How to Remove Mildew Stains from Shower Curtains

The key to keeping your shower curtains from accumulating too much dirt and mildew stains is to wash them regularly with natural products.
How to Remove Mildew Stains from Shower Curtains

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Your shower curtains are among those things that have to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep your bathroom in hygienic condition. Because they’re constantly exposed to a damp and sometimes poorly ventilated environment, it’s normal that those annoying mildew stains will start to appear.

The problem is that mold not only ruins its appearance, but it can also cause odors and generate particulates that affect your respiratory health.

The good news is that you can effectively eliminate mold, using some tricks and the ingredients you have on hand.

Today we’ll share the best ones, so don’t hesitate to use them any time you need to perform this task.

Get ready!

Baking soda to eliminate mildew stains

Baking soda

Baking soda is the most popular product for cleaning shower curtains in a cheap, environmentally-friendly way.

It kills germs, fights the growth of fungus, and neutralizes odors.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of baking soda (100 g)
  • 2 cups of hot water (500 ml)

What should you do?

  • Dilute the half cup of baking soda in the hot water and add this mixture to your usual washing machine cycle.
  • If your curtains are made of plastic or a similar material, wait until the water cools and spray it on the curtain before scrubbing it with a brush.
  • Repeat this process every two weeks to keep your shower curtains spotless and free of mildew stains.

Also read:

6 Weird Uses for Baking Soda

White vinegar

Considered to be one of the quintessential cleaning products, white vinegar is an acidic compound that prevents oxidation and the development of black stains due to bacteria growth and fungi.

Its active compounds can deep clean fabrics, removing soap scum and prolonging the life of your curtains.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar (125 ml)

What should you do?

  • Pour the white vinegar into the washing machine and run your regular cycle.
  • To prevent the reappearance of mildew stains, add vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the curtain every day.

Apple cider vinegar and bleach

Apple cider vinegar

While apple cider vinegar isn’t as effective as white vinegar, its properties are also worth taking advantage of.

This product, combined with bleach, creates a lasting feeling of cleanliness and removes all types of stains.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar (125 ml)
  • 1/4 cup of bleach (62 ml)

What should you do?

  • Combine the apple cider vinegar and bleach, and add them to the washing machine.
  • Run your regular cycle with cold water and let the curtains dry in the sun afterwards.
  • Repeat this process at least once a month.

Milk with salt

The combination of milk and salt can be used to whiten curtains or bathmats.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cold milk (500 ml)
  • 2 cups of water (500 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon of coarse salt (15 g)

What should you do?

  • Add the milk to a bowl and mix in the water and salt.
  • Pour this over your curtains and scrub them with a brush.
  • Remove any excess with warm water and repeat this procedure every two weeks.

Lemon juice

Lemons and lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice is perfect for removing stains and brightening shower curtains that are white, colorful, or patterned.

It’s not an aggressive product and it’s highly useful for enhancing natural colors and removing stubborn dirt or mildew stains.

Ingredients

  • The juice from 5 lemons
  • 1 liter of hot water

What should you do?

  • Extract the juice from the five lemons, mix it in with the hot water, and soak the curtain in this mixture for 20 minutes.
  • After this time, wash with your regular detergent, either by hand or in the washing machine.
  • If you have very large mold stains, apply the lemon directly to the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes, scrub with a brush, and then rinse.

You want to know more?

9 Unexpected Uses for Lemon Peel

White vinegar and essential pine oil

In addition to removing mold, if you want to leave your shower curtains smelling fresh and pleasant, don’t hesitate to try this interesting trick.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar (125 ml)
  • 1/2 cup of water (125 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda (20 g)
  • 1 teaspoon of essential pine oil (5 g)

How do you make it?

  • Add all ingredients to a clean container, mix them well using a silicone or wood utensil, and pour this mixture into the washing machine.
  • If you prefer to wash by hand, rub this preparation into the curtain using a brush or sponge.

Caring for your shower curtains isn’t difficult, especially if you clean them on a regular basis to prevent large spots and mildew stains from forming.

Choose the option that stands out to you and follow these recommendations to achieve excellent results.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.