Can You Wash a Shower Curtain Liner in the Washing Machine?
Yes — most shower curtain liners (both plastic/PEVA and fabric) can be machine washed. In fact, machine washing is the easiest and most effective way to clean them. Here’s how to do it without damaging the liner or the machine.
Before You Start: Check the Liner Material
| Liner Type | Machine Washable? | Best Method |
|---|---|---|
| PEVA/plastic (thin) | Yes — gently | Cold water, Delicate cycle, no spin or low spin |
| Vinyl (heavy plastic) | Yes — with care | Cold water, Delicate cycle, no heat |
| Fabric (polyester) | Yes | Cold or warm water, Gentle cycle, low spin |
| Weighted fabric liners | Yes | Cold water, Gentle cycle |
Never use hot water for plastic liners — they can melt, warp, or permanently wrinkle.
Step-by-Step: Washing a Shower Curtain Liner
Step 1: Remove the Liner
Take it off the hooks/rings. Remove the rings and wash them separately if they’re dirty. If the liner has grommet holes at the top, check they’re not torn — damage is best noticed now rather than after washing.
Step 2: Add Bath Towels
This is the key tip. Add 2–3 bath towels to the machine with the liner. The towels:
- Act as gentle scrubbers to help clean the liner’s surface
- Balance the load (a liner alone is an unbalanced load for the machine)
- Cushion the liner against the drum during spinning
Step 3: Set the Machine
- Water temperature: Cold (always for plastic liners; optional for fabric)
- Cycle: Delicate or Gentle
- Spin speed: No spin or Low spin for plastic liners; Low-Medium for fabric
- Detergent: Regular amount of your normal detergent
Step 4: Add Cleaning Boosters (Optional but Effective)
For mildew and soap scum:
- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer (fabric softener compartment). Vinegar is a natural mildew killer and leaves the liner smelling fresh.
- Add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum for extra deodorising.
- For stubborn mildew: add ¼ cup of bleach to the bleach compartment if the liner is white plastic/fabric. Never use bleach on coloured liners.
Step 5: Run the Cycle
Start the machine. The entire cycle takes 20–40 minutes on a Delicate setting.
Step 6: Remove and Hang to Dry
Remove the liner immediately after the cycle ends. Never put a shower curtain liner in the dryer — heat permanently damages plastic/PEVA liners (and many fabric ones). Instead:
- Shake the liner gently to remove water.
- Rehang it on the shower curtain rod to air dry — it will dry naturally in 1–3 hours in a ventilated bathroom.
How to Remove Stubborn Mildew Stains Before Washing
If the liner has significant black mildew growth, pre-treat before machine washing:
- Lay the liner flat in the bathtub.
- Spray with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Sprinkle baking soda on stubborn spots.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.
- Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse and then machine wash as above.
How Often Should You Wash a Shower Curtain Liner?
- High-use bathroom (2+ people): Monthly
- Single-person bathroom: Every 6–8 weeks
- Signs it needs washing now: Visible pink or black mildew growth, soap scum buildup visible when dry, musty smell in the bathroom
Extending the Life of Your Liner
- After each shower, spread the liner fully open so it dries faster. A liner bunched to one side stays damp and grows mildew faster.
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan (or open a window) after showering to reduce humidity.
- Spray with a diluted white vinegar solution weekly to prevent mildew.
- Even with good maintenance, most plastic liners should be replaced every 6–12 months. They’re inexpensive — replacement is often easier than deep cleaning.