Vinyl with its water resistance and low maintenance makes for a great shower curtain material. But off late, there have been concerns about the plastic-like odor and potentially toxic gases that it might be off shooting.
Fabrics like cotton, polyester, hemp, and linen, on the other hand, are completely non-toxic, machine-washable and easy to maintain. Coat it with a layer of beeswax and you have a child-safe water repellant inner lining for the curtain.
Alternatively, you can buy a separate liner for your curtain. It’s an inexpensive, no-brainer solution that prolongs the lifespan of the curtain.
Luxury shower stall curtains made of faux silk or rayon are elegant and can include embellishments like embroidery, borders and patterns. However, these usually require frequent upkeep and aren’t the best of choices for a high traffic household.