Plastic shower curtains are a must-have, even if you have a fancy fabric curtain hung for all who enter your bathroom to see. That plastic curtain acts as a liner that keeps your cloth curtain dry and stops water from leaking through the thinner fabric onto the bathroom floor. And, for those who simply don't like fabric curtains, plastic is all they need.
When you wash a cloth shower curtain, it's as easy as tossing it into the washing machine and then the dryer. Your plastic curtain, on the other hand, may have you scratching your head when it comes to the best cleaning option. The thing is, you're probably putting too much thought into it!
Washing that plastic curtain is actually pretty simple and doesn't even require any elbow grease. Your days of hand-scrubbing soap scum off your shower curtain are now over. You won't even need to get out the bleach if you don't want to, though Badeloft does tout its proficiency in cleaning and getting rid of odors.
You may not know this, but it is perfectly safe to wash your plastic shower curtain in the washing machine — it's the settings you pick that matter. Of course, if your curtain is a very flimsy plastic, you may not want to do this (and it's probably time to invest in something sturdier). Washing plastic in the machine may not seem normal, but it's fine to do so with cold water.
Aside from avoiding warm or hot water, Molly Maid says to also toss in a couple of towels with the load and to only use the gentle wash setting. You can use your usual laundry detergent or pour in a cup of vinegar and a spoonful of baking soda to help scour away any soap scum and bacteria. Most importantly, do not dry your plastic shower curtain in the dryer. Instead, hang it outside to dry or hang it right back in the shower!
While there are many factors that come into play when determining the best schedule for washing a plastic shower curtain, PRO Housekeepers says that once a month is a good place to start. Of course, it goes without saying that if you notice your curtain is starting to look or feel gross, and it hasn't yet been a month, go ahead and wash it now.
More people in your home using the shower regularly will mean the curtain needs cleaning more often, unless you're using something in the interim like a spray cleaner. Then again, if you live alone and only shower a couple of times a week, you may be able to get away with washing your curtain less often, like every other month.
If you wash your curtain and stains aren't coming out, try adding half a cup of color-safe bleach to the wash. While a quick run through the machine can get rid of fresh dirt, grime, and soap scum, any residue that has set in over time may require additional scrubbing. It may also be a sign that it's time for a replacement.