What Can You Do to Prevent Mold & Mildew on Your Shower Curtain?

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Plus, why mold grows in bathrooms & how it impacts your health
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Mold and mildew growth on your shower curtain is mainly caused by moisture that remains after you shower or bathe. It’s tough to remove mold once it’s grown, so prevention is key if you want to avoid having to throw out your shower curtain. Luckily, we’ve compiled a complete guide on how to do just this, including insights from cleaning expert Dario Ragnolo and mold assessor Mike Kapur. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

How to Prevent Shower Curtain Mold

  1. Wash your shower curtain, liner, rings, and shower rod once per month.
  2. Spray the liner down with bathroom cleaner each week.
  3. Keep the liner inside the tub and the curtain outside the tub.
  4. Dry the shower curtain after each use.
  5. Squeegee the interior of your shower after each use.
  6. Keep the humidity in your bathroom between 35% and 50%.
  7. Deep clean your bathroom on a weekly basis.
Section 1 of 4:

Preventing Mold & Mildew on Shower Curtains

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  1. Cleaning your shower curtain on a regular basis helps prevent mold from growing. [1] To make this process easier, it’s best to use machine-washable shower curtains . Here’s how to wash each individual component:
    • Fabric curtain: Wash the curtain in your washing machine according to the instructions on the care label, and add 1 cup (236 mL) of vinegar during the rinse cycle. Let the curtain air dry.
    • Plastic liner: Put the plastic liner in the washing machines with some bath towels, and wash them on a delicate cycle with cold water. Add ½ cup (136 g) baking soda and 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) vinegar during the rinse cycle. Allow the liner to air dry—the heat from the dryer can melt it.
    • Rod and rings: Spray the rod and rings with a commercial bathroom cleaner or an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove residue. [2]
  2. This can prevent mold and mildew from forming on your liner in between washes. Simply spray it with a store-bought bathroom cleaner , or a DIY cleaning solution of equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar. [3]
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  3. This prevents moisture from getting trapped between the two components, and it also allows them each to dry more quickly. Both of these things are crucial for mold prevention. [4]
  4. Mold can form when moisture is allowed to sit on a surface for a long time, so it’s a good idea to dry your shower curtain and liner after you shower. This will help prevent soap scum, mold, and mildew from growing. [5]
    • Use a dry towel or rag to remove water from the wet side of your shower curtain after you shower.
    • Shake out the liner and separate any folds in the curtain to release trapped moisture, as well.
  5. Mold can easily spread from one area of your bathroom to another, so it’s important to prevent it from growing in your shower and on other surfaces. Use a squeegee to wipe down your shower walls, and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe any other surfaces in your bathroom that are wet or have condensation on them. [6]
  6. If you leave wet towels, wash cloths, or bath mats bunched up on the floor, they won’t dry quickly, which can lead to mold growth and spread. [7] In order to prevent this, hang these wet items up on your towel rack after showering, so they can dry completely.
  7. “Mold is generated by humidity, so you should be reducing that to a minimum,” explains Ragnolo. To prevent your bathroom from becoming humid while you shower, make sure the area is well ventilated. If you can, leave the bathroom door open and crack a window. It also helps to turn on the exhaust fan and leave it on until about 30 minutes after your shower is over. [8]
    • If your bathroom still feels too humid after trying these methods, consider using a small dehumidifier . It can help keep the humidity level in your bathroom below 50%, which is key for preventing mold. [9]
  8. To prevent mold from growing on your shower curtain and liner, it’s important to keep your bathroom mold-free in general. [10] The best way to do this is to deep clean your bathroom on a regular basis, preferably once per week. [11]
    • During your cleaning session, make sure to spray down the counters, sink, and interior of your shower with a cleaning solution to get rid of soap scum and prevent mildew from forming.
    • Wash bath mats, bath towels, wash cloths, and hand towels in your washing machine and dry them thoroughly before putting them back. [12]
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Section 2 of 4:

Why does mold grow on shower curtains?

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  1. “Every day, the shower curtain gets wet,” explains Kapur. “Moisture always goes there,” and mold needs moisture to thrive. Beyond this, mold tends to grow in warm, damp areas, so your bathroom becomes the perfect breeding ground for it when it gets hot and steamy from your shower. [13]
    • There are thousands of known species of mold, so you won’t be able to identify the specific type of mold that’s grown in your home without sending it to a lab to be analyzed, explains Kapur.
    • All mold can be harmful to your health, so you'll need to remove it regardless. The most common types of mold that grow inside people's homes are Cladosporium , Penicillium , and Aspergillus. [14]
    • Kapur adds that, most of the time, shower curtains will grow mildew, rather than full-on mold. Mildew is technically categorized as mold, but he describes it as “a nicer cousin of mold” because it doesn’t entrench itself as deeply on surfaces, so it's easier to remove.
Section 3 of 4:

Why is mold prevention important?

