How do you remove mildew from a shower curtain?

Machine wash with baking soda and vinegar. For stubborn spots, spray with undiluted vinegar, let sit 10 minutes, then wash.

How often should you wash a shower curtain?

Monthly. Spray the bottom with vinegar weekly as preventive maintenance against mildew.

Try washing first. If mildew does not come out after two washes, replace the curtain. Liners are inexpensive to replace.

On white vinyl or plastic liners, diluted bleach works. Avoid bleach on colored fabric curtains.

Bathroom

Your shower curtain is one of the most-used surfaces in your home. Here's how to get it spotless and keep it that way.

1
Remove the curtain
Take the shower curtain off the hooks or rod. Check the care label for washing instructions.
2
Machine wash on warm
Place the curtain in the washing machine with 2 old towels (they act as scrubbers). Add detergent and half a cup of baking soda.
3
Add vinegar to the rinse
Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This kills remaining mildew and removes soap scum.
4
Hang to dry immediately
Rehang the curtain on the rod to drip dry. Do not put plastic or vinyl curtains in the dryer -- heat melts them.

TIPSpray the bottom third of the shower curtain with vinegar solution weekly to prevent mildew from forming.
TIPKeep the curtain spread out after every shower instead of bunched to one side -- airflow prevents mold.
TIPWash shower curtains and liners monthly to stay ahead of mildew buildup.

XPutting plastic or vinyl shower curtains in the dryer, which melts and warps them permanently.
XIgnoring mildew until it is severe, at which point the curtain often needs to be replaced entirely.
XUsing bleach on colored fabric curtains, which causes fading and weakens the material.

Yes. Use warm water, gentle cycle, with towels for scrubbing action. Add baking soda and vinegar. Hang to dry -- never machine dry.