Shower curtains can quickly get grimy, especially if they don’t dry out fully between uses, and it’s not uncommon for mold to build up on them over time.
Mold is unsightly and can be harmful to your health, so if you spot any on your shower curtain, it’s best to follow the steps below to eradicate it:
Washing a shower curtain with natural ingredients
While you can easily clean your shower curtain with a store-bought commercial cleaning product, these are often chock full of chemicals, and could be just as harmful to your health and the environment as black mold itself. With this in mind, here is an effective way to clean a shower curtain using natural ingredients:
- Remove the curtain and fold it so that any areas that are moldy, are facing inward and not able to be spread around your home
- Get some hydrogen peroxide, water and a scrubbing brush
- When outside, lie the curtain down on a surface that’s flat, and spray it with two parts hydrogen peroxide to one part water; leave it for up to ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly
- Then, using a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water, scrub the mold off before rinsing again and repeating if necessary
- Do this on both sides of the curtain before hanging it outside to dry
Cleaning a shower curtain when inside
Not everyone is able to clean their shower curtain outside, but you can use the same ingredients and methods as above to safely clean it inside your home. You’ll use your tub (or kitchen sink if you don’t have a tub), and ensure that the room or space you’re in, is well ventilated. The only difference you might find is that you need to pay particular attention to the creases of the curtain when lying it in your tub or sink, since it won’t be as flat as if it were laid outside.
Using a washer to clean your shower curtain
In most instances, both shower curtains and liners can be removed and washed in the machine to remove grime, soap scum and mold, but you may still need to do a little scrubbing afterwards if the mold hasn’t been completely eradicated.
If washing in the machine, place it inside the drum with a couple of towels to protect them during the cycle, and add a half cup of baking soda to the detergent drawer before setting it going. Use the gentlest, lowest setting and take the curtain out before the spin cycle kicks in; it should be dried naturally.
What can you do to stop mold from accumulating on your shower curtain?
The single most effective way to stop mold from growing on your shower curtain, is to remedy the conditions that are encouraging its growth in the first place. This entails keeping the air inside the bathroom as free from moisture and humidity as possible, by opening windows or running the exhaust vent (or both) both during use of the shower, and for up to half an hour after.
Clean the curtain regularly using the methods listed above.
Get all bathroom leaks fixed as quickly as possible, as any standing or leaking water can encourage mold growth.
Wash towels and bath mats on a frequent basis.
Remove as much clutter as possible from the shower, as this will give mold plenty of spaces to grow and hide.
While there are steps you can take to both prevent and eliminate mold in your bathroom and on your shower curtain, you may find it more convenient to hire a cleaning service. Professional cleaners will ensure your bathroom is mold-free and hygienically clean as part of their regular cleaning routine, giving you the peace of mind you need.
