Here's How Often You Should Change Out Your Shower Curtain, Cleaning Experts Say
Because it can really grody, really fast. - By Madeline Bilis
Your bathroom is arguably one of the most important places in the house to keep clean. It’s a small space often saturated with moisture—not to mention bacteria, dead skin cells, and other germs. Shower stalls specifically are a hotspot for mold, mildew, and fungus, which often take up residence on wet shower curtains.
Taking care to maintain a clean shower curtain not only prevents the growth of mildew but also avoids those unsightly pink and black stains. So how do you know when it’s time to change out an old curtain for a new one? Ahead, experts offer up their advice for swapping and cleaning shower curtains.
How Often You Should Change Out Your Shower Curtain
Some showers are outfitted with one waterproof curtain, while others feature both a curtain and a liner. Liners typically keep water in the tub while sparing the curtain from any spraying. Either way, Danica Carson, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life blog, says there’s an expiration date on the fabric touching your tub.
“This answer shocks people, but most manufacturers recommend changing your shower liner every six months,” Carson says. “It’s very important to regularly change out your shower curtain, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness or autoimmune condition.”
Carson points to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, which also recommends replacing your shower curtain liner every six months to a year.
Factors To Consider
Frequency of Washing
Even if you clean your shower curtain diligently, you’ll still need to swap it out every so often. Still, the frequency of washing can help prolong its life.
“Ideally, you should be cleaning your shower curtain liner regularly,” Carson explains. “The overall consensus is that it should be sprayed down at least once a month, in addition to replacing them every six months.”
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Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama recommends throwing the curtain in the washing machine. “A fabric liner can be washed as often as is necessary, and a plastic liner can be washed in the washing machine with a couple towels to help 'scrub' it clean,” Rapinchuk says. “Wash it on warm or cool and hang it up in your shower to dry.
Letting it Dry Completely
Do a lot of people use your shower day after day? If your shower curtain doesn’t have enough time to dry out completely—and if your bathroom is frequently humid—mildew is more likely to form.
“It depends on how often the shower is used and if it can properly dry out between showers,” says Dulude. You might consider changing out the curtain sooner than six months if the liner is consistently moist from use.
Visible Residue
Mold comes in a variety of colors. Replace your shower curtain immediately if you see large splotches of pink, orange, red, or black near the bottom of your liner.
To keep your curtain free of residue in between washes, there’s a spray for that. Dr. Julie McKinney, the global director of microbiology and virology at health and hygiene company Reckitt, recommends Lysol’s Mold and Mildew Remover. She points out that it controls the growth of mold and mildew, eliminates stains, kills viruses and bacteria, and can help curb soap scum and limescale.
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If you’re really diligent about keeping your shower curtain clean and disinfected, you may be able to swap it out annually, rather than every six months.
“It really depends on how often you clean it,” Rapinchuk says. “If it’s gross and grungy, toss it!”
Indeed, if you spot any new stains on the liner or curtain, it’s ready for a trip to the trash bin. “You’ll see when it gets really discolored or moldy,” says Dulude. “Then you’ll know it’s time for a new liner.”