking down the shower curtain and liner, laundering them and returning them can be a hassle. Because of this, many people will use the handwashing method for the liner in between machine-wash sessions. Pour diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the shower curtain’s liner thoroughly from top to bottom, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the grime that the vinegar has loosened. Then, rinse away the vinegar off of the liner using cool water.

If you notice a lingering residue, this may be hard water deposits. You can fight these deposits by pouring baking soda on a damp cloth. Use the baking soda to scrub away the hard water deposits. The shower curtain can air dry after it is cleaned to your satisfaction.

• A Post-Cleaning Tip

The best way to fight soap scum and mildew is before these elements become problematic. After you hang up a new shower curtain liner or a recently laundered shower curtain liner, spray a combination of white vinegar and water across the entire surface. You can add lemon essential oil to the mix to create a fresh scent and to mask the powerful smell of the vinegar.

After wiping down the liner with a clean cloth, rinse the vinegar off of the curtain liner with water. This process only takes a few minutes to complete, and you can easily repeat this process after every few showers as well. By doing so, you can dramatically extend the amount of time between deep cleaning sessions.

• When to Wash the Shower Curtain and Liner

Are you washing your shower curtain and liner as frequently as they should be washed? You should launder both of them as soon as you notice signs of soap scum buildup or mildew growth. The frequency will vary depending on the layout of your shower, your use of the bathroom fan and a variety of other factors. The longest that you should go between sessions, however, is three months.

At Cleanzen, our Boston maids know how to clean your home thoroughly and efficiently. We only utilize quality cleaning supplies and equipment to ensure that our customers love the results that we provide. Whether you lack the time, the energy or the motivation to clean the bathroom and other areas of the home as frequently as needed, we are the company to call for assistance. To inquire about maid service for your home, contact the Cleanzen pros today or book your appointment here!