Although the cleaning material will be determined by the rod’s construction material, all the spring-loaded shower curtain rods we reviewed are low-maintenance. Most of them are easily cleaned by wiping them with a soft, damp sponge and a mild detergent for stubborn stains, and then wiping them dry with lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh and abrasive tools that could damage chrome or lacquered aluminum surfaces. You can use car wax or polish to shine chrome and aluminum rods.