An old shower curtain or liner does not have to go straight in the trash. If it is just grimy, wash it and keep using it. If you are done with it, repurpose it as a drop cloth or cover, donate a fabric one, or recycle it where plastic film is accepted.
Shower curtains are big, water-resistant sheets, which makes them surprisingly handy for other jobs. Here is how to get more out of yours.
Clean It and Keep Using It
Most curtains and liners get tossed for mildew or soap scum, not real damage. Toss a plastic or fabric liner in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a couple of towels, add a little detergent and baking soda, then hang it to dry. It often comes out like new, which saves you buying another.
Repurpose It
That waterproof sheet is useful all over the house and yard.
- A drop cloth for painting or messy crafts
- A picnic or beach blanket barrier against wet ground
- A cover for patio furniture, firewood, or a grill
- A liner for a dog crate, car trunk, or storage bin
- A tarp for gardening, repotting, or catching leaves
Donate a Fabric One
Clean fabric shower curtains can go to a thrift store, shelter, or Buy Nothing group. They also make good fabric for sewing projects. For more bathroom cleanout ideas, see our bathroom decluttering guide and old curtains.
How to Recycle or Toss It
Plastic and PEVA liners are not accepted in curbside recycling, but some grocery stores that collect plastic film bags will take clean, dry plastic liners. Check first. Fabric ones can go to textile recycling. If a liner is moldy and beyond cleaning, bagging it for the trash is the last resort. Our declutter and recycle guide has more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash a shower curtain liner?
Yes. Machine wash a plastic or fabric liner on gentle with a couple of towels, detergent, and baking soda, then hang to dry. It removes most mildew and soap scum.
Can you recycle a shower curtain?
Not in curbside bins. Some stores that take plastic film accept clean plastic liners, and fabric ones can go to textile recycling. Check locally first.
What can I do with an old shower curtain?
Reuse it as a drop cloth, picnic barrier, furniture cover, crate or trunk liner, or garden tarp. Donate clean fabric ones.
How do I get mildew off a shower curtain?
Wash it with detergent and baking soda, adding a little vinegar to the rinse. For heavy mildew, soak it first, then wash and hang to dry fully.