Over time, the shower curtain gets dirty and falls into poor hygienic conditions due to mold and accumulated soap scum; as a result, when you don't clean it regularly, your risk of disease and infection increases. Plastic and vinyl models can be washed at home with baking soda, vinegar, laundry detergent, or bleach.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: with Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar
Step 1. Put the curtain in the washing machine
Step 2. Add a towel or two to the basket
By doing this, you prevent the curtain from wrinkling, sticking on itself or tearing during washing.
Step 3. Add 100g of baking soda to the appliance
Step 4. Pour the right amount of detergent according to the instructions on the package
Step 5. Wash the shower curtain and towels on a gentle program and warm water
Step 6. Stop the washing machine as soon as the rinse cycle begins
The knobs and dials of most models have a graduated scale that allows you to understand when the rinsing phase begins.
Step 7. Add 120ml of white vinegar
Step 8. Start the appliance again, but lock it again before spinning
Step 9. Remove the curtain from the washing machine
This way, you prevent the spin cycle from ruining or tearing it.
Start the appliance again to finish washing only the towels
Step 10. Hang it up to dry
At this point, there should be no traces of mold or soap.
Method 2 of 2: with bleach
Step 1. Put the curtain in the washing machine
Step 2. Add a towel or two
This precaution prevents the curtain from wrinkling, sticking on itself or tearing during washing.
Step 3. Pour 120ml of bleach into the appliance
Step 4. Add 60ml of laundry detergent
Step 5. Turn on the washing machine after setting a gentle wash cycle with warm water
Step 6. Wait for the whole program to finish
Step 7. Transfer the fabrics to the dryer
Step 8. Dry the curtain and towels on the lowest setting for 10 minutes
Step 9. Take the laundry out of the appliance
Start it again to finish drying the sheets only
Step 10. Hang the draining curtain
At this point, it should be clean, with no mold or soap residue.
Advice
- Wash the fabric curtains in the washing machine respecting the instructions you find on the label sewn on them; most can be washed normally like towels or the rest of the laundry.
- Mix water with an equal amount of white vinegar, bleach or fabric softener in a spray bottle and sprinkle the solution on the tent when you don't have time to put it in the washing machine. this way, you kill mold, get rid of soap residue quickly, and it's a very effective method for cleaning small problem areas.
- Consider switching from classic soap to liquid shower gel to reduce the amount of foam and mold that settles on the curtain. Liquid soaps are easier to rinse off surfaces without leaving residues.
