How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings

Combine 8 ounces of laundry detergent and baking soda with 16 ounces of warm water. Stir until foam starts to form, and dip shower curtain rings in it while removing dirt and grime using a brush. Discard the mixture into your sink and rinse your rings with cold water. Let them air-dry until you are ready to reconnect them to your curtains. 

In this modern age where we are almost always connected to social media, the shower is our haven from the world before we head to work and before laying our heads on our pillow. 

So, keeping our little haven clean at all times is critical. 

Part of this safe space includes your curtains and curtain rings. Do you remember the last time you gave your shower curtain rings a good scrubbing? Unfortunately, if you are like most people, you can’t also remember. It’s the last thing people ever think of cleaning in their bathroom. 

This guide will teach you how to clean your shower curtains and rings so they stay safe from pathogens, grime, and foul smells.

Why Do Shower Curtains and Rings Collect Mold? 

Mold survives in moist environments, and the temperature needs to be 77 to 86 Fahrenheit for growth. 

After a lengthy shower, let your curtains and their rings get air by opening your bathroom window if you have one. If you don’t open it, your curtains will remain wet for a longer period. This will result in mold growth. 

This advice will help keep mold from spreading on your curtain rings, and you should follow it every time you shower. Unfortunately, most people don’t heed this step and leave them wet to dry on their own. 

Tip: Do you have a shower liner? It’s best to have it positioned inside the tub and leave the outer curtains on the exterior of it. To ensure they stay dry, use an extractor fan if you’ve installed one at home, or opening a nearby window is the second-best choice. 

How to Clean Shower Curtain Rings

Shower curtain rings are often ignored and are the dirtiest part of your curtains. The strategy below is effective on metal and plastic rings, whether they are slightly dirty or covered in rust from years of abandonment. 

What You’ll Need

  • Basin or a medium-sized bucket
  • White Vinegar
  • Warm water
  • Soft Bristle Brush

Instructions

  1. Pour 24 ounces of hot water and 8 ounces of vinegar into a bucket or in your sink with the drain covered up. 
  1. Dip the rings into the mixture and let them sit in the bucket for 2 to 4 hours. 
  1. Discard the vinegar solution into the sink and wash the rings with cold water. 
  1. Scrub for 3 to 5 minutes with your nylon brush to eliminate leftover grime and rust. 
  1. Put them under the sink and rewash them with cold water.
  1. Allow them to dry for 60 minutes and reconnect them to the curtains. 

How to Prevent Shower Curtains and Rings From Getting Moldy

Being proactive about preventing mold growth on your curtain rings is just as important to know as how to clean them. 

Practicing prevention strategies takes less time and is highly effective. 

Below are a few tips you can consider to stop the spread of mold on shower curtains and rings: 

  • Leave dry after use: Once you are done with your shower, open your curtains and a nearby window to let everything air-dry. Everyone in your household must agree that they will follow this rule. 
  • Clean them daily: Clean your curtains and shower rings bi-weekly if you have the chance. The fastest way to do it is to hand wash them and dry both with a towel after you complete your task. 
  • Spray them: Combine 8 ounces of vinegar and 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. To add a soothing scent to your solution, you can put a tablespoon of essential oil in it.

    Now you can spray your curtain and its rings separately, ensuring you don’t miss an inch. With a microfiber towel, wipe the curtain up and down until the dirt comes off. And lastly, wipe the curtain rings thoroughly, removing any visible rust. 
  • Hang properly: Many people leave their curtains hanging on the inside of their tub. This is not a good habit and will cause the moist curtains to stick to the tub. The result is moldy curtains and rings because they take longer to dry. Always let your curtains dry and position them outside the tub to correctly air-dry. 
  • Water-resistant: Always buy shower curtains that are resistant to water. We recommend plastic because they are always the easiest to clean. If you buy cloth curtains, ask if shower lines are included as an accessory. Stay away from satin and silk fabrics. They look and feel amazing but accumulate mold fast. 

FAQs on How to Clean Shower Curtains

Does bleach eliminate mold on shower curtains? 

Yes, bleach eliminates mold and prevents outbreaks, but they also cause your curtain to lose its original color. Therefore, only use bleach if your curtains and curtain rings are white. 

How do you get the rust off a metal shower curtain ring? 

Fill a bowl with 16 ounces of vinegar or lemon juice and put all your shower curtain rings inside. Allow them to stay in the bowl while you sleep; either of these 2 acidic liquids will eliminate rust. 

Can mold on shower curtain rings make you ill? 

There is a very low probability that mold on your curtains will make you sick. The worst you will have to deal with is the mold getting on your body and giving you a foul body odor. 

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