How to Clean Plastic Shower Curtains

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Over time, plastic shower curtains can become covered in soap scum. However, washing the shower curtain in the washing machine can rip plastic shower curtains and destroy their printed patterns while leaving a lot of soap scum behind. This is especially true if you've let the curtain go too long between cleanings. The safest and most effective way to clean a shower curtain is to wash it by hand. This ensures that all the scum will be removed, and the curtain won't be torn or the pattern worn off its surface.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Remove the shower curtain from the curtain rings very carefully. Lay it down, either in the tub, the shower floor, or the bathroom floor. If any part of your shower or bathroom floor is made of wood, take the shower curtain to another part of the house which has a tile or linoleum floor for the next step.

Step2

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup household ammonia in 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. Put on rubber gloves. Yellow household gloves are most effective, but disposable latex exam gloves are cheaper and can still be reused several times. Use a sponge with a plastic scrubber on one side. Dip the sponge into the water. Starting at the top, begin rubbing the shower curtain gently with the soft side of the sponge. Slowly but surely work your way down the shower curtain, stopping at intervals to wring your sponge out in the bucket of water. Pay special attention to the inside of the shower curtain, but be sure to also wash the outside.

Step3

Turn your sponge over and use the rough side to remove any stubborn soap scum. Take care not to rub too hard. You can also use a light duty scrubber if you're concerned about damaging your shower curtain.

Step4

Rinse the curtain off in the tub or shower, or take it outside and hose it off. A clothesline is particularly helpful for completing this step.

Step5

Allow the plastic shower curtain to dry completely, and check it for any remaining spots of soap scum. If you find any, go over it with a spray bottle filled with equal parts of vinegar and water and a clean cloth.

Step6

Rehang your shower curtain on the curtain rings.

Tips & Warnings

Open a window and turn on an overhead fan when working with ammonia. Also, wearing a surgical mask or bandanna can be helpful to those with chemical sensitivities.
If your shower curtain isn't particularly dirty, you can omit the ammonia altogether.
Disposable latex gloves can usually be found at your local dollar store.
Never mix bleach and ammonia. The combination will produce poisonous fumes.