How to Clean a Shower Curtain and Liner — Toronto Home Guide

Shower curtains and liners accumulate mould, mildew, and soap scum — the lower half of the liner is constantly wet and poorly ventilated, making it one of the fastest places for mould to establish itself in a bathroom. Monthly washing prevents heavy buildup.

Washing a Plastic or Vinyl Liner

1. Remove the liner from the hooks and take it to the washing machine
2. Add a couple of old towels — they act as agitators to scrub the surface during the wash cycle
3. Add your regular laundry detergent plus ½ cup of baking soda to the drum
4. Use the gentle cycle with warm water
5. Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle — it removes soap residue and kills mildew
6. Remove immediately after the cycle ends and rehang to drip dry — do not put plastic liners in the dryer

Washing a Fabric Shower Curtain

1. Check the care label — most fabric curtains are machine washable
2. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and regular detergent
3. Remove promptly and rehang while damp — fabric curtains retain wrinkles if left in the machine
4. Many fabric curtains can be tumble dried on low for 10–15 minutes to soften, then rehung to finish drying

Spot Cleaning Mould Between Washes

For mould spots that appear between washes:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
2. Spray the affected area and let sit for 10–15 minutes
3. Scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse with warm water

Tips

• Spread the curtain and liner out fully after every shower — bunching accelerates mildew
• Run the bathroom fan for 15 minutes after every shower to reduce humidity
• Replace the liner when it develops permanent mould staining that washing won't remove — plastic liners are inexpensive and disposable
• Wash monthly — if your bathroom is poorly ventilated or you share it with multiple people, wash every 2–3 weeks