How to Clean Vinyl Shower Curtains

Occasionally you'll need to clean vinyl shower curtains if you want them looking and smelling fresh. And when you clean vinyl shower curtains, they last longer, saving you money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dirty shower curtains
• Several wash cloths
• Washing machine
• Step ladder
• A helping hand, if available

1. Take down your dirty vinyl shower curtains. Use a step ladder to make removing the shower curtains easier. If you have an extra pair of hands, use them. Have someone hold the slack from the loose shower curtain when you begin removing it from the rings at the top of the bar.
   
   Fold the dirty (inside) side of the shower curtain together and drape the vinyl shower curtain over your arm to carry it to the washing machine.

2. 
   Allow plenty of room for the shower curtain to agitate freely.

   Start the washing machine for a large load. Use warm water. Don't use hot water; you don't want the vinyl shower curtain to melt!
   
   Add half as much laundry soap as you normally would. When the laundry soap has dissolved and the washing machine is about one-third full of water, turn off the washing machine.

3. Load the shower curtain in your washing machine unfolding it carefully so the dirty side is exposed so it can be washed thoroughly. Be sure to spread the shower curtain around so it doesn't bunch up in one spot in the washer.
   
   Only wash one shower curtain at a time to ensure it comes clean.

4. 
   Add wash cloths or hand towels to scrub the shower curtain.

   Add at least four or five wash cloths or hand towels in the washing machine with the shower curtain. The more the better--as many as ten--so they fit comfortably. Don't overfill the washing machine. Scatter the wash cloths or towels evenly throughout the washer.
   
   The wash cloths will rub against the vinyl shower curtain and scrub the curtain clean while the washing machine agitates.
   
   Turn the washing machine back on and let it do it's magic.

5. As soon as the washing machine finishes the final rinse and spin cycles, carefully remove your shower curtain. The best way I've found to dry shower curtains is to simply hang them back up.
   
   Dry the wash cloths and hand towels as you normally would.

6. Again, if you have someone to help you, let them hold the bulk of the shower curtain while you connect each shower curtain hole onto the rings on the shower curtain bar.
   
   Close the shower curtain fully so one side touches one side of the wall and the other side touches the other wall. With the shower curtain full, it will dry in no time. Be sure the vinyl shower curtain is inside the bathtub. If you're using a decorative cloth outer curtain, hang it on the outside of the bathtub.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent mold from growing on your clean vinyl shower curtains, after showering, pull the curtains closed so the curtain reaches from one side of the shower wall to the other.
• While the shower curtain is washing, use this chance to scour the bathtub so everything will be fresh and clean!
• Bunched up shower curtains don't get a chance to dry out. Open them up so mold doesn't have a chance to grow.

[jamaclassics]

on 7/2/2009 This is a very good article. You can't stop my front loader mid cycle though....the door locks. I'll just toss that sucker in and watch the magic. (Might eat a few cookies while I watch.)

[medphysinfo]

on 5/19/2009 Nicely written article with clear steps on cleaning a vinyl shower curtain.

[thebeaddoodler]

on 5/17/2009 Thanks for the tip on how to clean vinyl shower curtains.

[klnygaard]

on 5/17/2009 I never knew you could wash them- I usually replace- thank you for this info

[greatgreat8]

on 5/16/2009 great tips