How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Shower Curtains

As a homeowner, you may be wondering how to take out hard water stains from your shower curtain. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.

The following are step-by-step procedures for removing hard water stains from your shower curtains.

  • Mix vinegar and water in a bucket.
  • Immerse the curtain in the solution.
  • Remove the curtain.
  • Rinse.

Although shower curtains are affordable, you can have them washed instead of disposing of them anytime they get stained. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to take out hard water stains from your shower curtain.

Molded plastic curtains, How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Shower Curtains

How To Take Out Hard Water Stains From Shower Curtains

You can restore the beauty of your curtains by removing the stains. Follow these steps if you want to take out hard water stains from your shower curtain:

Step 1: Mix Vinegar And Water In A Bucket

Fill a plastic bucket with water to take out hard water stains. You can do this in your bathtub. Next, mix two cups of vinegar with water.

You can use apple cider vinegar, but it is better to stick to regular vinegar since the apple cider vinegar can produce another stain, especially on shower curtains that are light-colored.

Step 2: Immerse The Curtain In The Solution

Take off the curtain's rings before putting it in the solution. You can add baby oil for conditioning. Leave the curtain inside the solution for at least 20 minutes to 3 hours.

Step 3: Remove The Curtain

Remove the curtain from the vinegar and water and place it flat on your bathtub. Pour the solution in the bucket into the tub and leave it for some time so the cleaning solution will drain out. Then, clean the loose stain with a cloth or sponge.

Step 4: Rinse

After cleaning the stain, rinse the curtain and spread it in a well-ventilated place to dry. After this, your shower curtain should be clean and free from hard water stains.

Alternative Method For Removing Hard Water Stains From Shower Curtains

If you don't want to use the above approach, you can use a washing machine. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Remove the shower curtain from the rod and take out the rings. If the rings need cleaning, you can clean them separately by immersing them in hot water and vinegar.
  • Throw the shower curtain in the washing machine. Use a small amount of detergent. Select a gentle cycle. Use warm water and not cold. It is advisable to use handwash cycles with minimal speed since you are washing plastic liners.
  • Put in some bath towels to remove dirt and residue. The towel makes the curtain not wrinkle during the cycle.
  • After the wash cycle, shake the curtain and spread it in a ventilated place. You can leave it on the shower rod.

What Does Hard Water Stain Look Like?

Removing hard water stains and deposits in bathroom

Hard water stains are also known as limescale, mineral buildup, or hard water buildup, but they all mean the same thing.

They are usually chalky white and result from the accumulation of too many hard minerals in the water. The stain can also be rust-colored or brown depending on the minerals. 

These hard water stains remain after the evaporation of water, thereby leaving minerals like calcium and magnesium which are the main cause of hard water. Aside from being unappealing to look at, removing it can be challenging.

This is even tougher when it comes to cleaning the bathroom because there is an increased build-up of stains when mineral deposits mix with soap scum. So, if you already have these deposits or soap scum in your bathroom curtains or even around your house, it is not too late to get it removed.

How Do I Prevent Hard Water Stains On Shower Curtains?

To prevent water stains, never let the water dry on your curtain. When water evaporates, hard water stains are left behind. This is why it is important to wipe everything dry in order to prevent stains. 

You can also spray your curtain with the cleaner to prevent the stain. Do this immediately after using the shower so as to avoid cloudiness. A water softener can help you get rid of hard water before it circulates throughout the plumbing system. Here are other ways to avoid hard water stains:

  • To avoid hard water stains, make sure to wash your curtain often.
  • You can use a water softener. It helps to remove minerals that stain the curtain and keeps them cleaner. Without using a softener, the hard water stain may keep coming back.

How Often Should I Wash My Shower Curtain?

Woman cleaning bathtub curtain using rag cloth and soap spray

Cleaning the shower does not just mean wiping the walls and removing clogs from the drain. You also need to wash the curtains because they get dirty over time. They hold germs even more than your toilet seats. 

Washing your shower curtains regularly prevent germs, mildew, and mold from thriving there since it is usually moist and humid. Washing your curtain can be easily done with the help of the steps mentioned above as the build-up of deposits can damage your curtains. 

Can Shower Curtain Go In A Dryer?

Shower curtains should not be placed in the dryer. Plastic shower curtains or vinyl curtains can melt if they are exposed to high heat during the drying cycle. Some shower curtain fabric can actually be placed in the dryer but not the liner. 

Ensure you check the label very well before placing the bathroom curtain in the dryer. It is also advisable to check on it during the drying process in order to make sure that it is not melting. You can tumble some fabric curtains on minimal heat in the dryer.

Are Some Hard Water Stains Permanent?

Dark brown mildew mold on plastic interior shower curtain

Hard water stains, if left for too long can become permanent, thereby destroying things like glass and curtains. This is why it is best to get rid of them immediately after they appear because the longer they remain, the more difficult it is to remove them.

Why Is The Bottom Of My Shower Curtain Orange?

Stains on plastic curtains in the bathroom

The best way to get rid of stains is to know what caused them. Porcelain stains are unpleasant to look at, if your water has excess iron, you are likely to keep seeing orange stains unless you have it taken care of. If you notice orange stains on your curtain shower, there are three possible reasons:

  • Bath supplies: Most shower stains are caused by bath supplies like gel, bath soap, and shampoo.
  • Iron in the water: The presence of high content of minerals can leave rusty orange stains on your shower curtains. 
  • Pink mold: Orange stains can sometimes look like pink mold which is a water-borne bacteria that can be found in the damp part of your shower. 

To Wrap Up

Hard water stains are not good for your shower curtains. You should get rid of them as soon as you can. All you have to do is mix vinegar and water in a bucket, put the curtain in the solution, remove it and rinse. You should also get rid of stains in other areas of your bathroom.