How to Clean a Shower Liner

A shower liner hangs on the inside of the shower curtain to keep water off the floor and prevent the curtain from getting soiled. Unfortunately, the liner can be a magnet for soap scum, mold, mildew and dirt. It's also hard to scrub clean, as you would the tub and the tile surround. Luckily, the liner can go in the washing machine to save you the aggravation and elbow grease.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Unscented laundry detergent
• Chlorine bleach
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Two old bath towels
• Squeegee
• Microfiber towel

Instructions

1. Take the shower liner down by carefully pulling it off the shower curtain rings, leaving the shower curtain in place. Roll it up width-wise so you can easily carry it without it snagging on anything. Don't worry about whether or not it's even.

2. Turn your washing machine to the gentle cycle and set it on the largest-sized load. Let the drum fill with water before putting in the shower liner. Pour in 2 tsp. of any unscented laundry detergent. Put the shower curtain and two bath towels into the machine and shut the lid. (The towels keep the curtain from snagging and can help scrub.)

3. Wait until the cycle is a third of the way through. Then pour in 1/2 cup baking soda. If the liner has any mold or mildew on it, add 1/2 cup chlorine bleach. (Be aware that the bleach will discolor the towels.)

4. Watch the washer to see when it turns from the wash cycle to the rinse cycle. At this time, add 2 tbsp. white vinegar. This will help rid the liner of any residue from the baking soda, bleach or soap. Let the washer finish and drain.

5. Pull the shower liner out of the machine and use a squeegee to remove any water that's sitting on its surface. Hang it back up in the shower and dry it the rest of the way with a microfiber towel.

Tips & Warnings

• If your shower liner won't come clean in the wash, it's best to buy a new one. Putting more effort into cleaning it isn't worth it for such an inexpensive product. Pull the shower liner closed after each time you use the shower. This will prevent water from sitting in between the folds and attracting mildew.

• Never wash your shower liner in warm or hot water. The heat could melt or crack it if it's plastic or vinyl (which most liners are). Some shower liners have specific washing instructions on the label. It's best to follow those if your liner has a warranty.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• More about cleaning the shower