We all know that a clean home is essential for good health, but it's very normal to overlook your bathroom. More specifically, your bathroom’s shower curtain. Truthfully, how often do you wash your shower curtain?
Washing your shower curtain on a regular basis helps protect against mold buildup and bacteria growth - both of which are detrimental not only to an aesthetic living environment but also to the health of you and your family.
While cleaning the bathroom may seem like a chore, it's good to understand the importance of washing your shower curtains regularly. As homeowners, we want our bathrooms to stay sanitary and hygienic for our family's safety, yet many of us don't think about how important it is to keep up with this simple task.
In this blog post, we will explore just why it's so crucial to wash your shower curtain as well as provide tips on when and how best to do it.
How Often Should You Wash Your Shower Curtain and Liner?
In order to keep your bathroom clean and hygienic, it is important to regularly clean your plastic shower curtain or liner. The ideal frequency for this task is once a month, but at the very least, it should be done every two months. This will help reduce the build-up of grime and dirt, as well as discourage the growth of bacteria that can lead to unpleasant odors and staining.
By giving your shower curtain and plastic liner a deep clean every few months, you can ensure their longevity and also maintain a safe, hygienic environment in your bathroom.
Is It Time To Toss Your Curtain?
Typically, it's sad that you should replace your shower curtain once every six months. Of course, they are able to be washed; however, similar to other things in your home that experience wear and tear, it needs to be replaced at least twice a year.
Can You Wash Plastic Shower Curtains?
Yes, you are able to wash plastic shower curtains, however, it's recommended to do so by hand. This process should not take long and will help keep the shower curtain free from soap scum and mildew, along with its liner if you have one.
How To Wash a Shower Curtain
When it comes to washing a shower curtain, there are two different methods that you can use; machine wash and washing by hand. The method you choose will depend solely on the type of shower curtain you own. Below, we will outline the steps that must be followed when washing a shower curtain.
Cleaning Your Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine
If you choose to wash your shower curtain in the washing machine, it will be important to know the correct cycle your machine needs to be on, and to know what detergent is safe to use washing shower curtains in a given material.
First things first, we will discuss how important it is to use the proper detergent to wash your shower curtains. And, the detergent that fits the bill is from Tru Earth. Our eco-friendly laundry detergent strips are the perfect fit for washing shower curtains.
These laundry strips contain ultra-concentrated cleaning power that is gentle on fabrics yet powerful against dirt and stains. The low-sudsing formula is suitable for all types of washing machines, and does not contain parabens, phosphates, added dyes or chlorine bleach.
To top it off, the detergent has been verified as hypoallergenic by independent dermatologists and is 100% vegan—with no animal-based ingredients or testing on animals by our brand or its suppliers. The liquidless laundry strip requires no measuring or pouring, you just toss it directly into the washing machine to enjoy its effective cleaning performance without any harsh chemicals.
By using Tru Earth's laundry detergent strips, you can safely wash your shower curtains. Additionally, some will add a half cup of baking soda in the regular washing load, just to ensure a cleaner result.
It's recommended to put your washing machine on the regular setting and wash with either cold or warm water. When this regular cycle is finished, you can air dry your shower curtain for the best results and least damage.
Cleaning Your Shower Curtain Without a Washing Machine
If washing your shower curtain worries you too much, then it's okay. You are able to hand wash it. The steps are a bit different for this way of washing, however, are easy to follow. And, as expected, baking soda will be used.
First, take baking soda and a microfiber cloth. You will need to dampen the cloth and then sprinkle some baking soda on it. This baking soda and cloth combination creates a cleaning solution that can be used to scrub the entire shower curtain.
After scrubbing, it is important to rinse the shower curtain with warm water, as this will help remove any patches of soap scum or hard water stains that may have been left behind. Once rinsed, if there are any stubborn areas of dirt remaining, they can be targeted again with the baking soda and microfiber cloth cleaning solution.
Finally, once all dirt is removed, a final rinse should be done to ensure no residue remains before hanging back up the freshly cleaned shower curtain. Not only does this method effectively clean a plastic shower curtain but it also leaves behind a pleasant scent in the bathroom.