Shower curtain
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I find that shower curtains pretty problematic. They aren't recyclable, I haven't found any that are made of recycled materials, and they are hard to wash once they get mildewy (putting them in the laundry machine tends to destroy them, I've found). Does anyone have either an environmentally-friendly or a washable shower curtain solution? |
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I have had good results with this one: link:Hotel Fabric Shower Liner Washable, and when it gets a bit mildewed, I add some bleach to the wash. I agree with the three reviewers on the site. |
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Instead of dumping a vinyl shower curtain into the wash, try this method. It only takes a few minutes. Locate or purchase an expandable curtain rod. Install the rod 3" or 4" from the wall of the shower area. Remove the curtain including the clips so that the left inside part will be on the right side facing you. Spray a product such as Clorox Cleaner with Bleach onto the dry interior surface. Start at the top and evenly coat the vinyl until it runs. Let stand for a few minutes. The mildew and soap residue should wash off in the first hot water rinse (use your handheld shower head). Apply a second coat on the now wet surface and allow to stand for several minutes. Rinse off with another hot water rinse. Allow to dry. Rehang the shower curtain back on the original rod in the reverse method so the interior portion faces inside of the tub. Takes a lot less water and time than a machine wash. |
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? Put six inches of water in the tub and wash it there with the ingredients described above, plus a brush. ? |
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Your can wash the shower curtain in the washing machine with your regular laundry. And while you are in the shower, don’t forget about conserving water with a low flow high pressure shower head. Just look for the water sense label. |
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I had years of trouble finding a shower curtain to suit my needs. The PVC one was thick, stiff, and off-gassed something terrible. Although it was billed as ”mildew-resistant”, hard-water stains and mildew would eventually build up in the crevices of the curtain’s folds. Then it was an unholy beast to wrestle into the washing machine. I discarded it in favor of a beautiful and expensive hemp cloth curtain. Instructions say to drape the curtain on the outside of the tub once you’re done showering so that the curtain can dry more quickly. Well, eventually one day I forgot to carry out that step. MILDEW! Thick, black, ugly mildew! I have since found the shower curtain of my dreams at http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/Home/Bath/Nylon_Hotel_Shower_Curtain/54194 . This curtain (or curtain liner) is made of teflon-coated nylon. It has the soft, flexible texture of fabric and better water-repelling action than any shower curtain I’ve owned. No hard water build-up and no mildew after more than a year of use. I do wash it occasionally (in a clothes washing machine), but I’m removing no evident stains. Didn’t think I’d ever love a plain white shower curtain, but I love this one. Perfectly practical! I can\'t imagine this curtain is recyclable, but I plan to use it forever. |
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I found some at best shower head center. They are pretty cheap are have some nice looking ones as well. |
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I have not experienced destroyed shower curtains but would admit it may be a concern; I have a front-loading washer so perhaps I am immune to that concern? Plastic seems to be the best solution, but I'd go washable fabric even over a silver-impregnated ultra-curtain.
Of course, you could also consider adding a glass door instead of a curtain.