Cleaning Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are widely used around the world. Some people use them for decorative purposes and other use them to avoid water getting outside the desired place. Regardless of the reason to use the shower curtains, we should keep in mind that the curtains get frequently bombarded with soap, water, body oil, steam, etc. Hence, curtains need to be cleaned more than you may think.

You may be able to extend the life of the curtains by just knowing how to keep them clean. All you need to know is how to wash fabric, vinyl & plastic curtain properly. Most laundry service providers, especially laundry in Dubai, UAE; offer curtain wash at very affordable prices. But that may not be an option for all.

Here are some tips to clean your shower curtains.

1.      Frequency of Wash:

It depends on the material or the curtain that you use. Other factors that should be considered are the air circulation in the bathroom and temperature of water often used for shower. Its recommended to wash the curtains seasonally.

i)        If you have a fabric curtain, they usually come with care label. Read the label carefully to understand the fiber content, water temperature, washing, drying & ironing instructions. In case you have a plastic or vinyl curtain, you may just procced directly.

ii)      Remove the curtain from the rod and check if the rod, rings/loops, etc. need any cleaning. Also, the curtains get washed better if they are taken down. This will also help to check if there are any damages to the curtain or rod. (safety precaution).

iii)    Wash the curtain in warm water (not hot) and use a strong detergent. Don’t forget that these curtains carry your dead skin, body oils, soap, water, mildew, etc. Hence, a good cycle wash along with reduced speed will help clean the curtain thoroughly.

Tip:: The laundry in JVT, close to where I live, had recommended using vinegar while washing curtains. This helps remove the scum and it really works.  

iv)    Dry the curtain in the machine on low heat. Tumble dryers are a must in this case. Remove the curtains while they a slightly damp. This will help to avoid wrinkles. Hang the curtain and let it dry completely.

v)      Some fabric curtains may require ironing to make their seams flat. Use the correct ironing temperature and iron your curtains once they are dry. Ironing is not required for vinyl and plastic curtains.

Cleaning the curtains frequently will ensure keep you and the environment healthy and safe.