How to Prevent Mold on a Cloth Shower Curtain

Shower curtains come in a variety of materials and designs.

Shower curtains give you privacy while you are bathing as well as keep water from spraying all over your bathroom. Shower curtains come in a variety of materials---including vinyl and fabric---and designs to fit any decor. As with other areas of your bathroom, mold and mildew can grow and spread on your fabric shower curtain. This fungus can cause your shower curtain to look old and dingy. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions to help keep mold and mildew off your fabric shower curtain.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Washing machine
• Shower liner
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Wash the fabric shower curtain in your washing machine with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to remove mold and mildew. Follow the washing instructions on the curtain's tag.

2. Put up a shower liner between the shower and the shower curtain. Liners are waterproof and typically mildew-resistant.

3. Leave the shower curtain spread open after a shower to help dry it out.

4. Keep your bathroom ventilated. During showers, turn the bathroom fan on or open a window. Proper ventilation will help keep mold growth at bay.

5. Run a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air. Without moisture mold cannot grow.

References

• Old Fashioned Living: Choosing and Cleaning Shower Curtains
• University of Missouri Extension: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew---Home Methods
• Guide4Home: Shower Curtains---Care and Maintenance
• Creative Homemaking: Shower Curtain Cleaning Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish