Can You Use Vinegar in the Washer for a Shower Curtain?

Keep shower curtains fresh and clean by washing with vinegar.

The heat and humidity of the bathroom make it a prime area for mold and mildew growth. Instead of tossing out the shower curtain and the liner when mildew attacks, try adding a few household ingredients to the washing machine -- vinegar, baking soda or bleach.

Using Vinegar

Vinegar naturally helps break down the mold and mildew that commonly builds up on the shower curtain. Combining distilled white vinegar with baking soda and laundry detergent helps restore the shower curtain.

Washing Machine

Place 1/2 cup of laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine. Place the shower curtain, liner and a couple of towel into the washing machine. At the beginning of the rinse cycle, add 1 cup of distilled, white vinegar.

Warning

Remove the shower curtain and vinyl liner before the spin cycle, as the washing machine may tear the curtain. Hang up to drip dry.

Stubborn Stains

Should stains still be present after washing with vinegar, wash a second time after adding color-safe bleach to the washing machine.

References

• The Fun Times Guide: How to Clean a Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner
• Reader's Digest: How to Wash Shower Curtains