> [!tip] Quick answer: Wash a fabric or plastic shower curtain in the washing machine with two bath towels, warm water, and detergent. Add baking soda and a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle. Air-dry to prevent mildew, and never tumble-dry plastic. ## How to clean a shower curtain in 2026 A shower curtain is one of the most-skipped pieces in a bathroom cleaning routine, and the one that grows mildew fastest. The plastic liner takes daily direct hits from water, soap, and body oils, and most people replace it long before they ever try to wash it. The good news: a washing-machine cycle with two bath towels and baking soda makes the liner look new, and fabric curtains clean even more easily. This guide covers plastic liners, vinyl curtains, fabric curtains, and linen specifically. Each has slightly different care; the wrong method shrinks fabric or melts plastic. ### What you should plan for - Time required: 90 minutes including drip-dry; 10 minutes of active work - Tools needed: Washing machine, baking soda, vinegar, mild detergent, two bath towels - Cost: Under $10 for consumables - Frequency: Monthly for plastic liners; every 1-2 months for fabric - Liner lifespan: 6 to 12 months even with regular washing ## Plastic and vinyl curtains 1. Remove the curtain from the rings and shake any loose debris into the tub. 1. Toss in the washing machine with two bath towels. The towels create friction that scrubs the curtain. 1. Add detergent plus a half-cup of baking soda for extra deodorizing. 1. Wash on warm, gentle cycle. 1. During the rinse cycle, add a cup of white vinegar to soften and prevent mildew. 1. Air-dry. Hang back on the rings while damp and let it drip-dry in the tub. Never use the dryer on plastic or vinyl. ## Fabric shower curtains 1. Check the care label first. Most fabric curtains are machine-washable. 1. Wash on cool with mild detergent. Cool water prevents shrinkage and colour fade. 1. Add half a cup of baking soda if there's any mildew. 1. Tumble-dry on low if the label allows, or air-dry. Linen shower curtains specifically should air-dry to maintain their texture. ## Cleaning the liner separately Most fabric shower curtains pair with a plastic liner. Wash the liner separately (or with bath towels) on the same monthly schedule. The liner gets the most direct water and soap exposure, so it accumulates mildew first. If your liner has mildew that washing won't remove, replace it. Liners are $10 to $20 at Canadian Tire, Bed Bath & Beyond Canada, or IKEA, and a fresh liner makes the whole shower feel new. ## What you'll need ## Material-specific tips ### Standard PEVA or vinyl liner Most forgiving. Survives 8 to 12 monthly washes before needing replacement. ### Heavyweight fabric liner (cotton or polyester blend) More durable than plastic. Wash monthly, replace every 2 to 3 years. ### Linen shower curtain Air-dry only. Never tumble. Iron on low while slightly damp if you want a crisp look. Wash separately from the liner. ### Hookless or magnetic curtains Remove magnets or hookless rings before washing. The metal can rust or damage other items in the load. ## Common mistakes 1. Tumble-drying plastic curtains. They melt, deform, or stick together. Always air-dry plastic and vinyl. 1. Not washing the liner. The liner gets the most water and soap exposure and mildews fastest. Replace it every 6 to 12 months even with regular washing. 1. Using bleach. Bleach damages fabric and can yellow some plastics. Baking soda and vinegar work just as well without the damage. 1. Leaving curtains bunched after a shower. Always pull them across the rod after showering so the surface area dries properly. Bunched curtains hold moisture and grow mildew within days. 1. Washing with hot water. Hot water can shrink or warp curtains. Warm for plastic, cool for fabric. ## How often to wash ## FAQs about cleaning a shower curtain Can I wash a shower curtain liner without bath towels? What's the best way to prevent mildew on a shower curtain? Can I put a fabric shower curtain in the dryer? Why does my shower curtain stick to me? Are fabric shower curtains better than plastic?