Let’s be honest: cleaning the shower curtain isn’t exactly top of our weekly chores list. But over time, it can quietly collect mould, mildew and soap scum – especially if you keep it bunched up after a shower (guilty).
I recently tackled mine for the first time in a while (maybe ever), and the transformation was surprisingly satisfying. With a few simple steps, it came out looking almost new, so I thought I’d share how I did it so you can enjoy a speedy bathroom makeover of your own.
Here's how to deep clean your shower curtain, the best ways to keep it fresher for longer and a few easy habits to adopt that will make all the difference.
How to clean your shower curtain
Plastic or vinyl curtains
Start by checking the care label (obvious, but worth doing). Most shower curtains can go in the washing machine, but if yours isn’t machine-safe, soak it in the bath with warm water and detergent instead.
For a regular clean, if machine-washing is allowed, pop the curtain on a gentle 30-40°C cycle with a couple of old towels. The towels act as gentle scrubbers and help prevent damage. Add a small scoop of laundry detergent and you’re good to go.
Score: 95/100
Score: 93/100
Score: 87/100
For stubborn stains or lingering smells, try pre-soaking the curtain in a bucket of warm water with half a cup of soda crystals. They’re brilliant at cutting through limescale and grime, especially in hard water areas.
Another option is to spray the curtain with a simple equal parts white vinegar and water solution, or apply a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to any problem areas – just let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing. Bleach can also be effective on mould stains, but be sure to test it on a small, less visible patch first, as it may damage coloured patterns.
Finally, avoid the tumble dryer – plastic will melt. Instead, take the curtain out before the spin cycle and hang it straight back on the rail to drip-dry.
Fabric curtains
For fabric curtains (such as polyester or nylon), the washing machine is still your best friend – just go gentler. Use mild detergent on a delicate 30°C cycle (or whatever the care label recommends).
For an extra-clean finish, soak your curtain first in hot water with a tablespoon of soda crystals – these are especially useful if you’re in a hard water area. Always air-dry if you can, though some may handle a low-heat tumble.
My results – the before and after
Showing my mouldy, mucky curtain to all you Good Housekeeping readers makes me feel incredibly vulnerable, so please, be kind. But I had to put my money where my mouth is and show the difference a quality clean can make.
I started by unclipping the curtain from the rail and plastic hooks and laying it as flat as possible. I applied a mixture of vinegar and bicarb to spot-clean a particular reddish mark I’d had my eye on for ages. After rubbing it into the polyester fabric for just a couple of seconds, I could already see the colour lifting. I left this for 15 minutes before popping the curtain in the washing machine. I added a mild detergent and put it on a 40°C quick wash, with no spin cycle.
I waited with bated breath for the next 40 minutes to see if my magical concoctions had taken hold. They had. As I snatched the curtain from the drum and rushed to the rail, I could already tell the white background was brighter and the grime around the bottom of the curtain had essentially gone. That weird reddish stain was banished. And while there was a very faint whiff of vinegar, honestly, it was hardly noticeable, and worth it for the visual results. Next time, I won’t let it get so bad, I promise.
How often should you clean your shower curtain?
You should aim to clean your shower curtain once a month to keep mould, mildew and soap scum at bay. While it might not look dirty at first glance, moisture and heat from daily showers create the perfect environment for bacteria and grime to set up camp, especially in the folds of the fabric or plastic.
Regular monthly cleaning not only keeps your bathroom feeling fresher, it also helps extend the life of your curtain, saving you from replacing it as often. This also cuts down on unnecessary and not-so environmentally-friendly waste. If your bathroom doesn’t get much ventilation or you’re noticing any musty smells, you might want to clean the curtain even more frequently.
How to prevent mould and mildew on your shower curtain
Mould loves moisture, and those damp curtain folds after a steamy shower are prime real estate. To stop it from settling in, always pull your curtain fully across the rail – this helps it dry evenly and avoids water collecting in any creases.
Be sure to ventilate the room well: open a window, switch on the extractor fan and keep the bathroom door ajar afterwards to let steam escape.
A quick rinse and wipe-down every few days helps stop soap scum and mildew before they build up. For best results, spritz the curtain with a vinegar and water solution after each shower. It’s a natural mould deterrent but just be ready for a faint chip-shop aroma. And don’t forget to give your curtain a full clean once a month, whether it’s machine-washed or soaked in soda crystals, to keep it fresh and lasting longer.
Our favourite shower curtains
Dunelm Checkerboard Shower Curtain
H&M Linen-blend shower curtain
