How To Wash Plastic Shower Curtains

Most plastic shower curtains can go right in the washing machine: use warm water (cold makes plastic brittle, hot can melt or warp it) on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent, then hang to dry — never put a plastic curtain in the dryer. For mold and mildew or soap scum you can also wipe it down in place with a vinegar-and-water spray or, for tougher stains, bleach. The most important rule: pick one cleaner and never mix them — especially bleach with vinegar or ammonia, which release toxic gas. Here’s the full guide by material.

Types of plastic shower curtain

Not all plastic curtains are the same. The most common materials:

• PVC — polyvinyl chloride, a common plastic and a type of vinyl
• PEVA / EVA — polyethylene vinyl acetate, a chlorine-free vinyl that emits fewer VOCs and is more eco-friendly than PVC
• Vinyl — PVC and PEVA are types of vinyl, but some liners use other generic vinyl compounds
• Nylon — a synthetic fabric made from plastic; waterproof and a popular look
• Polyester — another plastic-based fabric; waterproof, but more prone to mold than vinyl-based curtains

The best way to wash a plastic shower curtain

Start by checking the maker’s label for the material and any cleaning instructions — if the manufacturer gives instructions, follow them. While most plastic curtains tolerate the same cleaners, it helps to know what yours is made from.

If there’s no label or instructions, machine wash on a delicate cycle with mild detergent and warm water, then hang to dry indoors or back over the shower in a well-ventilated spot to discourage mold.

Pro Tip: avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic, and use the table below to match a cleaner to your curtain’s material.

One critical safety note: the table lists several cleaners that work, but use only one at a time. Never combine bleach with vinegar or with ammonia — the mix releases toxic chlorine or chloramine gas. If you use one, rinse the curtain thoroughly with water before trying another, and always ventilate the bathroom.

Can you put a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine?

Yes. These curtains are built to get wet and are tough enough for the machine. Use a warm-water cycle — cold water can make the plastic brittle, and anything hotter than your normal shower temperature can warp or melt it. Tossing a couple of old towels in with the curtain helps cushion and scrub it gently.

Pro Tip: how clean is your washing machine? Get it sparkling with these tips.

Washing a plastic shower curtain in a front loader

Front loaders work just as well as top loaders — in fact they’re gentler on the material, despite using less water, so they’re less likely to damage the curtain. You can wash both curtains and liners in a front loader.

Can you put a plastic shower curtain in the dryer?

No — don’t put a plastic shower curtain in the dryer. Dryer heat is too harsh for most plastics and can melt the curtain, damaging both it and your dryer. Hang it to dry instead — outside on a warm, sunny day, or indoors somewhere well ventilated. Drying it quickly and fully keeps damp and mold from setting in.

Pro Tip: got a different kind of curtain? Here’s how to clean all kinds of shower curtains.

How to clean a shower curtain without taking it down

To clean the curtain in place, wipe it with a damp cloth, or spray it with a neutral cleaner like mild dish soap, rinse with water, and let it hang to dry.

Pro Tip: don’t use ammonia-based cleaners (such as Windex) on vinyl or PEVA shower curtains — see the table above.

A vinegar spray also works well: rinse the curtain, spray on a mix of two cups water to one cup white vinegar, rub soiled areas with a sponge or cloth, and let it dry in place with plenty of ventilation. (Don’t follow a bleach treatment with vinegar without rinsing thoroughly first.)

How to clean a plastic shower curtain with bleach

For heavy discoloration, stubborn stains, or mold, bleach works well — except on polyester, where it’s not recommended. Pick one of these methods:

• Spot-treat stubborn stains with diluted bleach, leave 10 minutes, then wash as normal
• Add ¼ cup of bleach to the washing machine drum with the curtain
• Soak the curtain in a tub of warm water with 1 cup of bleach for 20-30 minutes

Pro Tip: use color-safe (oxygen) bleach on dark or patterned curtains to protect the finish. And remember — never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, and ventilate the room while using it.

Can you wash a shower curtain with magnets?

Some curtains and liners have magnets sewn into the hem to keep them in place. These are generally safe to machine wash — just make sure they’re secure in the hem first. If you’d rather not have magnets clanking in the machine, hand wash instead. Unless the label says otherwise, magnetized plastic curtains are machine-safe.

Pro Tip: our picks of the top organic and natural cleaning products.

How to clean shower curtain mold

To remove mold from a plastic curtain, spray on a 1:2 mix of white vinegar and water, rub with a sponge or cloth, and let it dry. Vinegar (acetic acid) kills many common mold species and is a good first line.

You’ll often see advice to combine vinegar and baking soda for “extra power” — but when you mix them they react and largely neutralize each other, fizzing down to mostly water. So use them separately: scrub with a baking-soda paste (baking soda plus a little water) to lift grime, rinse, then spray with the vinegar solution to kill mold and deodorize. Applied one after the other, each does its job; mixed into one paste, they mostly cancel out.

Pro Tip: hang the curtain inside the shower or tub while you clean it, so drips are easy to rinse away.

For very stubborn mold, try hydrogen peroxide instead: spray on a 2:1 mix of hydrogen peroxide to water, let it sit about 20 minutes, then wipe with a cloth or sponge. (Don’t combine hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or bleach — use it on its own, after rinsing.)

How often should you wash a shower curtain?

It depends on the material, how often and by how many people it’s used, and how well it’s maintained — but in a typical household, clean it at least once a month. A quick weekly vinegar spray-down extends the time between deep cleans and helps prevent mold from taking hold in the first place.

In conclusion

Most plastic curtains can be machine washed on a delicate cycle (warm water, never the dryer) or hand cleaned with a range of solutions. Match the cleaner to the material, use only one cleaner at a time — never mixing bleach with vinegar or ammonia — and dry the curtain well. Wash it about monthly and your bathroom stays cleaner and mold-free.