Domakihub How to Clean a Shower Curtain and Banish Mould for Good
A simple, step-by-step method that works for fabric and plastic curtains alike.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A grimy shower curtain is one of the fastest ways to make an otherwise clean bathroom look neglected — a real problem in Greek holiday rentals and hotels where guests notice everything. The video above from Clean My Space shows the process in action; this article breaks it down into five clear steps with timing tips suited to the Greek climate, where humidity keeps mould coming back faster. Whether you are caring for a fabric curtain in a family home or a plastic liner in a rental apartment, the method is the same and takes under an hour of active effort.
Why shower curtains get dirty so fast
Shower curtains live in the worst possible micro-climate: warm, damp air, hard water mineral deposits, soap scum, and body oils hitting the surface several times a day. In Greece, where summer humidity can exceed 70 % and older bathrooms lack adequate ventilation, mould spores find a very welcoming home. Pink or black staining typically appears within four to six weeks of a new curtain being hung if no cleaning routine is in place.
Plastic liners trap soap residue in tiny surface scratches that are invisible to the eye but act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Fabric curtains absorb moisture into their fibres. Both types need regular cleaning — not just a quick wipe — to stay hygienic and odour-free.
What you need before you start
For machine-washable curtains (most fabric ones and many plastic liners): your normal laundry detergent, half a cup of white distilled vinegar, and a couple of old towels. For hand-washing or spot-cleaning: a spray bottle, white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water for white plastic only), an old toothbrush, and rubber gloves. Baking soda is useful for scrubbing stubborn stains without scratching the surface. Always check the care label before choosing a method.
How to clean a shower curtain: 5 steps
- 1
Take it down and pre-inspect
Remove the curtain from its rings and lay it flat in the bath or on a clean floor. Look for mould patches (black or pink spots), soap scum build-up along the lower third, and any mineral staining near the hem. This tells you how aggressive your cleaning needs to be and whether you should spot-treat before washing.
- 2
Pre-treat stains with vinegar or baking soda paste
For mould spots, spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the affected area and leave it for 10 minutes. For tough soap scum, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with just enough washing-up liquid to form a thick paste, apply it with an old toothbrush, and scrub in small circles. Rinse the paste away before moving to the wash step. Skip bleach on coloured or patterned fabric — it will lift the dye.
- 3
Machine-wash with towels (or hand-wash in the bath)
For machine-washable curtains: place the curtain in the drum with two old towels (they act as gentle agitators and cushion the drum). Add your normal dose of liquid detergent plus half a cup of white vinegar in the fabric-softener compartment. Select a gentle cycle at 30 °C — hot water can warp plastic and shrink fabric. For hand-washing: fill the bath with warm water, add a cap of detergent and half a cup of vinegar, submerge the curtain and agitate it by hand for five minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
- 4
Rinse thoroughly and check
After the wash cycle (or hand-rinse), shake out excess water and hold the curtain up to the light. Any remaining soap film will show as a dull haze; any missed mould spots will still be visible. If either is present, repeat a quick vinegar spray on the spots, wait five minutes, and rinse again. Do not leave detergent residue in the fabric — it attracts more grime faster.
- 5
Hang immediately and allow to dry fully open
Rehang the curtain on its rings while still damp and spread it fully across the rail so air can circulate around every pleat. In summer, a bathroom window open for 30 minutes is enough to dry most curtains. In winter or in poorly ventilated bathrooms, a small fan or dehumidifier pointed at the curtain speeds drying and prevents mould from returning before the curtain is even dry. Never fold or bunch a damp curtain — this is where mould starts its next cycle.
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FAQ
- How often should I clean a shower curtain?
- Once a month is the minimum for a household in regular use. For holiday rentals or hotels with high guest turnover, clean the liner between every guest stay and do a deep-clean of the fabric outer curtain every two weeks during peak season.
- Can I put a plastic shower curtain liner in the washing machine?
- Yes, most plastic (PEVA or vinyl) liners are machine-washable on a gentle, cool cycle (30 °C or less). Adding two towels to the drum protects both the liner and the machine. Remove it promptly and rehang immediately — do not tumble-dry plastic liners as heat will warp or melt them.
- What is the best way to prevent mould from coming back so quickly?
- The single most effective habit is spreading the curtain fully open after every shower so it dries quickly. Spraying the lower half with diluted white vinegar once a week (and leaving it without rinsing) creates an acidic surface where mould struggles to take hold. Running the bathroom extractor fan — or opening a window — for at least 15 minutes after each shower also makes a significant difference in Greece's humid summer months.