:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-182376521-28886f11a0a6483083e49ffe4f5dbb59.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1286&ssl=1 "This Easy Homemade Spray Can Save Your Shower Curtain Liner From Icky Mildew in Minutes")
- Spraying your shower curtain liner daily with a white vinegar spray will prevent mildew from developing.
- If mildew has already set in, bleach is your next best bet for getting rid of stubborn stains.
- Wash your shower curtain line two the three times a year so it lasts longer.
Whether you use a fabric, plastic, or vinyl shower curtain liner, you’ve likely noticed mildew forming on the liner at some point. Shower curtain liners are perfect breeding grounds for mildew since they are often damp and don’t receive much natural light.
Luckily, simple household ingredients can control mildew, says Axel Avery, a cleaning expert at Oakville Maids. He recommends using a white vinegar and water solution as an easy hack to prevent your liners from accumulating mildew.
Meet the Expert
Axel Avery is a cleaning expert at Oakville Maids.
How to Keep Mildew at Bay
Follow the steps below to prevent mildew on your shower curtain liner.
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Store the solution in your bathroom.
- After a shower, spray the water and vinegar mixture on the shower curtain liner.
- Stretch out the shower curtain and liner to allow the solution to dry properly.
- Repeat after every shower.
The vinegar will break down any mildew or soap scum, keeping your liner looking fresh.
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How to Clean Mildew From Your Shower Curtain Liner
If your shower curtain is full of mildew, it’s time to reach for some stronger stuff, Avery says.
“White vinegar is a great option daily,” Avery says, “But bleach is better to completely neutralize mildew, mold, or any other stubborn stain on your liners.”
Follow the steps below to deep clean your shower curtain liner.
- Mix a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water in a bucket.
- Dip a cloth into the solution and gently scrub at the mildew stains on the shower curtain liner.
- Soak stubborn mildew areas in the solution for five to 10 minutes and then scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse the curtain liner and hang it to dry.
Additional Cleaning Tips
- Deep clean curtain liners at least every six months. In addition to the regular water and vinegar rinse, Avery recommends washing your shower curtain liner two to three times a year. You can deep clean the liner by throwing it in a washing machine or washing it by hand.
- Use a cold, gentle cycle when washing shower curtain liners in a washing machine. Excessive heat will warp or damage the liner.
- Replace your liner if spots remain after cleaning. Despite your best efforts, sometimes a deep clean isn’t enough to save your shower curtain liner. If mildew and mold spots show up and won’t go away after washing, it’s time to get a new one.
- Allow the liner to dry between showers. Always pull the shower curtain liner across the curtain rod so it’s fully expanded and can completely dry. Scrunched up liners hold onto moisture and accumulate mold and mildew.
Warning
While both are good cleaning agents, never mix vinegar and bleach as the chemicals create a toxic gas when used together.
FAQ
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Only certain shower curtain liners marked “machine wash safe” on the care label should be cleaned in the washing machine.
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A vinegar and water solution is the best cleaner to maintain shower curtain liners from accumulating mildew and mold, but use a stronger product like bleach to remove mold and mildew buildup. It’s important to note that you should never mix vinegar and bleach since mixing them creates a toxic gas.