Your shower is where you get clean, so it mustn't have mildew or mold growing in it. One important way to fight these fungi is to have a great shower curtain liner that resists mildew and mold.
The five best shower curtain liners to protect against mildew and mold are:
- Clean Healthy Living Premium PEVA Clear Shower Curtain Liner
- LiBa Cloth Fabric Bathroom Shower Curtain
- LiBa PEVA 8G Bathroom Shower Curtain Liner
- Mrs Awesome Water-Repellent Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
- Caitlin White Clear PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
We've researched each of these shower curtain liners and can help you choose the one that is best for your situation and budget. We'll help your bathroom be mildew and mold-free in no time!
For more details on each of these products, links to where you can buy them, and answers to other common questions about mildew and mold, read on!
What are shower curtain liners?
A shower curtain liner is a piece of material that hangs from the shower curtain rod on the inside of the actual shower curtain. It is intended to protect the curtain from the water and keep water from escaping from the shower.
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Normally, the shower curtain's tail stays outside of the tub while the liner hangs inside the tub.
What are shower curtain liners made out of?
The best, most mold and mildew resistant shower curtains are made out of polyester, polyethylene (abbreviated as PE), or polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA).
Polyester is a somewhat water-resistant fabric material. It can be treated for mold and mildew prevention and is machine-washable.
PE and PEVA are plastic-like materials designed to mimic vinyl without the harmful chemicals often found in plastic or vinyl. They are naturally water repellant, and many shower curtains made out of these materials are treated for mold and mildew prevention.
PVC or Vinyl are other popular materials for shower curtain liners but are not as water-resistant as PE or PEVA. They also contain noxious chemicals that might be harmful to your health. We recommend purchasing a shower curtain with a different material.
Are fabric shower curtain liners better than plastic for mildew prevention?
Plastic shower curtain liners are mildew-resistant because they dry more quickly than polyester liners. However, it is more difficult to completely clean a plastic curtain liner than a fabric liner.
Whenever a polyester liner begins to show signs of mold or mildew, it can be thrown in the washing machine. A plastic liner, on the other hand, must be wiped down. This makes it harder to eliminate all growing mildew.
If you aren't willing to clean your fabric shower curtain regularly, plastic curtains will more naturally fight mildew. If you will regularly machine-wash your fabric curtain, it will last longer than a plastic liner.
Trying to decide whether to install a shower with a glass door or a shower curtain? This article will help you figure it out!
Clean Healthy Living Premium PEVA Clear Shower Curtain Liner
This liner is made out of PEVA, so it won't absorb water and will dry quickly. It is made without any chemicals and will not leave a plastic smell in your bathroom. It comes with four suction cups plus magnets to help it stick to the base of the tub. This keeps water inside the tub and helps the liner dry quickly.
Click here to purchase this liner on Amazon.
LiBa Cloth Bathroom Shower Curtain
This polyester liner is quick-drying and also comes with a PE coating on its surface. Water beads and runs off quickly. It also contains anti-microbial properties so that mildew and mold can't make their home on the liner.
The liner's bottom hem is weighted so that it stays in place, keeping water off the bathroom floor. LiBa also provides a ninety-day guarantee and a twelve-month warranty, so you can be sure you'll like it.
Click here to purchase this liner on Amazon.
LiBa PEVA Bathroom Shower Curtain Liner
Another product made by LiBa, this liner is made out of PEVA instead of polyester. It does not contain any chemicals or toxins. It is also durable enough to be your liner and curtain, lasting for months with appropriate care and cleaning.
This PEVA liner does, however, come with a mildew treatment that is promoted to last up to four times longer than other PEVA curtains. This treatment, in addition to LiBa's AQUA SHIELD technology, gives it water-resisting super-powers.
Click here to purchase this liner on Amazon.
Mrs. Awesome Water-Repellent Fabric Shower Curtain or Liner
This is another liner that is attractive and strong enough to be your curtain, too. In addition to its mildew and mold resistant properties, this liner has nine mesh storage pockets!
Located on the inside of the curtain, these pockets are convenient for your shampoo, soap, and other shower or bath accessories. And because they are made out of mesh, they dry quickly.
Made out of polyester, this liner is conveniently machine-washable and will last longer than most other liners.
Click here to purchase this liner on Amazon.
Caitlin White Clear PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
Made out of PEVA, this liner is durable and dries fast. It was made without chlorine or other chemicals, so you can feel good about using it in your home.
The top hem is made out of nylon mesh with metal grommets so that it won't tear over time. The bottom hem contains three magnets so that it stays in place when you get out.
Click here to purchase this liner on Amazon.
How can you tell the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are both invasive fungi that love warm, damp areas. They can cause health problems, especially for those with preexisting conditions. Mold is more destructive and harder to get rid of than mildew.
You are more likely to have mildew in your shower than mold unless you have inferior ventilation in your bathroom. Mold typically only grows in areas without any moving air.
Mold is most often dark green or black, but sometimes is blue-ish or dark gray. It is slimy or fuzzy looking. It first shows up as irregular spots that grow over time.
Mildew, on the other hand, is typically lighter in color: yellow, white, or gray. It also appears to have a powdery or fluffy texture.
One way to determine the difference between the two is to try to wipe away the fungus safely. Wear an appropriate mask and gloves when dealing with potentially dangerous fungus.
If the spots wipe away completely with a damp paper towel or rag, it is probably mildew. If there are still dark spots after trying to wipe it away, it is likely mold.
How do I stop my shower curtain liner from molding?
There are two major keys to protecting your shower curtain liner from mold: keeping it dry and cleaning it regularly.
When you get out of the shower, spread out the curtain liner all the way. Don't leave it bunched up against one wall since this won't let it dry properly. Allow your bathroom fan to run to help circulate air.
While keeping your curtain as dry as possible will help fight mold, you should also clean it regularly. Purchase a store-bought cleaning solution or create your own product by diluting vinegar with water at a one-to-one ratio. Spray this solution on the liner three to five times a week to prevent mold.
If this isn't enough, you can remove the liner and lay it out in an open space. Carefully use bleach (diluted with water at a ten to one ratio) to wipe down the entire liner. This might be necessary for bathrooms with poor ventilation.
If you have a fabric curtain, machine-wash it as often as you do your towels and washcloths. Allow it to dry fully before hanging it back up.
Can fabric shower curtains go without a liner?
A non-polyester shower curtain should have a liner on the inside. A shower curtain liner will protect your fabric shower curtain and extend its life. Liners are designed to repel water and dry quickly, important parts of avoiding mold and mildew. A fabric curtain does not dry as quickly, making it a haven for fungus.
Because liners are cheaper than actual curtains, it makes sense to let the liner take the brunt of the water's damage and then replace it regularly.
A liner also helps keep water in the shower tub, keeping your bathroom dryer and fresher. The liner stays inside the tub and forces all the water back into the tub instead of letting it out.
However, a polyester fabric curtain can be used without a liner as long as you wash it regularly. You will still face problems with water running out of the shower, so a liner is recommended.
For more information on the importance of shower curtain liners, check out this article.
In Closing
When considering a shower curtain liner, look for one made out of polyester, PE, or PEVA. These materials are water-resistant and will dry quickly, making it so mold and mildew cannot grow. These materials are often treated to be mold and mildew resistant.
One of the products on this list will undoubtedly protect your shower from fungus-like mold or mildew, giving you peace of mind and a fresh shower every time!
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