Both vinegar and bleach can be used to clean shower curtains, but it's very important to understand the difference between the two ingredients and when to use each one.
Cleaning with vinegar is best for regular cleaning and maintenance of shower curtains. "White vinegar is a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent that’s effective against soap scum, mineral deposits, and some types of mould and mildew," explains Petya. "White vinegar, in particular, is commonly used for cleaning purposes because it doesn't leave any coloured residue."
To clean your shower curtain with vinegar, create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray or directly apply it to the curtain, focusing on areas with soap scum or mineral buildup. Let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe or rinse it off. Vinegar can also be used in a soaking solution when cleaning the shower curtain without scrubbing. We filled a sink to submerge the end of the shower curtains where there were visible signs of mould.
"In contrast, bleach is a potent disinfectant and effective against tough mould and mildew stains. However, it should be used with caution," warns Petya. This is because it can damage certain materials and emit toxic fumes. "That’s why it's very important to follow safety precautions when using bleach."
"If your shower curtain is made of a bleach-safe material, for example, some plastics or vinyl, use a diluted bleach solution to tackle stubborn mould or mildew stains. Create a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, and carefully apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a short time, and rinse it thoroughly with water. When using bleach, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products, because it can produce dangerous chemical reactions and toxic fumes.
Keep in mind that not all shower curtains are bleach-safe, especially fabric or coloured curtains and using it on an unsuitable material can lead to discolouration or damage. In general, for regular cleaning and maintenance, vinegar is the safer and recommended option. Reserve the use of bleach for specific cases where stubborn mould or mildew stains need to be addressed.