How to Wash Your Shower Curtain Properly
Why Should You Wash Your Shower Curtain?
A shower curtain protects the bathroom from splashes and can become quite damp during showering. If shampoo and soap residues remain in the shower curtain and it cannot dry properly, brown stains or a red film – mould – can quickly develop. You may be able to remove such discolouration to some extent, but above all, proper care helps to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Can You Actually Wash a Shower Curtain?
The easiest way to clean your shower curtain is to wash it. Some shower curtains are machine-washable and therefore very easy to care for.
Always pay attention to the care instructions: sometimes you can wash the shower curtain in the machine at 30°C, and in other cases even at up to 60°C – but without a spin cycle, please. To dry it, simply hang it up again and spread it out. The shower curtain must not go in the tumble dryer, and you should also avoid using fabric conditioner. Instead, you can add vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to the machine.
Whether a shower curtain is washable or not depends on the material. If it is made of fabric, it can often go in the machine. Thicker plastic curtains should only be washed by hand or scrubbed. This is because the plastic may come loose or even melt in the machine. If that happens, not only will the shower curtain look unsightly, but the washing machine may also be damaged.
How often should a shower curtain be washed? That depends on how many people live in your household and how often they shower. Experts recommend cleaning the shower curtain thoroughly every four to eight weeks, however.
Cleaning a Shower Curtain by Hand
If your shower curtain cannot go in the washing machine, or if you would prefer to clean it by hand anyway, you can use traditional household remedies such as bicarbonate of soda instead of harsh cleaning products.
To do this, first mix about 2 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a thick paste, and gently rub it onto the shower curtain. Leave the mixture to work for about an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
How to Reproof Your Shower Curtain
To make your shower curtain less susceptible in future, you can reproof it. This is actually quite simple – all you need is salt and baby oil.
Soak the shower curtain overnight in a salt bath. Then let it dry thoroughly and afterwards rub baby oil onto the back. This allows shower gel and soap to bead off the shower curtain easily. You can repeat this process after each cleaning and help ensure that your shower curtain stays hygienically clean for a long time.
You can also use special waterproofing sprays, if you prefer.
Proper Care of the Shower Curtain
To avoid limescale deposits and mould growth, you should rinse the shower curtain after each use and then allow it to dry completely. This means: do not push the curtain to one side, but spread it out as much as possible. If you have a window in the bathroom, ventilate the room while it is drying.
If you have waited too long to clean the shower curtain and mould or mildew stains can no longer be removed, the only solution is to buy a new one. Next time, simply make sure to care for it regularly and follow good hygiene practices so that you can enjoy your shower curtain for a long time!