Recently, we shared an article about how to choose the best non-toxic shower curtain and shower curtain liners.

It was a big hit and raised a natural follow-up question: how do you clean a shower curtain or curtain liner without bleach?

That’s what we’re covering today, including advice on cleaning and care instructions for natural fabric and synthetic shower curtains, and what to do if mold rears its ugly head.

What Causes Mold To Form On Shower Curtains?

Mold and mildew need three things to grow and thrive:

1. Humidity 
   
2. A food source, such as dust, dead skin, or soap scum
   
3. Poor ventilation

This is why bathrooms, bathtubs, showers, and shower curtains and liners are prime locations for mold and mildew.

They’re damp, humid, generally poorly ventilated, and full of all the food sources mold and mildew love.

Shower curtain liners are especially susceptible to damage due to the water from the bath or shower, poor drying methods (such as leaving them curtain open and bunched up), and the rate at which they dry.

How To Prevent Mold And Mildew On Shower Curtains & Liners

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in keeping moldy shower curtains at bay, especially if you’re a bleach-free home (and we hope you are!).

The plain truth is that while a small amount of mold or mildew on a shower curtain isn’t difficult to remove, a large amount can require a lot more effort and may even necessitate replacing the curtain or liner.

Here are a few strategies to help prevent mold and mildew from forming on your shower curtain or liner:

• Let the shower curtain dry thoroughly between uses: This means leaving the curtain and liner pulled fully closed and keeping the fan running.
  
• Ventilate as you shower: Running the vent fan and/or opening windows will help control and reduce humidity. Consider doing this during and for 15-30 minutes after showering.
  
• Wash your shower curtain liner once or twice a month. We’ll provide tips on how to do this in the next section, but regular laundering is essential for preventing mold and mildew.
  
• Clean your shower and tub regularly: Mold and mildew require a food source, and dead skin, soap scum, and dust are some of their favorite sources. Prevent this by cleaning your bathroom regularly with Branch Basics Bathroom and Oxygen Boost or your preferred human- and environmentally safe brand.
  
• Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide or vinegar (but never both together, as this creates a toxic gas) directly on your shower curtain liner a couple of times a week to help prevent mold and mildew.
  
• Consider a dehumidifier: If your bathroom is poorly ventilated, consider running a dehumidifier after showering to help speed up the drying process.

Now that you know how to prevent mold and mildew on shower curtains, let’s learn how to clean the different types of non-toxic and low-tox shower curtains and shower curtain liners.

Related reading: How To Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide: A Safer Alternative for Cleaning, Disinfecting, & More

How To Clean Natural Fabric Shower Curtain Liners

As discussed in The Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Linerse, we recommend linen or hemp shower curtains and shower curtain liners as the most non-toxic options.

Not only are these made from 100% natural and renewable resources, but they also have naturally occurring anti-mold and mildew plant compounds.

100% cotton liners or cotton/linen cotton/hemp blends are also good, but may require more frequent laundering.

How Often To Wash

These natural fabric shower curtains and liners should be laundered once a week or every other week, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This prevents mold and mildew from setting in.

How To Wash Natural Fabric Shower Curtains

Natural fabric shower curtains can be washed just like natural fabric clothing. Just check the tag and follow the manufacturer’s instructions using Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, Laundry dilution, or your favorite natural laundry detergent.

Additional tips:

• If you see the beginnings of mold or mildew, soak the shower curtain or liner in a large sink or basin of water with 1 scoop of Branch Basics Oxygen Boost.
  
• You can also add 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide or 1 cup of distilled white vinegar (one or the other, not both!) to the washing machine.
  
• We also recommend sunning them after drying whenever possible, and putting them back up thoroughly dry.

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost is an excellent addition to your laundry routine, as it contains sodium percarbonate, a natural, human-safe, mineral-based, and biodegradable form of peroxide that naturally kills mold, mildew, and microbes.

Combine with Branch Basics Laundry Detergent or Laundry dilution for a fresh, clean, and mold-free shower curtain.

Related reading: The Power Of Sodium Percarbonate For Cleaning

How to Clean Polyester Or Nylon Shower Curtain Liner

Untreated polyester or nylon shower curtains or liners are our next-best, lower-tox choice.

They don’t contain the plasticizer chemicals or emit harsh VOCs like PVA shower curtains and liners, are less expensive, and easier to maintain than natural fiber curtains.

Of course, we’d love to see everyone use a natural fabric curtain, but we also know it’s not always realistic or practical.

How Often To Wash

These types of shower curtains and liners can be washed less frequently, typically once a month, to remove dirt, soap scum, and grime buildup and prevent mold and mildew.

How To Wash Natural Fabric Shower Curtains

Follow the instructions on the label using Branch Basics Oxygen Boost + Laundry Detergent or Laundry dilution, or your favorite natural laundry soap. Consider using a Guppyfriend bag to prevent the release of microplastics during washing.

If you don’t have Oxygen Boost, you can try adding a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide or vinegar (but not both, as this combination creates a toxic gas) to your load to help remove any mold spores.

Place in the sun when possible, and dry thoroughly before re-hanging.

How To Clean a PEVA Or EVA Shower Curtain

PEVA and EVA shower curtains are also a lower-toxic option that’s very affordable, accessible, and easy to clean and maintain.

How Often To Clean

Once a month is usually sufficient.

