Learn how to clean a shower curtain with vinegar to get rid of soap scum and mildew.
Pretreat your new plastic shower curtain to do wonders in keeping soap scum from building up. This works best if it is a hand-washable curtain. When you first receive a brand-new plastic shower curtain, make sure that it is run through your washing machine using just a touch of distilled white vinegar. You may find this in any home improvement store. Dilute the vinegar with warm water and use it on your shower curtain.
For stubborn stains, cleaning with bleach is the best option. However, if you do not have bleach, follow these simple tips to gently remove the stain without damaging the liner. For mild stains, a stain remover made specifically for fabric or cotton is recommended. For harder stains, use a stiff brush and clean the area using a detergent-water solution. Never scrub hard to avoid scratching the liner.
Another way to help prevent stains from building up on your shower curtain is by regularly brushing the liner. Attach the soft brush to an old toothbrush and use the toothbrush to scrub the liner. Do not forget to use a mild detergent to help keep the old toothbrush soft.
Use white vinegar as a gentle yet effective cleaning agent. The process is simple. Place a cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and fill a sprayer with hot tap water. Next, spray the shower curtain in the direction of the weave to gently scrub it.
To get a tough stain off of plastic shower curtains, mix one cup of bleach plus two cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the area in the direction of the weave. Do not clean it with plain water because the bleach may discolor the liners. If the stains are difficult to remove, the most cost effective option is a professional cleaning service.
After using vinegar and bleach to deep clean the shower curtain, be sure to rinse thoroughly. Using a mild detergent or a rinse with clear liquid such as vinegar and water will prevent streaking from occurring. Rinse thoroughly until there are no stubborn stains left. Then, dry the area with a towel.
To ensure that your shower curtain is as good as new, it’s a good idea to do a full washing and dry cycle at home. This is a great time saver and ensures that the machine is doing a thorough job of washing away all the dust and dirt from the product. Machine washing also increases the life span of the shower curtain. If you do a full washing and dry cycle at home, be sure to read the product packaging carefully. Some products have washing instructions that are different from machine washing instructions, so double check to be sure that you are getting the correct washing instructions for the fabric of your choice.
Many people find it easiest to clean their shower curtains on their own. Although it can be time consuming and a bit messy, it is also an easy way to save money. While some people may prefer to hire a professional, learning how to clean a shower curtain on your own will save you a lot of time and frustration. If you want to learn how to clean a shower curtain on your own, start by purchasing a gentle cleaner specifically designed for fabric shower curtains. Determine which type of fabric the curtain is made from (i.e. cotton, polyester, etc.)
One of the first steps in cleaning a shower curtain is to set the shower curtain into a tub filled with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a scrub brush attachment on your washing machine to scrub the shower curtain in a vertical motion to get out the toughest stains. Be careful not to scrub too hard as to remove the liner or any vinyl coatings. Rinse the garment in warm water until it feels damp but not wet, and leave to dry.
When needed, mix one part laundry detergent to two parts hot water and use a washable laundry detergent washer to complete washing the garment. Once the garment has been washed, it should be dried on a hanger made from non-detergent material. In order to finish the job properly, only dry the shower curtain using a washer with a weak bleach solution. Bleach will not harm the liner or the foam padding inside the shower curtain, but it can cause damage to the washer’s nozzle if not used properly.
You can either schedule a professional cleaning service or clean a shower curtain on your own. If you plan on doing it yourself, it is important to purchase quality cleaning products that are designed for heavy duty use in washing machines. Detergents with chlorine are recommended for cleaning, as well as those made of natural or organic compounds. If you use an old washer and dryer that were not made for washers and dryers, you may damage the fabric rather than cleaning it. It is always best to consult a professional about cleaning techniques for a particular type of fabric.
