How Often Should You Really Be Cleaning Your Shower Curtain?

Have you cleaned your shower curtain recently? Many people often overlook this germ- and dirt-collecting item when cleaning the bathroom. In a study conducted by PlumbNation, it was found that over one-third of people have never even washed their shower curtains. Out of the people who did wash them, only 9% cleaned them well enough.

The study also looked at how often a shower curtain should be cleaned, coming up with twice a year as the ideal frequency. However, many professional cleaners have other guidelines. Cleaning expert Mrs. D recommends that shower curtains be cleaned once a month, or every other month if they are used often, as per Real Homes. Meanwhile, Merry Maids recommends that you clean them at least every three months. Although these time frames vary, the goal is to regularly get rid of soap scum and prevent mildew and mold — if you see black spots, you've waited too long. Some people even choose to replace their shower curtain liner every six months, but this is not recommended since the liner is not biodegradable.

There are multiple ways to clean a shower curtain and all of them are relatively easy. One way is to throw it in your washing machine, points out Clean My Space. Simply add your normal laundry detergent along with several drops of tea tree oil to the detergent compartment and toss in a cup of baking soda to the drum of the washer. Placing two towels in with the shower curtain will help scrub away any dirt and mildew. After washing, hang your shower curtain up to air dry.

It can be a pain removing all the hooks from a shower curtain. Luckily, there's another method that allows you to keep the curtain hanging in the shower as you clean it. For this task, you will need to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, instructs Real Homes. Spray the shower curtain and wipe it down with a cloth. If there is any lingering dirt or mildew, sprinkle some baking soda on the area and scrub with a brush.