Cotton Shower Curtains - Bed Bath & Beyond (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to have a cotton shower curtain? ›

Are cotton shower curtains good? While they can be more expensive, cotton is generally a good choice for your shower curtain. Cotton curtains can be the most durable and are also the easiest to wash, but must be done each month.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is frequently made with numerous hazardous chemicals, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your bathroom. As these chemicals off-gas, they contribute to indoor air pollution [1].

Washing machine (+ vinegar or baking soda)

Toss your fabric shower curtain and liner into the washing machine on a quick wash or rinse mode. You can wash the shower curtain or liner with either laundry detergent or substitute the detergent with ¼ cup of white vinegar, same as you'd use to pretreat the shower curtain.

Unlike a plastic shower curtain, fabric shower curtains don't have smooth surfaces, and mold can get deep into the fibers of your shower curtain. Spores are microscopic, and when they find a cozy spot to call home, they attach themselves to the spot, and start to grow.

Hemp Shower Curtain

Hemp dries more quickly than cotton or linen so doesn't require waxing, if your bathroom is well ventilated. No certifications, but hemp doesn't require pesticides or fertilizers. Can be a good plastic shower curtain alternative, and you don't necessarily need a separate liner.

Measure the distance from the curtain rod to the floor. You don't want your shower curtain hitting the floor so we suggest subtracting 8”-10” from the rod to floor measurement.

Vinyl Shower curtains are also a very popular option. If you are looking for something that is low-cost and easy to maintain, then consider purchasing a vinyl curtain instead of the cloth alternatives. These decorative pieces act as a natural water repellent, so mildew and mold is less of an issue.

Shower Curtains & Shower Curtain Liners: Every 6 Months

You can wash it with a diluted bleach solution and a sponge, throw it in the washing machine (hang to dry), or just toss it and purchase a new one.

Both hemp and linen have antibacterial properties and are machine-washable and very durable. They're not waterproof but they dry fast, so they're great fabric options for shower curtains. Shower curtains made of conventional cotton are also way better than plastic ones.

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.

What shower curtain doesn t cling to you? ›

Get a heavier, vinyl curtain: Seriously fed up with the curtain you've got? Recycle it and switch your light polyester, or a polyester-cotton blend curtain for something a little heavier — like a heavy-duty vinyl curtain which should resist the vortex.

Shower curtains made of untreated cotton canvas, hemp or nylon do a great job at stopping water from spraying outside the shower. They work like a wick, channeling water downwards through the cloth into the tub. No liner needed. Spread curtain open and hang it outside of the tub to dry after taking a shower.

While some fabric curtains can be tumbled on low heat in the dryer, plastic or vinyl curtains should only be air dried. Check the care label before attempting to put fabric curtains in the dryer. Learn how to wash and dry towels.

If in doubt, lightweight fabrics which won't retain much water, such as cotton, are usually fine to wash in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent. Choose a 'delicates' cycle, or a cool wash on a slower spin cycle.

Without a liner, you would have to replace the shower curtain more often. The water-resistant material of the shower liner is easier to wipe down (and even machine-wash in some cases) when necessary.

Even big retailers now carry a range of fabric curtains to choose from. Fabric shower curtains can be made out of cotton, polyester, rayon, or nylon. You can throw them in the wash every couple of months to keep them clean and fresh.

Fabric shower curtain liners provide a soft look, enhancing your bathroom's interior design. They are also made to be water repellent, which provides protection for the floor, so they do more than simply look good. They can easily be washed and reused.