How to Choose a Shower Curtain Liner

Shower curtain liners prevent mildew and stop water from spilling over during a shower. Follow these steps to choose the right one for your bathroom.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Measure the length of your tub. Most showers will require a liner that is 72" x 72". There are plenty of "extra long" or "extra wide" shower curtain liners; however, if your shower is shorter, you will most likely have to cut the bottom of a liner or custom order one.

2. Determine the use of your shower curtain liner. Liners can be used in combination with fabric or vinyl shower curtains or they can be used alone. Either is effective in protecting the rest of your bathroom from water damage.

3. Select a shower curtain liner material. Vinyl and fabric are the two most common types of liners. There are advantages to both. Vinyl is heavy-duty and usually better at stopping water leakage. Fabric is lightweight and usually machine washable.

4. Pick a liner color. If you have a shower curtain hanging on the outside of the tub, match or complement the liner color with the curtain. Lighter colors are better in a small bathroom, while more square footage will allow for darker or brighter colors. Clear plastic liners are also available.

5. Buy a shower curtain liner with a magnetic bottom to help keep the liner in place during a shower or bath.

6. Purchase a liner that specifically states that it is "mildew-resistant" or "bacteria-resistant." Shower curtain liners with this feature stay cleaner and can be used longer.

Tips & Warnings

• White or cream colored shower liners are easiest to wash because they can be thrown into a hot load of laundry with whites.
• Do a quick Internet search if you're having trouble finding your preferred liner at a local store. There are thousands of shower curtain liners online and you have a much better chance of finding exactly what you need.
• Liners with reinforced holes are more durable, but may not be machine washable. Decide which is more important. Are you willing to hand wash or scrub a shower liner every time it shows mildew?
• Shower curtain liners have a wide price range. Rest assured, if you're on a budget, you can pick one up for around $10.
• If you have to cut a shower liner, trim the bottom regularly. The ends will fray and the threads will get stuck in the drain.