Curtains and shower curtains will become dirty and unsanitary over time due to the buildup of mold, mildew, and soap suds. Most shower curtains can be cleaned in a washing machine. However, if the shower curtain is only hand washable, you can scrub it yourself with baking soda powder and warm water.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Machine Washing Shower Curtains
Step 1. Put the curtain or shower curtain in the washing machine
First, remove the shower curtain from the bathroom wall. Then, put it in the washing machine.
Make sure all metal latches on the curtains are removed before putting them in the washing machine
Step 2. Put a towel or two in the washing machine
This helps prevent the curtains or shower curtains from tangling, sticking together, and tearing in the machine. The towels also rub against the shower curtain while the washing machine is running. Take a white towel or two and put it in the washing machine. The towels used must be clean.
Step 3. Add baking soda powder and detergent
Pour in the amount of laundry detergent that is normally used for heavy loads of laundry. From there, add half to one cup of baking soda powder. Larger shower curtains will require more baking soda.
Step 4. Turn on the washing machine
Turn on the washing machine. Select the highest cleaning level. Wash the shower curtain with warm water.
Step 5. Use bleach for stubborn stains
For a dirty shower curtain, you won't need anything other than baking soda and detergent. However, if the curtains are mossy or have other stains, it's a good idea to add bleach. After adding the baking soda and detergent, start your engine. Pour half a bowl of bleach while the washing machine is full of water.
Add bleach only if the shower curtain is white or transparent
Step 6. Add vinegar during the rinse cycle
When the washing machine switches to the rinse cycle, open the machine door. Pour half a bowl of distilled vinegar. Restart the machine and wait for the cycle to complete.
Step 7. Hang the curtain or shower curtain
Never dry the shower curtain. Instead, hang the curtains back in the shower after you've finished washing them in the washing machine. The curtains will dry on their own.
Method 2 of 3: Manually Washing the Shower Curtain
Step 1. Dab baking soda powder on a damp cloth
Lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth. Then, sprinkle baking soda powder all over the clothes so that a thin layer of baking soda covers the clothes.
Step 2. Rub the entire shower curtain down
Use a cloth to wipe the shower curtain. Initially, rub gently, and leave stubborn stains for a while. Focus only on removing dirt and dust.
Step 3. Rinse with warm water
Take a new cloth and soak it in warm water. Wipe all over the shower curtain to remove the baking soda powder and water. Make sure you scrub the curtains until the baking soda powder is gone. Add water to the cloth if necessary.
Step 4. Remove any remaining stains
After cleaning the shower curtain in the usual way, take it out and soak the cloth again before sprinkling the baking soda powder. This time, scrub away any stubborn stains or mildew. Focus on the areas that were scrubbed during the first cleaning.
Step 5. Rinse the curtains one more time
Take another clean cloth that has been soaked in clean warm water. Rub it on the shower curtain gently to remove any remaining baking soda powder.
Don't leave baking soda powder on the shower curtain. Make sure you keep rinsing the shower curtain until the washcloth appears clean
Method 3 of 3: Taking Precautions
Step 1. Test various cleaners for starters
Before using detergent, cleaning products, or bleach, test the cleaner on a small area of the curtain. Make sure the cleaning product does not cause discoloration or damage to the curtains. If you see any damage, choose a different cleaner.
Step 2. Read the care instructions
Before washing the shower curtain, read the care instructions first. Most shower curtains can be machine washed with detergent or bleach, but some should only be hand washed. Others may require specific cleaning methods. Always read the care instructions before washing the shower curtain.
Step 3. Keep the shower curtain clean
After cleaning the shower curtain, take steps to ensure that mold and mildew don't build up in the future. Spray the shower curtain with a mixture of half water and half vinegar daily. Wash the bottom of the shower curtain with vinegar and water weekly to remove soap scum and mildew that has accumulated on the bottom of the curtain.
