Leaving the shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a lot of people. Some would agree that closing the curtain after taking the shower is necessary to keep it dry while others disagree. So, should you leave it open or close? We will discuss that in this article.
Should you leave your shower curtain open or closed? Shower curtains should be closed after taking a shower to let them dry. A closed shower curtain will dry easily, especially between the folds. Take note that a wet and moist shower curtain will encourage the growth of mildew and mold which can damage it and can also make the curtain smell bad.
Should a shower curtain be left open or closed? Is it important to close the shower curtain when not in use? How do you prevent a shower curtain from being moldy? When to wash shower curtains? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. To maintain a clean shower, make sure that your shower curtains are clean as well because they accumulate dirt and mold which can cause your bathroom to stink and can also put your health at risk.
Should a Shower Curtain be Open or Closed when Not in Use?
A shower curtain should be closed when not in use. Once you leave it open, mold and mildew can develop inside the folds. Moreover, a shower curtain should be left closed after using the shower. This is because an open shower curtain folds on itself which makes causes the water to get trapped between the plastic and makes it hard to dry. This can eventually cause mold to grow. You can also check out this article that we have written that discusses if you can use a regular shower curtain for a stall shower. We have shared tips that you can refer to when choosing a curtain for your stall shower.
Should a Shower Curtain be Left Open or Closed?
It is recommended that the shower curtain should be left closed so that it dries faster. After taking a shower, make sure to draw the curtain at the length of the tub so that it quickly dries. The plastic lining of the curtain should stay inside the tub as it dries. You can also leave the bathroom door or window open for additional ventilation.
What to Do With a Shower Curtain After Shower?
After taking a shower, make sure to close the shower curtain. The curtains are designed to stay splayed out. Make sure that you close it so it can completely dry. Shower liners should be kept inside the tub and the outer curtain outside so that the air can freely flow between the two.
Should You Leave the Bathroom Door Open After a Shower?
Keep the bathroom door open after taking a shower to prevent the growth of mold and to lessen mildew. If you do not want to open the door, you can open the bathroom window instead. Moreover, turn the exhaust fan on so that it can pull most of the moisture out of the room.
How Do You Keep a Shower Curtain from Getting Moldy?
You can keep a shower curtain from getting moldy by washing it regularly and by making sure that you let it dry after taking a shower. The growth of mold on the shower curtain is usually caused by the moisture that remains after showering. Below are some of the preventative steps that you can take to prevent the growth of mold.
Wash Regularly
To prevent mold from growing on your shower curtain, make sure to wash it regularly. Some curtains are machine-washable while others are meant for hand washing only. Make sure that you read the care label of the curtain before washing it. Take note that some curtains cannot also be placed in a dryer because the hot temperature can cause the material to melt, burn, or tear.
Shake the Shower Curtain
Another thing that you can do is shake the shower curtain after you have finished taking a shower. Stretch it out and shake it gently to get rid of the excess water and moisture. This helps the curtain to dry faster.
Use the Exhaust Fan
After taking a shower, make sure to turn on the exhaust fan to pull dry air into the bathroom and to get rid of the moisture and low humidity. Allow it to run for at least 15 minutes.
Open the Bathroom Door or Window
You can open the bathroom door for better air circulation and help your bathroom dry faster. Another option would be to open the window to let the outside air in. Let the sunshine and natural light inside the bathroom keep mildew from developing.
✅ Video – How to Prevent Mold On A Shower Curtain
GetGreenBeWell shared the video below on how to prevent mold on a shower curtain. If you are dealing with mold on your shower curtain, you need to make sure that it is properly cleaned. Check out the easy hacks that you follow when it comes to shower curtain mold prevention and cleaning.
Best Shower Curtains for Your Bathroom
With the wide array of shower curtains available on the market, it can be confusing to find the one that is perfect for your home. The kind of shower curtain that you need will have to depend on your preferences, budget, and the style of your bathroom. Of course, you need to consider the material and the quality of the shower curtain. To help you get started, we have shared a list of the best shower curtain that you can choose from.
Barossa Design Plastic Shower Curtain Liner
The shower curtain liner is water-resistant and it will not leak. It is durable and will last for a long time. It is lightweight and because it is waterproof, it will not easily get moldy. You can choose from the different colors available.
ALYVIA SPRING Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
Moreover, it features three magnets at the bottom of the curtain to add extra weight and help keep the shower curtain liner in place. The fabric shower curtain is odorless, PVC free, and BPA-Free. The shower curtain liner easily repels water and also dries quickly.