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  1. A colony of mold releases spores and microscopic toxins called mycotoxins into the air, which you can then breathe in. Prolonged exposure to these toxins and spores can cause a runny nose, coughing, congestion, headaches, skin rashes, asthma and changes to your immune system. [15] Because of this, it’s crucial to prevent mold growth and eliminate it if it does show up in your home.
    • People who already have asthma, are allergic to mold, are immune compromised, or have lung disease are more at risk for having negative reactions to mold. [16]
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Section 4 of 4:

What to Do if the Curtain Is Already Moldy

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  1. Mold is almost impossible to remove completely because it grows into the empty spaces and crevices on porous surfaces. [17] As a result, the mold may come back and spread, even if you try to thoroughly clean your moldy shower curtain and liner.
  2. If you’re really opposed to throwing away your moldy curtain and/or liner, your best course of action will probably be soaking it in a bleach solution. Fill a large bucket or your bathtub with water, and add 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) bleach per each gallon of water. Soak the curtain for at least 8 hours. [18]
    • Make sure the area is well ventilated, so you’re not exposed to bleach fumes. Open windows and make sure there’s lots of fresh air circulating in the room. [19]
    • If your shower curtain still has mold on it after soaking, or if the mold grows back quickly, it’s best to toss it out and replace it.
    • Keep in mind that this method will likely only be possible for plastic curtains and liners, since bleach may discolor fabric curtains.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you get mold out of shower curtain liner?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    If your shower curtain has built up mold or mildew on it, you can simply wash it in your washing machine. However, for a more thorough washing, you can first do a pre-soak by soaking it in a bleach or vinegar bath in the tub prior to washing it on a normal warm cycle in your wash machine.
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  • Question
    Are shower curtain liners necessary?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    The shower curtain liner is best used to reduce water leakage out of your bathtub when you are showering. Typically, the cloth shower curtain is not waterproof but the liner is. In addition, the shower curtain liners help reduce wear on your fabric shower curtain. However, the ultimate choice is up to you and your preference.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I stop mold from growing in my shower?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    Having proper ventilation is key to reducing the build-up of mold and mildew. If you have a bathroom fan, be sure to run it during your shower and for at least thirty minutes following your shower. In addition, if you have a window in your shower, it is also a good idea to shower with the window open, if possible. If you haven't checked your bathroom fan in a while, you can remove the cover and clean it out to help maximize the suction. In addition, you should leave your shower curtain or shower door partially open after using the shower to help release trapped moisture.
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      Warnings

      • If you use bleach to clean your shower curtain, avoid getting the mixture on any fabrics to prevent discoloration.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-shower-curtain/#toc-how-to-clean-a-moldy-shower-curtain
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-shower-curtain/#toc-how-to-clean-shower-curtain-rings
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-bathroom/how-to-clean-shower-curtain
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-bathroom/how-to-clean-shower-curtain
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-prevent-mold-and-mildew/
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a22126/prevent-mildew/#remove-mildew-from-shower-curtains
      7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/mold/how-to-prevent-mold-from-growing-in-your-bathroom-a5651978293/?srsltid=AfmBOoob1j4Symehxj-CPfROuN-S-wp1esEzt9ZjyI9yiiJYd45lcvQ5
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html#cdc_environmental_basics_before-preventing
      1. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
      2. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/mold/how-to-prevent-mold-from-growing-in-your-bathroom-a5651978293/?srsltid=AfmBOopGK-8GLawp1ai6Q7Xapsetic6cos9cms6N0egGrdzL6hKvesNF
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/ways-to-prevent-mold-in-bathrooms/
      4. ↑ https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/mold_508.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html#cdc_environmental_basics_before-preventing
      6. ↑ https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/mold_508.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html#cdc_environmental_basics_before-preventing
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-get-mold-out-of-clothes-8420339
      10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html#cdc_environmental_basics_before-preventing

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To prevent mildew on your shower curtain, let it air out whenever it gets wet. After you get out of the shower, leave your bathroom ventilator fan on for a while. This will help get rid of moisture from the curtain and reduce mildew. You should also leave the curtain partially open, so moisture doesn’t get trapped in the folds. Place the curtain on the outside of your tub to avoid mildew building up between the curtain and the tub. If you have time, wipe the curtain dry with a towel or rag after you shower. For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to clean your shower curtain, read on.

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