4 Ways to Get a Clean Shower Curtain

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about the shower curtain until it starts looking gross. One day it’s fine, and the next you’ve got soap scum at the bottom and a little mildew creeping in. It’s not pretty, and it definitely doesn’t smell fresh.

The good news? Getting a clean shower curtain isn’t hard at all. In fact, if you keep up with it, it barely feels like cleaning. Here are four super simple ways to keep yours looking good and smelling fresh.

1. Throw It in the Washing Machine

If your curtain says “machine washable,” use it. Warm water, a gentle cycle, a little detergent, and maybe half a cup of vinegar if it’s looking really dingy. Toss in a couple of towels—they help scrub it clean without tearing anything.

Skip the dryer. Just hang it back up after the wash and let it drip dry. That’s it. You’ve got a clean shower curtain in less than an hour.

2. Wipe It After You Shower

This one takes about 20 seconds. After you’re done showering, grab a squeegee or a cloth and run it down the curtain. Pull it all the way closed so it can dry evenly.

It’s the easiest way to avoid that musty smell and keep a mold-free shower curtain. Plus, if you do this, you won’t need to deep-clean nearly as often.

3. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for Tough Spots

If you spot stains or a little mildew, here’s a cheap fix. Lay the curtain in the tub, sprinkle baking soda on the trouble spots, and spray it with a vinegar-and-water mix. Let it fizz for a bit, scrub gently, rinse, and hang it up.

No fancy cleaners, no strong chemical smell—just a quick way to get your shower curtain looking fresh again.

4. Know When to Replace It

Sometimes the best way to get a clean shower curtain is to buy a new one. If it still smells off after a wash or the stains won’t budge, it’s time.

When you shop for the next one, look for mildew-resistant materials like PEVA or polyester. They’re easier to clean, dry faster, and don’t get that “old curtain” smell so quickly.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Keep the bathroom ventilated, rinse off soap residue every now and then, and don’t bunch the curtain up in one corner when it’s wet. These little things make a big difference, and you won’t find yourself battling mildew every other week.

Bottom line? A clean shower curtain makes your bathroom feel fresher instantly. And if you keep up with it, you’ll never have to deal with that “ugh, I should’ve cleaned this weeks ago” moment again.