Ventilate your bathroom correctly and do maintenance cleaning. These steps are the best ways on how to prevent mildew on shower curtain.
The bathroom can be a threshold for mold, mildew, and other fungi. Your shower curtain is the most susceptible part because it always gets wet when you shower.
You may notice an unpleasant smell over time. You might also see things growing on your shower curtain.
This article will help to prevent mildew from growing.
What Kind Of Mildew Grows On Shower Curtains?
First, you must understand what grows on your shower curtains. Mildew falls under the umbrella term “mold,” but it’s less dangerous and easier to remove.
Sometimes, mildew can be the beginning stage of severe mold, so clean up the area once you see discoloration.
Mildew usually comes in grey, black, or white. It depends on what spores are floating in your bathroom.
Is Mildew Dangerous?
Mildew doesn’t have as many health risks like mold, so you don’t have to panic when you spot it.
However, prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems and headaches for some people. The symptoms of these conditions aren’t as intense with mildew, though.
The biggest inconvenience mildew can give you is the smell and horrible appearance. Other than these, you shouldn’t stress too much.
Just remember to always use protective gear when you’re cleaning!
Black mold is a dangerous pest you should be vigilant for. It’s a potent fungus that can cause severe respiratory issues if not treated.
These are the reasons why you should prevent mildew and mold from growing. It can save you from additional efforts and expenses that accompany infestations.
How To Prevent Mildew On Your Shower Curtains
If you spot mildew on your shower curtains, you must remove it. You can use D.I.Y. cleaning agents or commercial ones from the store.
Here’s an article that shows how to remove mildew from shower curtains.
If your curtains are now mildew-free, you need to ensure the pesky fungus doesn’t come back. You can protect your shower curtains from infestations in several ways.
Method #1. Prevent the spores from growing
It’s always best to stop the spores from entering your home and settling on surfaces. These steps will save you from future hassle.
Step #1. Use a smooth-surfaced shower curtain
Textured curtains retain water, and they can be a haven for mildew. Try to purchase smooth curtains so the water will just slide down.
Step #2. Ensure there’s enough ventilation
Leave your shower curtain slightly open after you shower so that excess water can evaporate. You can leave the bathroom windows and door open to speed up the process.
Just remember to close the curtains once you’re done so the sheet can dry adequately. Make sure it’s hanging straight with no folds for even drying.
Step #3. Manually dry the shower curtain after using it
Wipe off the remaining water on your shower curtain with a rag. This process will prevent mildew from growing on this surface.
Method #2. Protect your shower curtain
Sometimes no matter how ventilated your home is, mildew spores can enter your bathroom. You can prevent them from growing on your shower curtains by making a protective layer.
Step #1. Wash the shower curtain
You can use white vinegar and detergent, then toss it in the washing machine.
You must also remove the musty mildew smell from your bathroom. Here’s an article to show you how to get rid of mildew smell in bathroom.
Step #2. Soak the curtain in salt
Mix a water and salt solution in a tub, and let the curtain soak for 3 hours to develop the protective layer.
Step #3. Dry the shower curtain
Hang it to air dry, and your bathroom is ready!
Method #3. Do regular cleaning
Maintenance cleaning can do wonders for your shower curtain. Mildew spores will definitely die out!
Step #1. Prepare a cleaning solution
You can use commercial products or white vinegar to clean your curtains. Spray it on, and let the sheet air dry when you’re finished.
Step #2. Make a routine
Try to clean your shower curtains once a week to prevent mildew from growing.
Other Tips For Shower Curtain Care
These tips are the most common things you can do to prevent mildew, but you can do other methods to keep your bathroom in good condition too!
You can install an exhaust fan that can help with your bathroom’s ventilation. You must let it run for about 15 minutes after you shower.
You can also use your home air conditioner during the summer months. Mildew thrives in warmer temperatures, so use the cool air to keep them away.
Also, ensure the other parts of your bathroom won’t attract mildew. You must hang your towels properly to dry and not attract spores.
If mildew settles on any part of your bathroom, it will quickly spread and become a problem.
You can also make a spray from hydrogen peroxide, water, and dish soap that can apply around your bathroom. This spray will prevent spores from growing in your damp areas.
Conclusion
Mildew can be a massive problem in your bathroom, and it’s worse when it sticks to materials like your shower curtain. That’s why you must try to stop it.
You can protect the whole bathroom when you know how to prevent mildew on shower curtain. Your home will be clean, and it will smell good!