If you’re cleaning by handWith the curtain still attached to the rod, spray any areas with visible mildew spots or pink mold using a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then remove the curtain and place it in a tub or bucket large enough to hold the curtain. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent. Fill the tub with enough warm water to mostly submerge the curtain. Massage the curtain while wearing gloves to encourage suds, focusing extra effort on those visibly dirty areas, like the hem. If the shower curtain is especially dirty, add an additional tablespoon of bleach and gently mix. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
Using gloves, inspect for remaining stains. If stains remain, spray them with bleach solution and rub the stain vigorously.
To rinse, drain the tub, keeping the curtain inside. Re-submerge the curtain with water, and swish it around to release suds. Drain and repeat until the water runs clear. You can speed this process along by using a removable shower head to spray the curtain directly while rinsing.
Rehang the curtain, and spread it out on the rod to air-dry. Optionally, you can run a fan to dry it faster and to discourage mold regrowth.
Cleaning fabric shower curtains in the washing machine
With the curtain still attached to the rod, spray any areas that have visible mildew spots or pink mold with a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Leave it for 10 minutes.
Remove the shower curtain and place it in your washing machine. Add laundry detergent for the smallest load—usually less than 1 tablespoon—and, optionally, 1 tablespoon of bleach, according to your washing machine’s directions. Run the machine as a normal cycle, using cold or warm water (warm water will aid disinfection).
Rehang the curtain to air-dry. Because of the spin cycle, it’s not necessary to run the dryer, and air-drying will prolong the life of your curtain.
