Real Homes is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

This is how to clean a shower curtain and liner properly. Wash yours by hand, without taking it down or in the washer using vinegar, baking soda and more to banish mold and grime

Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!

Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

Learning how to clean a shower curtain is essential if you want to keep your bathroom hygienic. If you have a non-washable, fabric curtain with a plastic liner protecting it, then use the same technique for learning how to clean a shower curtain liner.

Although shower curtains and liners may not feel or look as grimy as other parts of your shower, they do accumulate a lot of bacteria and eventually begin to grow mold. In any case, you want to clean your shower curtain before it looks visibly dirty. 

Fortunately, cleaning shower curtains is relatively easy – although be prepared to do some scrubbing if cleaning yours by hand. In most cases, you won't need store-bought cleaners, either. Natural ingredients, especially vinegar and baking soda, work well for shower curtains, if you know how to use them, 

Figuring out how to clean a shower for perfect, sparkling results takes attention to detail. So, don't ignore your shower curtain and get cleaning – your shower room will thank you for it.

Andrew Bramley, the owner of professional cleaning business Pure Freedom (opens in new tab) , has a failsafe method for cleaning your shower curtain in just six easy steps: 

The main trick here is baking soda: 'this stable household ingredient is brilliant for cleaning', says Bramley. Baking soda is an invaluable ingredient when learning how to clean a bathroom and should always be in your cupboard. 

To clean your shower liner or plastic shower curtain by hand using vinegar: Make up a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply to the curtain using a spray bottle.

If you've a plastic shower curtain or if it's your shower liner that needs a quick clean then you don't necessarily need to take it down: 

Mold sprays are highly effective to use on your shower curtain and are an integral part of learning how to get rid of mold in your bathroom:

Brambley recommends the following process for cleaning your shower curtain rings:

If you are one of those people who never clean their shower curtain, you are not alone. Apparently, only 9 percent of us clean our shower curtain on the twice-yearly basis recommended by experts at PlumbNation (opens in new tab) . 

However, cleaning expert Mrs D (opens in new tab)  believes that every six months actually isn't enough. She recommends washing your shower curtain 'once a month if you use your shower regularly, or every other month if you don't use it that often.'  Her top tips are to wash it along with two towels - these will help scrub away dirt and mildew during the wash cycle.

Good news! Your shower curtain liner should be cleaned in exactly the same way as your shower curtain. Shower curtain liners are made from the same plastic material as waterproof plastic shower curtains and are mainly used to protect non-waterproof shower curtains. You can, of course, simply discard your shower curtain lining after about six months, but be aware that they're non-biodegradable, so you may choose to clan yours at least a few times before replacing. 

Lynsey Queen of Clean (opens in new tab) keeps her process simple, 'Shower curtain, if you have one, put this in the washing machine.'

Martha Stewart apparently uses Clorox along with the usual amount of laundry detergent and 1/3 cup of bleach on a gentle washing cycle to tackle dirty shower curtains.

Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. She moved to the world of interiors from academic research in the field of English Literature and photography. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. At Real Homes, she covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

The Vileda Steam Mop is an affordable fuss-free cleaner that has earned a spot in plenty of homes, but how did it perform in our tests?

By Molly Cleary • Published 12 August 22

Discover which composite decking is best for your outdoor space and family's needs with our industry expert-led guide

By Christina Chrysostomou • Published 12 August 22

Real Homes is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.