Shower Curtain vs. Shower Curtain Liner: What’s the Difference?
Before we discuss all things cleaning shower curtains and liners, you need to know the difference between them. The curtain has little utility other than covering off the shower or bathtub. Some curtains also have a decorative aspect. The shower curtain liner, on the other hand, goes on the inside of the shower and helps keep the curtain dry.
Shower curtains are often made of materials like cotton, whereas shower liners are usually made of vinyl or plastic laminate. Some shower liners claim to be more resistant to mold and mildew stains. And since they are made of water-repellent materials, you might think they are long-lasting and keep your shower looking relatively clean. But shower curtains and liners can get dirty, too!
Why Does My Shower Curtain Liner Get So Dirty?
Even the most water-repellent shower curtain liners can become stained because of the accumulation of soap scum and hard water. The consistent interaction of soap and the minerals form precipitate, or soap scum, that can stain shower curtain liners. You might also notice hard water stains, which often appear as a chalky white residue, from the buildup of limescale and calcium deposits.
It's not just the liner that can get grimy over time. Since the bathroom is a very humid environment, your shower curtain can still see mold or mildew stains. Plus, how often do you make sure the liner covers the entirety of your shower curtain? More than likely, your curtain also accumulates a light buildup of soap scum and hard water.
How to Clean Vinyl Shower Curtains
Does your shower curtain look a bit splotchy, with dirty or grimy spots near the bottom or on the edges? You can address those spots in the blink of an eye with OxiClean™ Foam-Tastic™! It’s the foaming bathroom cleaner that can help clean your vinyl shower curtains and help remove soap scum, hard water stains, calcium and lime deposits, and more!
1. Spray
Spray 6-8 inches from the surface to be cleaned.
2. Wait
Watch as blue foam powers through soap scum and hard water stains.
3. Wipe
When foam turns white, wipe with a wet cloth or sponge and rinse with water. For heavily soiled areas, repeated use or longer contact times may be required.
Use OxiClean™ Foam-Tastic™ in a well-ventilated area.
The fast-acting ingredients in OxiClean™ Foam-Tastic™ are tough on dirt and grime and quickly clean your vinyl shower curtains without any hard scrubbing. It also comes in a Fresh or Lemon-Citrus Scent you’ll enjoy and is especially useful when you need to clean vertical tiles and grout lines.
Once you’ve cleaned your curtain, you can turn your attention to the shower curtain liner!
How to Clean Plastic Laminate Shower Curtains
Since many shower curtain liners are made of plastic laminate, you need a solution that can help clean that surface. OxiClean™ Bathroom Cleaner helps power through soap scum and hard water buildup on plastic laminate shower curtains and leaves behind a fresh scent. It’s the chlorine bleach cleaning alternative that helps take the hard work out of cleaning your shower curtains.
1. Point
Turn nozzle to “On” position.
2. Spray
Apply to surface until thoroughly wet.
3. Wipe
Wipe with clean, damp cloth. For soap scum, apply to surface until thoroughly wet. Let product stand and penetrate soap scum. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
In addition to cleaning shower curtains, OxiClean™ Bathroom Cleaner can help brighten tubs, sinks, and most bathroom surfaces. Plus, it kills 99.9% of bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces.
To disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces: hold container 6”-8” from surface and spray until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a cloth. Pre-clean visibly soiled surfaces. Pre-test on an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
How to Remove Mold & Mildew Stains from a Shower Curtain or Liner
Mold and mildew stains are common in damp and humid environments like bathrooms. That means you might spot some mold or mildew stains on your shower curtain or curtain liner if you have not cleaned or washed them in a while, especially since those items accumulate that much more moisture over time. To address this issue, learn how to remove mold stains from your shower curtain using products like OxiClean™ + Bleach Mold & Mildew Bathroom Stain Remover. This powerful solution can help you effectively clean your shower curtain and help keep your bathroom free from mold and mildew stains.
1. Point
Turn the nozzle to the “FOAM” position and locate mold or mildew stains on your shower curtain or shower liner.
2. Spray
Spray any affected surfaces and fully cover all mold and mildew stains. Wait for stains to disappear.
3. Wipe
Wipe away the clingy bleach foam with a wet sponge or cloth. Heavy mold or mildew stains may require longer contact time or repeating the steps as needed.
Do not use OxiClean™ + Bleach Mold & Mildew Bathroom Stain Remover on clothes, fabric, wood, rubber, and painted or papered surfaces. For other surfaces, spot test in a hidden area first. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the item on which you use OxiClean™ + Bleach Mold & Mildew Bathroom Stain Remover. Use in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the label.
Don’t let bothersome mold or mildew stains ruin the integrity of your shower curtain or liner. Instead, break out OxiClean™ + Bleach Mold & Mildew Bathroom Stain Remover!
The no-drip foam formula stays where you spray, including crevices and corners, penetrating and eliminating mold or mildew stains without any of the usual hard scrubbing. Best of all, it works on vinyl curtains and, for those of you with a modern rain shower, can also help to clean glass shower doors!
How to Protect Plastic Shower Liners & Curtains
You don’t necessarily need to change out plastic shower curtains or liners when they become grimy. As we’ve discussed, OxiClean™ bathroom cleaners can help you remove soap scum, or stains from hard water or mold and mildew. But you can also take steps to help protect your plastic shower curtains and liners with OxiClean™ Shower Guard™!
1. Spray
Spray all around tub surfaces until thoroughly wet.
2. Finish
Simply walk away and let Shower Guard™ work on tub surfaces.
Do not use OxiClean™ Shower Guard™ on natural stone, natural marble, unsealed granite, or damaged surfaces. Always test on an inconspicuous area before using.
Yup, it really is that simple. OxiClean™ Shower Guard™ helps protect shower curtains and liners 4X longer vs. the leading daily shower cleaner by forming a physical barrier that helps repel soap scum, calcium and lime deposits, and hard water stains. It can help extend the time between deep cleanings and thus help give your plastic shower curtains and liners more longevity.
Can You Wash Shower Curtains and Liners?
You can wash most shower curtains, including cotton and vinyl. Regardless of how vigilant you are at cleaning stains, it’s important to run them through the wash once every three months so you can get a deeper clean.
How to Wash Shower Curtains and Liners
If it’s been a few months since you’ve washed your shower curtains and liners or you’re already in the process of cleaning the rest of the bathroom, you can add OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Odor & Stain Remover Liquid Laundry Booster with your usual detergent to help provide added stain- and odor-fighting power!
1. Check
Make sure your shower curtain or liner is machine washable. Prepare the curtain or liner by removing the rings.
2. Add
For standard washing machines, add OxiClean™ liquid and detergent to every load before adding laundry. For HE washing machines, add OxiClean™ liquid with your detergent to the dispenser. For regular loads, fill cap to Bar A. For large loads, use more.
3. Wash
Wash as normal. Hang shower curtains and liners up to air dry.
OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Odor & Stain Remover Liquid Laundry Booster can give your usual detergent a lift to help combat odors and get those shower curtains and liners looking and smelling fresh again.
OxiClean™ Products Restore & Enliven Your Shower Curtains & Liners
It doesn’t matter whether you need to spot remove soap scum, hard water stains, or mold and mildew stains from your shower curtains and liners, or if you just need to wash them. OxiClean™ bathroom cleaners and laundry additives provide the solutions you need to clean shower curtains and liners and help extend the life of those items so you can avoid throwing them away.