Keep plastic and vinyl shower curtains fresh and mildew-free by washing them on a regular basis. Many people throw away the shower curtains because they do not know how easy it is to clean them. Simple washing and mild detergents work easily to remove stains, mildew and hard water residue. Eco-friendly alternatives are available to clean plastic curtains. Does this Spark an idea?
Use Washing Machine
Vinyl and plastic shower curtains and curtain liners can be washed in a washing machine. Use warm water, a gentle cycle and a mild detergent to get them clean. Start by filling the machine with warm water. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of mild detergent. Include several dirty towels to aid the scrubbing and rubbing process and add the shower curtain. Remove the shower curtain after the rinse cycle and let the towels continue the spin dry process. Hang the curtain up immediately to air dry either on an outdoor line or reattached to its hooks over the tub. Fabric curtains should be washed according to the manufacturer's care recommendations.
In The Tub
Solid-color or clear vinyl or plastic curtains can be cleaned without leaving the tub. But beware, this method may fade or destroy screen printed patterns. Fill the tub halfway with warm water and ¼ cup of household bleach. Unhook the curtain from the rod and drop it into the bath. Push it down into the water, making sure it is submersed. Check periodically and flip the curtain to make sure all areas have contact with the bleach water at some point. Feel free to scrub areas that have stubborn mildew stains using a bristle brush or kitchen scrubber that will not be affected by the bleach. Once the item is clean, drain the tub and simply pick up the curtain and re-hook it to the rod. Pull folds and wrinkles out of the curtain and allow it to dry before using. Use rubber gloves and protect clothing when working with bleach.
Eco-Friendly Alternative
An eco-friendly alternative to regular washing detergents is the soda crystal. Soda crystals are biodegradable and do not contain phosphates, bleach or enzymes. They have the ability to dissolve grease, reduce acidity, loosen dirt and soften water. The crystals work well with other eco-friendly products like baking soda. Fill the washing machine with warm water and add the soda crystal solution (dissolve 1/2 cup of crystals in 1 1/2 cups of water) along with a 1/2 cup of baking soda. Add the shower curtain and towels as mentioned above. Wash. Remove the curtain and hang to dry after the rinse cycle. The soda crystals can be used in the tub to clean the curtain, too. More scrubbing may need to occur with this method because a bleaching agent is not being used. Rubber gloves are recommended to prevent chapped hands if hands will be submerged in the mixture.
Tags: warm water, baking soda, shower curtain, with warm, with warm water, after rinse, after rinse cycle