Let’s take a crash course in all things shower curtains. . . what I like to call Shower Curtains 101. No there will not be an exam at the end, but you may find this information help in considering your bathroom’s next curtain purchase.
Vinyl vs. Fabric vs. Other
In previous posts we have discussed the pros and cons of owning a vinyl shower curtain or fabric shower curtain. We even briefly looked at recycling either curtain. Essentially both curtains can make or break your bathroom decor. A vinyl shower curtain is great at keep water in the tub and can be easy to clean. A fabric shower curtain, on the other hand, may not be as adept at preventing shower water leaks, but they can often be more versatile in terms of color, theme, and overall effect. Fabric shower curtains are also more likely to mildew if they are not able to fully dry. This is why many people often combine a fabric shower curtain with a vinyl liner.
However, other options do exist. One popular option is a hemp shower curtain, which are able to combine the great qualities of both the vinyl and fabric worlds. Hemp curtains are made from strong plant materials that are durable over time. Perhaps the best quality of these shower curtains is their resistance to mildew and soap stains due to their natural antibacterial and antifungal nature. These means, no need for scrubbing your curtain or having a mishap (as noted in our previous post’s bleaching incident) where your shower curtain is destroyed while being cleaned. Because of their durability and long life, these shower curtains can be washed several times without wearing and can be used without a liner.
Curtain Design
When discussing the design of a shower curtain, there are several options: hooked or traditional, hookless, and double-swag. The hooked or traditional shower curtain contain several holes at the top potion of the curtain that allow for shower curtain hooks to be inserted. These hooks then allow for the curtain to be hung from a curtain rod. There are several different types of hooks available from cheaper plastic to more appealing or fashionable. Some hooks fully connect while others are simply just hooks. Overall, traditional shower curtains allow for simplicity and ease in the bathroom.
Hookless shower curtains are ones that does not use shower hooks while being hung from a curtain rod. Hookless shower curtains often have large holes in them made by gromets that allows the curtain to be strung onto the rod directly. Curved shower curtain rods are becoming more and more popular as they are regularly paired with the hookless shower curtain. These curtains allow for a crisp and modern look to your bathroom.
A double-swag shower curtain can be described as traditional window curtain meeting shower. Two curtain rods are used to create the effect. First a flat, usually traditional shower curtain, is used in the background on the first rod. In the foreground, on the second curtain rod is the double-swag, which are pieces of tied back or gathered fabric. Double-swag curtains can bring luster to a bathroom if luscious fabrics are straight lines are used. Often these curtains are very frilly, as is the one below, which may make your bathroom appear dated. So sticking with the updated simple lines is your best rule of thumb.
Curtain Maintenance:
The most important aspect of your shower curtain is for it to meet its purpose, which is to keep water in and your floors dry. Therefore, make sure you keep your shower curtain or liner on the inside of your tub. As soap scum and water builds up on your curtain there is always the potential for mold or mildew to develop. The best way to prevent this, or at least slow it’s growth and development, is to close your shower curtain after exiting the shower. This allows for the curtain to fully air dry rather than water and scum to remain in crevices where the mold and mildew can build up. Also, running a bathroom exhaust fan during and after the shower can help as well. Finally, washing your curtain with vinegar (or as directed by the curtains’ packaging) on a regular basis – say every four to six months – is helpful. If you use a shower curtain liner, you could even purchase inexpensive liners that can be pitched – or as we like to champion, recycled or reused – and new ones purchased to replace the old ones. We also recommend re-evaluating your bathroom scene on a yearly basis. Replacing your shower curtain each year is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to update this room.
-ang