A shower curtain prevents water from entering your bathroom and gives you a sense of privacy while you shower. But as we all know, where there is moisture, there is also mold. So what do you do if you notice mold on your curtain? In this article, you'll learn how to remove mold from the fibers of your shower curtain and how to wash your shower curtain to keep your bathroom mold-free.
What causes mold on shower curtains?
Mold grows wherever there is moisture and organic material. Unfortunately, the fiber material of your shower curtain meets both criteria, especially if your curtain is made from cotton or other natural fibers. A wet curtain is the perfect breeding ground for mold spores, and the humidity in the bathroom causes the mold to grow exponentially. If you have areas in your home that have had mold infestation before, it's likely that the spores have spread to other areas, so it's best to nip the problem in the bud.
Knowing how to clean a shower curtain is important and you should do it regularly. However, if you spot mold, you should take care of it immediately. Although mold sprays are highly effective, you don't always need store-bought cleaning products - a few home remedies that you probably have at home are enough to get everything looking like new again.
Remove mold with vinegar and descale the shower curtain
Vinegar is made from acetic acid and is therefore a natural disinfectant - and you can use vinegar to clean anywhere in the house. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add some essential oils to give the solution a pleasant scent and spray your curtain regularly (some experts recommend doing this every time you shower, but at least once a week should be enough). You should rub the curtain at least once a week with a gentle brush to remove all soap residue and limescale.
Shower curtain is yellow at the bottom – use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
If there is a lot of mold staining and your shower curtain is yellow at the bottom, it is best to treat the stains before putting the curtain in the washing machine. A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide kills mold sporesand cleans at the same timethe spots. To do this, make a paste of the two ingredients and mix them well. Apply the paste to the mold spots in layers on both sides of the curtain to kill the mold at the root. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes to half an hour, or until the paste dries.
Wash shower curtain: Clean with oxygen bleach
If the mold infestation is severe, it is best to bleach the curtains with diluted bleach in a spray bottle. Bleaching is not a problem for white shower curtains, but for the colored ones you will need a special bleach that does not remove the color. For white fabrics, apply the diluted bleach to the mold stains. Let the bleach sit for a few minutes while you prepare your washer. Add the recommended amount of bleach to your washing machine and fill it with warm water. Put your curtains in and have them washed. Make sure you run a rinse cycle to remove traces of bleach.
Washing a shower curtain in the washing machine: the right temperature
Most shower curtains can be machine washed to remove soap scum, buildup and mildew. Even though washing the curtain in the washing machine is quick and easy, you may still need to scrub some areas to clean the entire thingto remove mold.
Remove the rings and shower curtain from the rod and fold them inwards in half or quarters to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the home. Place the curtain in the washing machine with a few towels to protect them before the wash cycle. Add 60g of baking soda to your detergent and run the washing machine. Wash the shower curtains on the lowest setting on a gentle cycle (max. 40 degrees), remove them before the spin cycle and let them drain.
How to clean shower curtain rings
It is recommended to remove the rings and soak them for 20 minutes in a mixture of equal parts vinegar,Water and dish soapto soak. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth, rinse and hand dry.
How to wash and keep your shower curtain clean
For curtains, keep a spray bottlewith white vinegaror spray cleaner ready and spray the curtain every day after showering. Shake out your shower curtain and open it wide after each use to prevent moisture and mildew from building up in the folds. It's also a good idea to ventilate the bathroom with a fan or an open window during and after showering. The most important thing is to keep as much moisture away from the curtains as possible.
