The Household Essential You Can Use To Clean Mold Off Your Shower Curtain

Shower curtains help contain water and keep the surrounding flooring dry. Specific designs might even make your bathroom feel bigger. However, the humid environment combined with poor ventilation is enough to attract mold spores. If left untreated, the hideous black spots will grow rapidly and take over the fabric, potentially leading to health complications like respiratory issues. To ensure your health isn't jeopardized, use a household essential—hydrogen peroxide—to clean mold off your shower curtain. Since hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial, it's effective in eliminating mold from most synthetic fabrics.

Since this chemical compound can bleach natural and cloth-based shower curtains, ensure the material is compatible before using hydrogen peroxide. H2O2 can also break down the protective ingredients in waterproof and water-resistant curtains over time. So, it's best to conduct a spot test before you use oxygen bleach on it. While replacing the curtain might be the easiest way out, it isn't the most economical. Admittedly, you can get such draperies for as little as $10, but the costs can add up in the long term. That being said, if more than 10% of the fabric falls prey to mold, it's best to dispose of the curtain. Take it down, seal it in a thick plastic bag, and dump it out with the trash to contain the mold's growth.

Begin by wearing latex gloves (disposable ones work, too), goggles, and a face mask to minimize close contact with harmful mold spores. Now, take down the shower curtain and carefully fold the moldy spots to prevent the spores from taking up residence in other areas of your bathroom or home. Take the fabric outside and lay it out. Grab the hydrogen peroxide from your first aid kit and a spray bottle. Prepare a cleaning solution combining water and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:2 ratio.

Spritz the cleaning solution on the affected areas and leave it undisturbed for at least five to 10 minutes. After the time is up, lightly scrub the spores with a brush and wash your shower curtain with water to avoid accidental bleaching. In case some spots remain on the fabric, combine equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl, dip the brush in the paste, and gently scrub the unsightly stains. Clean the curtain with water before moving on to the next side and repeating the process. Rinse both sides properly, as residual hydrogen peroxide might bleach the curtain. Once you're done cleaning both sides, hang the curtain outside and let it air dry before hanging it back. Don't forget to throw away the brush and wash your hands properly.