Keeping your bathroom pristine shouldn’t be an inssue in any household. However, that also means regularly cleaning your shower curtain, as it tends to get really dirty if left neglected.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you freshen it up with no fuss in order to give your bathroom the sparkling look it deserves.
Choose The Right Cleaning Agents
Opting for the proper cleaners that are going to get the job done not only quickly but thoroughly is your best move. It’s what’s going to turn this bathroom cleaning task into a habit and also eliminate half the mental roadblock to tackling the curtain altogether.
You’ve got plenty of ways to handle stains and bad smells, from store-bought cleaners to mixtures you can make at home.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each:
Commercial vs. DIY Solutions
Buying readily available cleaning products is easy and convenient, especially for tackling tricky stains, since they’re made to work well and without much hassle. Choose the appropriate one for your specific shower curtain material, and just follow the instructions.
However, if you’re looking to save some cash, DIY tricks can be just as good. Like, mix vinegar with water, spray it on the curtain, wait a bit, then rinse. Adding some lemon juice also makes it smell nice.
Baking soda is also great at getting rid of stubborn smells and dirt. Just sprinkle some on a wet sponge, scrub the curtain, and rinse it well. For those really tough spots, mix baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste and put it right on the stain—it works like magic!
You can also use bleach to tackle mould or mildew, but be careful. Make sure the room’s airy and check the curtain’s cleaning instructions. It’s also prudent to test it on a small spot first.
Whether you pick store-bought or homemade, keep in mind that cleaning regularly is actually the only way to a fresh bathroom. Now let’s review how to best clean different types of shower curtains.
Fabric Shower Curtains
They can really spruce up your bathroom, but they do require some upkeep to keep them looking nice.
First, take the curtain off the hooks and give it a good shake to get rid of any loose dirt. You can whip up a cleaning solution with either a store-bought cleaner or just vinegar and water. For a nicer smell, chuck in some lemon juice. Let the curtain soak in this mix for about 15 to 30 minutes to help loosen up any stubborn dirt and gunk.
Once it’s soaked, check the care label to see if you can throw it in the washing machine. If you can, then toss it in with a couple of old towels—they’ll help scrub it gently. Use a mild detergent and pick a cold, delicate cycle to keep the fabric safe.
When it’s done, hang it back up while it’s still damp so it can air dry. Before hanging, gently squeeze out extra water to stop it from dripping.
Plastic Shower Curtains
Cleaning this type is usually a breeze and doesn’t take long. Begin by taking the curtain off its hooks and put it in the bathtub. Mix some warm water with a bit of washing-up liquid to help tackle any soap scum and accumulated dirt.
Next, grab a soft sponge or cloth, dip it into the mix, and scrub away at the curtain. Focus on spots with visible dirt or stains, like the top where grime builds up, and the bottom edge, which can get a bit soapy.
After you’ve scrubbed it down, rinse the curtain with warm water to wash off any soap left behind. This keeps it clean over time.
Once it’s rinsed, hang the curtain back up to dry completely. This not only makes it look better but also helps it last longer.
How To Keep Shower Curtains Looking Good
Keeping your shower curtain clean and fresh is no big deal. With a few easy tricks, your bathroom can look and smell awesome without much hassle.
Weekly Routine
A quick TLC routine each week can really help your shower curtain last longer. Just spray some vinegar and water on it to stop grime and mildew from sticking around.
After you spray, give the curtain a little shake to get rid of extra water, so it dries faster and avoids getting mouldy.
Tips for Longevity
Using a liner can save your curtain from soap and water trouble, making it last way longer. Also, run the bathroom fan when you’re showering to keep the air less humid, which helps stop moisture from building up.
When you’re not using it, lay the curtain flat to prevent creases that might ruin it.
How To Wash Shower Curtain Liners
Shower curtain liners are super handy for stopping your main curtain from getting all damp and dirty, but they can get pretty yucky themselves. So, if you catch a whiff of something musty after a few showers, it’s probably time to give it a wash.
First, remove the liner from the hooks and check for any mildew or soap scum. Most liners can be tossed in the washing machine, but it’s best to double-check the care label just to be sure.
When you do wash it, use the trick from above and throw in a couple of old towels. They’ll help scrub the liner clean without messing it up.
Use warm water, a mild detergent, and a cup of vinegar to eliminate any odours and germs. It’s best to skip the dryer altogether because it might shrink the liner and just hang it back up to air dry.
Ideally, washing it every month is what’s best. You may need to do it more often if have a big household and your bathroom is used on a daily basis. This will keep your liner and main curtain in good shape, making your bathroom look nice and tidy.
Which Materials for Shower Curtains Reduce Upkeep
If you’re tired of the constant upkeep, you may simply solve this by switching to the right low-maintenance type. After all, the kind of material you choose is what makes a big difference in your cleaning routine.
Polyester or a polyester-cotton mix is a top pick because it stands up well to water and keeps mold away. These fabrics are tough and water-repellent, so they’re great if you want an easy-to-maintain bathroom.
If prefer an eco-friendly alternative, hemp is great because it naturally fights off bacteria and mould, though you might have to take a bit more care of it. Going for curtains you can throw in the washing machine is most convenient since it makes cleaning a breeze.
Plus, picking tightly woven fabrics can help your curtain last longer and keep your bathroom looking neat.
Conclusion
There, now you know how to clean your shower curtain and as a result your whole bathroom will look and feel amazing. Use these tips and you’ll see the difference for yourself.
Remember, regular care is ultimately what stops grime and mildew and grime from building up, making your shower time much nicer.
And, should you find it too much for some reason, maybe just switch to a different type of material, so the shower curtain upkeep becomes even easier.
