How to Wash a Plastic Curtain in a Washing Machine

Alt-Text: Cleaning a plastic shower curtain

You probably come face-to-face with your shower curtain almost every day. But do you know how to wash a plastic shower curtain in a washing machine or how often to do it? Ideally, you should clean it once a month. At the very least, aim for every three months. It is, in fact, one of the main bathroom cleaning services that often gets overlooked.

If multiple people use the same bathroom, wash it more often. That keeps mold, bacteria, and soap scum away. Regular washing also keeps your curtain looking new for longer.

Can You Put a Plastic Shower Curtain in a Washing Machine?

Yes, you can. Many people don’t realize how easy it is to learn how to wash a plastic shower curtain in a washing machine without damaging it. Most plastic, vinyl, and nylon curtains are machine-safe. Always use warm water, not hot or cold. Cold water won’t remove grime, and hot water might warp the plastic.

Just remember—never put a plastic curtain in the dryer. Heat can melt it. Always hang it up to air dry.

How to Wash a Plastic Shower Curtain in a Washing Machine

You don’t need any fancy tools to clean a plastic curtain. Just follow this simple guide. You’ll see how to wash a plastic shower curtain in a washing machine isn’t as tricky as it sounds.

Supplies You Need

Here is the cleaning supplies checklist for washing plastic shower curtains:

• Mild laundry detergent

• Two bath towels

• Warm water

• Optional: baking soda or vinegar (but not both at once)

• Step-by-Step Process

Here is the step-by-step washing process:

1. Take the Curtain Down and Remove the Rings

Unhook the curtain from the rod. Take off the rings and soak them in soapy water if they look dirty.

2. Load the Washer

Place your plastic shower curtain in the washing machine. Add two bath towels to help with scrubbing and to balance the load.

3. Add Detergent and Select the Right Settings

Use a small amount of detergent. Pick a gentle or delicate cycle. Use warm water and a slow spin. This is the best way to get results when learning how to wash a plastic shower curtain in a washing machine.

4. Hang to Air Dry

Once the cycle finishes, shake out the curtain and hang it back on the rod. Don’t use the dryer—just let it air dry.

How to Wash a Plastic Shower Curtain Lining in a Washing Machine

Shower curtain liners get dirty, too, sometimes even more than the curtain itself. The good news? The process is almost the same.

Step-by-Step Process

Follow this step-by-step process to clean curtain liners:

1. Use Warm Water

Choose warm water on a gentle cycle. Hot water could damage the liner.

2. Add Detergent

Add detergent just like you would for a normal load. Add a towel or two for better scrubbing power.

3. Hang the Liner to Dry

Take out the liner and hang it up right away. If it’s very dirty, soak it in warm, soapy water before washing.

Cleaning Options for Different Types of Plastic Shower Curtains