How to Quickly Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Your Shower Curtain

How to Quickly Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Your Shower Curtain

Is the bottom of your shower curtain pink or black, even though those are not in the color scheme of your bathroom decor? That's mold—and it's both unsightly and unhealthy to have around.

While the easiest way to take care of the problem is to simply throw away the liner or shower curtain, you can salvage them. Here are five methods you can use to get rid of mold on a shower curtain or liner.

WARNING

If mold covers more than 10% of the shower curtain liner, place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and toss the curtain in an outside garbage can to prevent spreading mold to other areas of your home.

How to Get Rid of Mold Using Distilled White Vinegar

The mild acidity of distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar kills 82 percent of mold species, including the most common ones found on shower curtains and liners. However, it will not always remove the ugly discoloration on the vinyl or fabric.

Here's how to restore the look of your items.

  1. Soak the shower curtain in a vinegar tub. Fill a sink or plastic bin with enough undiluted vinegar to submerge the shower curtain or liner. Allow it to soak for at least one hour.
  2. Remove from the soak and wash. Wash it in the machine or by hand in cold water using your regular laundry detergent. Wash with similar-colored towels to balance the load in the washer and use the permanent press cycle to help reduce wrinkles.
  3. Hang to air-dry. Never put a vinyl shower curtain in an automatic dryer.
  4. Remove stains with cool water and oxygen bleach powder. Submerge the entire curtain or liner and allow it to soak for at least four hours. Rinse well and hang to drip dry.

Tip

While distilled white vinegar is a mild acid, it can cause fading and spotting on dark fabrics. Never pour undiluted vinegar directly on dark colors.

How to Get Rid of Mold With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a base that does not do an effective job of stopping mold or mildew growth; an acid is necessary to kill the spores. However, it is an effective cleaner to remove the black or pink stains left behind when the spores have died.

Mix a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the paste and gently scrub the mold-stained areas of the curtain. Be sure to scrub both sides of the vinyl or fabric. Wash the curtain as usual and hang to air-dry.

How to Get Rid of Mold Using Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that will kill mold without dangerous fumes. While it is a natural cleaning product and fungicide, it can be toxic, so wearing gloves while using is recommended.

  1. Mix one cup of borax per gallon of cool water. Create enough solution to completely submerge the shower curtain.
  2. Allow the item to soak for at least one hour. Remove the item and wash it as usual.
  3. Hang to air-dry. Never put a vinyl shower curtain in an automatic dryer!
  4. Remove stains with cool water and oxygen bleach powder. Rinse well and hang to drip dry.

How to Get Rid of Mold Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide sold in the first aid aisle will kill mold spores and remove the ugly stains.It is a mild, slow-acting bleach that is a good choice for shower curtain cleaning.

  1. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl.
  2. Scrub moldy areas of the shower curtain with a soft-bristled nylon brush. If cleaning a dark-colored fabric curtain, dilute the hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water to prevent accidental bleaching.
  3. Let the hydrogen peroxide work. Allow it to sit on the curtain for 15 minutes.
  4. Wash the shower curtain following your usual method. Hang the curtain to air-dry.

How to Get Rid of Mold With Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is the fastest and most effective way to kill mold. However, it is a harsh cleaner that emits fumes and can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when cleaning and remember that undiluted chlorine bleach will remove color from fabrics. It should always be mixed with water before use.

  1. Mix chlorine bleach solution. Add one-half cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of warm water. Create enough solution to completely submerge the shower curtain.
  2. Allow the item to soak for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove the item and wash it as usual with color-fast or white fabrics. If not washing immediately, rinse the shower curtain well to remove the bleach solution, especially from fabric curtains. Hang to air-dry.

How to Prevent Mold on Shower Curtains

Mold and mildew love the conditions in a warm, damp shower. There is food from body soil to feed the spores and the darkness and moisture they need to thrive and multiply. To discourage their spread, follow these tips to prevent mold on shower curtains.

  • Increase ventilation: Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan and open windows to improve ventilation.
  • Dry the vinyl liner: Use a towel to quickly dry the vinyl liner. Less moisture means less growth of mold.
  • Close the shower curtain: Don't leave a shower curtain bunched up at one side of the opening. Smooth it out for quicker drying.
  • Wash frequently: Wash the shower curtain at least seasonally and more often if the air circulation isn't great in your bathroom.
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