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Shower curtains are one of the most common places you will see mold and mildew in the home. They are often left damp for long periods of time and if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly they will can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. This may leave you wondering how to clean a plastic shower curtain or should you just replace it.
It can be tempting, when you start to see discoloration or stains on your shower curtain, to just throw it away and replace it with a new one. But you'll be repeating the cycle again when the new shower curtain follows the same inevitable fate. .Not only does this contribute to the huge problems we face with excessive waste and single-use plastic, it is also not cost effective and can be easily avoided.
By following the methods and tips listed in this article, you should be able to remove all bacteria from your shower curtain, leaving it sparkling clean and like new. We'll walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your shower curtain from safe and efficient way.
How to Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain
Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains or Marks
The first step in cleaning your plastic shower curtain should be to pre-treat any stubborn stains, mildew or discoloration. To pre-treat you will need your own DIY cleaning paste. You can make this from two parts of baking soda, one part white vinegar and one part distilled water. Mix the ingredients together to create a thick paste. Both baking soda and white vinegar are excellent all-natural cleaning agents with antibacterial and antibacterial properties. capable of neutralizing odors and removing stubborn stains.
While the shower curtain is still hanging over your shower or tub, pull it back so that there are no wrinkles and the entire curtain is visible. Taking part of your cleaning paste onto a clean sponge or cloth, apply it to any stains, marks or discoloration on the shower curtain. Allow it to soak for about ten minutes before using your sponge or cloth (a cleaning would also do the trick here), to work the paste into the shower curtain.
Amazer Scrub Brush
Then use your showerhead or a clean cloth to rinse the shower curtain with cold water, removing any remaining paste. You should find that the stains are gone and any mildew has been removed.
For particularly stubborn stains, you might find this method a little too gentle. Instead, opt for hydrogen peroxide, an excellent natural cleaning agent with tough stain-removing abilities. Follow your bottle's directions and apply the liquid to your shower curtain, making sure to rinse well afterwards, and always wear protective gloves when working with hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide will naturally lighten the material, making it ideal for use on white or light curtains, but not so good on darker or patterned shower curtains. If possible, patch test an area less visible before using it on the whole curtain.
Before proceeding to the next step, ensure that all pre-treatments have been thoroughly rinsed from the shower curtain.
Step 2: Machine or hand wash your shower curtain
Then it's time to wash the shower curtain. Some plastic shower curtains are suitable for machine washing, while others will require hand washing. Both are equally effective and simple.
If you choose to machine wash your plastic shower curtain, be sure to use a cold or hot setting. Hot washing your plastic shower curtain will warp it and may even cause it to melt or shrink.
Use your favorite chemical-free laundry detergent or add baking soda to the washing machine drum or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser to save on costs and use ingredients you already have. Avoid fabric softeners or conditioners when you wash your plastic shower curtain.
If you choose to hand wash your shower curtain, fill a basin or bathtub with cold to lukewarm water and add your choice of detergent or liquid soap. Place the shower curtain in the water and allow it to soak for several minutes. Take a sponge or brush and scrub the shower curtain while it is immersed in the water and detergent, then remove and rinse thoroughly.
name
Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Planet 2x HE Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
name
Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
name
Planet 2x HE Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
Step 3: Dry your shower curtain
Plastic shower curtains should not be tumble dried. This will cause them to melt and shrink and may cause permanent damage not only to the curtain but also to your dryer.
Instead, hang the curtain to dry, preferably outdoors where there is plenty of air circulation. It should dry fairly quickly, and you can also use a dry microfiber towel or cloth to speed up the process if necessary.
While your shower curtain is drying, you can spray it with a mixture of equal parts distilled water, white vinegar and a few drops of the essential oils of your choice to add a fresh scent and also coat the curtain to prevent future growth mold. Distilled water and white vinegar will also prevent watermarks from clinging to the shower curtain.
FAQs
How often should I wash my plastic shower curtain?
Washing your shower curtain should be an integral part of your regular cleaning routine.As we said, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, so it is very important that it is kept clean. and sanitized to prevent this from happening.
We recommend performing the deep cleaning detailed in this article approximately every two to four weeks, however, you should try wiping down and disinfecting the shower curtain more regularly.
How should I prevent mildew on my plastic shower curtain?
Once a week, take your solution of white vinegar and distilled water and spray the entire shower curtain before wiping it down with a microfiber cloth and rinsing thoroughly. This should keep bacteria at bay and prevent the mold and mildew growth.
It's also important that the shower curtain can drain properly and dry between uses. Instead of leaving it pulled back and curled up after using the shower, remove it so bacteria can't grow in creases or crevices and the shower curtain can dry more efficiently.
Can you put a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine?
Yes, most plastic shower curtains or liners can be cleaned in the washing machine. Check the label or packaging of your shower curtain to see what is recommended. Just make sure you have the machine wash on cold or warm water setting.
How do you clean a plastic shower curtain liner?
Plastic shower curtain liners can be cleaned in the same way as plastic shower curtains.
To conclude…
By following these tips on how to clean a plastic shower curtain, you should be able to keep your shower curtain always clean and greatly minimize the need to replace the curtain regularly, saving you money and expense. reduce your plastic waste.
