Guest post by Lane’ Richards, The Living Green Solution
Unfortunately, I’m certain most of us have some type of vinyl shower curtain. I admit I do (a liner, that is). I made a compromise and at least bought a PVC-free shower curtain, but it’s still plastic none-the-less. I actually bought it for my now fiance’ and wanted to get him something durable (I wasn’t sure how he’d react to a hemp shower curtain liner). Well, a year later (yes, a year) and it’s still holding up strong, although it was in desperate need of a good cleaning.
I realize most everyone would probably throw it away. But hold the brakes! Why toss a dirty shower curtain when you can easily clean it! Imagine if every adult (over 18) in the United States landfilled a vinyl shower curtain every year, that’s roughly seventy-three million shower curtains! (The average person keeps a shower curtain for 1-2 years.) With a few simple steps and only a little bit of elbow grease, you can get yours looking almost new and save it from being landfilled!
Steps:
- Remove the shower curtain from the rings and put it in the bathtub.
- Fill the tub with just enough hot water to cover.
- Add about a half a cup of baking soda (this is really just an estimate you can use what you think is appropriate).
- You can either roll up your pants and get in the tub to “rub” the shower curtain with your feet or simply use your hands (I used my hands). The grit from the baking soda will help remove any grime from the curtain.
- Add about a cup of vinegar and enjoy the science experiment of “exploding lava”.
- Let it sit for about a half hour (estimate).
- If there’s any caked on mildew, especially around the bottom or around the seams you may need to scrape this off (I used a rag). However, after sitting and soaking, it will come right off.
- Hang to drip dry and you’ve got a close-to-new shower curtain.
So next time you think your shower curtain is on it’s last legs, just give it a wash and a second life!
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Author Note: Lane’ Richards is a Master Recycler and owner of The Living Green Solution, offering a variety of eco-friendly home solutions, tips and services to achieve greener, healthier living. Join her on Facebook and Twitter @LivingGreenOR
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That probably works, but you can also just throw a shower curtain into the washing machine. Put a towel in with it, and use regular laundry detergent. Cold or warm water works fine. Hang on a line to dry. Wipe with towel if you’re obsessive about water streaks. Curtains last for years and years like this.