How To Clean

Unlike the previous fabrics, these can be cleaned with either Branch Basics Bathroom, All-Purpose, or plain white vinegar.

Just spritz on, scrub away dirt, soap scum, or mildew, rinse, and dry.

Related reading: Cleaning Vinegar vs. White Vinegar: What’s The Difference?

Additional Tips For How To Get Rid Of Mold On Shower Curtains, Without Bleach

If your shower curtain gets moldy, the most important thing is to address it ASAP.

As mentioned previously, the longer it sits and the larger it grows, the more difficult it will be to remove naturally.

How To Remove Mold From Linen, Cotton, Or Hemp Shower Curtains Or Liners

If you launder your natural fiber shower curtain liner weekly or every other week and dry it properly, mold shouldn’t be a problem.

However, if you do see mold, be sure to address it immediately. A small amount is typically easy to remedy, whereas an infestation can ruin your curtain.

If you discover mold on your liner or curtain, don’t panic.

1. First, soak it in a large sink or basin filled with hot water and Oxygen Boost for several hours. Rinse and assess.
   
2. If this doesn’t do the trick, spray a generous amount of undiluted vinegar or cleaning vinegar and scrub away as much as you can.
   
3. Next, put it through a hot water wash with Branch Basics or your favorite natural laundry detergent, along with a scoop of Oxygen Boost or a cup of hydrogen peroxide.
   
4. If the mold isn’t completely gone, try pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide on it (don’t dilute) and let dwell for several hours.
   
5. Finally, sun the curtain or liner as long as it takes to bake out the rest of the mold.

Option 2: The Borax Method

Borax is a natural mineral cleaner that also serves as an effective fungicide. 

However, we only recommend using it in certain circumstances due to new findings about potential toxicity if misused.

If you wear gloves, do not inhale the Borax, and use it in a well-ventilated area, it’s generally safe (and much safer than chlorine bleach), but do take these precautions.

To use:

1. Using gloves, combine 1 cup of borax per gallon of cold water and mix with a large utensil until you have a sufficient amount to soak the entire portion of the moldy shower curtain.
   
2. Submerge the affected area and soak for at least an hour.
   
3. Remove and launder per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If all this doesn’t work, I’m sorry to say, it’s time to get a new liner.

If you’re determined to try chlorine bleach (not recommended due to toxicity and safety concerns), be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area and allow the cleaned curtain to air out before returning it to the shower.

Notes: 

• Take care when using Oxygen Boost or 3% hydrogen peroxide undiluted and directly on colored fabrics, as it could cause discoloration.
  
  • Oxygen Boost can be safely used as a soak on colored fabrics for several hours.
    
• Never use peroxide and vinegar together or store them together, as this creates a toxic gas when inhaled. It is safe, however, to use one, clean it off, and then use the other.
  
• The natural acetic acid in vinegar is a lung irritant when sprayed. Always use in a well-ventilated space and do not use around babies, young children, or anyone with a lung condition—in this case, lemon juice is a safer alternative.

How To Remove Mold From Polyester Or Nylon Shower Curtain Liners

First and foremost, prevention is your best policy; therefore, launder these items at least once a month. 

You can also try spraying vinegar or 3% peroxide once a week to help deter mold.

If you discover mold on your liner or curtain, follow the instructions above for natural fabric curtains and liners (yes, it’s OK to use Borax on nylon and polyester as an alternative).

Notes:

• Take care when using Oxygen Boost or undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics, as it may cause discoloration.
  
  • Oxygen Boost can be safely used as a soak on colored fabrics for several hours.
    
• Never use peroxide and vinegar together or store them together, as this creates a toxic gas when inhaled. It is safe, however, to use one, clean it off, and then use the other.
  
• The natural acetic acid in vinegar is a lung irritant when sprayed. Always use in a well-ventilated space and do not use around babies, young children, or anyone with a lung condition—in this case, lemon juice is a safer alternative.
  
• Consider using a Guppyfriend bag when laundering to help prevent the release of microplastics.

Related reading: Is Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) Toxic? The Dangers & Alternatives

How To Remove Mold From PEVA or EVA Shower Curtains & Liners

Removing mold from PEVA or EVA-based shower curtains is typically a straightforward process.

• Spray with undiluted vinegar or Branch Basics Bathroom or All-Purpose, and scrub clean.  
  
• If the mold persists, try scrubbing with Branch Basics Oxygen Boost and All-Purpose and let dwell for several hours. 
  
• 3% hydrogen peroxide can also be used to treat mold after scrubbing.
  
• Sun after washing to bake out any remaining mold spores.
  

Need Help Tackling Tough Cleaning Jobs?

Whether you have a moldy shower curtain, a tough carpet stain, a neglected bathroom, a kitchen mess, a burnt pot or pan, or even a stinky pet, Branch Basics can help you get the job done!

Our all-in-one MADE Safe Certified, human-safe, and biodegradable cleaning line uses just one Concentrate plus water to clean your entire home (and do your laundry, wash your hands, clean your produce, wash your car or pets, remove makeup, clean your jewelry, and dozens of other things!) from top to bottom.

We also offer Plastic-free Dishwasher Tablets, Laundry Detergent, Gel Hand Soap, and natural cleaning tools and accessories to complete your healthy cleaning lineup.

To learn more about how Branch Basics works, see: How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit for a full written and video tutorial.

Ready to shop?

Check out our Starter Kits, which have everything you need to replace every toxic cleaning and laundry product in your home.