AmazerBath Waffle Shower Curtain
Another option that you can have for a shower curtain for your bathroom is the AmazerBath waffle shower curtain. It is made from heavy-duty polyester fabric. The shower curtain is soft and comfortable to the touch. It does not have any smell and is ideal for a moist bathroom. The high-quality material makes it durable and last for a long time.
Moreover, the shower curtain can be washed in a washing machine. This makes it easy to clean and also dries quickly. The shower curtain is made from extra strong fabric with a tight hem so it will not shrink or deform. Moreover, the shower curtain can fit most standard-sized bathtubs and showers.
BigFoot Shower Curtain Liner
The shower curtain liner offers full coverage so you do not have to worry that your bathroom floors will get wet from water splashes. It is easy to clean and maintain. The shower curtain is safe for all ages, free from odors, and easily resists soap scum and stains. It comes in different colors that you can choose from.
LiBa PEVA 8G Bathroom Shower Curtain Liner
The shower curtain liner features heavy-duty magnets on the bottom to help keep it in place. The 12 rust-proof metal grommets prevent it from tearing so it can last for a long time. Furthermore, the shower curtain liner is made from 100% eco-friendly PEVA material that is free of PVC and chlorine. There is no bad smell or chemical fumes that come from the shower curtain liner.
What Can I Use Instead of a Shower Curtain?
Some materials that you can use as an alternative to shower curtains include glass doors, screens, open repurposed metal, linen, an open wet floor, or a rolling panel. For aesthetic purposes or if you want to transform the look of your shower to another level; you can use the materials mentioned for an upgrade.
Open Wet Room
You can ditch the idea of a shower curtain or shower doors by having a spacious shower and a wet room. This will not only save you time for care and maintenance. But it will also save you money for installation and replacement.
Glass Doors
This is a good alternative to shower curtains. Choose shower doors that are made from tempered glass because they have an elegant look to them. Glass doors are an easy way to keep the shower clean and you do not need to replace them often as compared to shower curtains. However, it needs regular maintenance to keep it spotless.
Repurposed Metal
You can also choose repurposed metal as a substitute for shower curtains. You can visit your local yard sale, thrift store, vintage shop, or estate sale for repurposed metals. A good idea would be to use an old elevator door that opens and closes with the use of hinges. You can also use fencing material. However, you need to watch out for rust when you choose repurposed metals.
Rolling Panel
Another material that you can use is the rolling panel. This is a modern and convenient option that you can have. Make sure to give it some time to air out and dry after every use to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. A roll-up shower blind is also a good alternative for a shower or bathtub combination. If you choose this material, see to it that you check the measurements of the shower or bathtub so that you can have the right fit.
Screens
You can also consider the screen as a material for your shower. Some screens are designed to roll up and out of the way when they are not in use. Screens have a modern and clean appearance and can also provide the privacy that you need to enjoy your shower.
Linen
Another option that you can have is linen. It provides a minimalist and natural look to your shower. Aside from providing privacy, it is also known to be a breathable fabric and allows light to pass through. Linen can be machine-washed which makes cleaning it an easy and convenient job. It is moisture-absorbent, lightweight, and quickly dries between uses. We have also shared this article titled, can you wash a shower curtain in the washing machine? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Why Does My Shower Curtain Get Moldy So Fast?
The growth of mold on the shower curtain is usually caused by the moisture that remains and gets trapped inside the material after taking a shower. Given the right conditions, molds can quickly appear within 24 to 48 hours. The first signs of mold on the shower curtain are the tiny black spots. However, molds can be of different colors like red, green, or pink. We have also written this article that talks about why bath mats get moldy. Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shower Curtain?
You should wash shower curtains once a month depending on how dirty it is. The soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other products that you are using while taking a shower can stick to the curtain which can cause dirt and grime to accumulate. If you notice that your shower curtain is starting to get dirty, you need to wash it immediately. Otherwise, stains can stick to it which can be hard to remove. The worst thing is that mold will start to grow. You can also check out this article that discusses if vinegar will remove mold from the shower curtain. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Should a Shower Curtain Hit the Floor?
The shower curtain should not hit the floor. Standard shower curtains measure 72 inches long and should be installed 75 to 77 inches from the floor. On the other hand, some people opt that their shower curtains to touch the floor for aesthetic purposes. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what size do shower stalls come in? We have shared the different sizes of shower stalls that you can consider for your bathroom.
Conclusion
We hope that this article that we have shared has helped you decide whether you should leave your shower curtain open or closed. While some prefer to keep the shower curtain open so that they can see inside the shower, it should be kept close after every use to allow it to dry completely. Otherwise, mildew and mold can thrive especially between the folds of the curtain. We have also shared tips on how to prevent mold from growing in your shower curtain as well as the different materials that you can use as an alternative to curtains. Thank you for reading!