Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Shower Curtains – What Material To Choose?

Mold and mildew are frequent visitors in the bathroom. The shower curtain is an especially vulnerable place for these growths to appear. When left unchecked, it can cause not only aesthetical problems but also respiratory distress. As such, it is essential to invest in a shower curtain that doesn’t mold so you can maintain a clean and fresh environment. Let me find you the right material as well as the right product, so you can save time on searching!

Best material for shower curtain that doesn’t mold

Shower curtains are consistently exposed to water and humid conditions, which promotes fungi to settle on them causing mold or mildew growth. Both are unsightly (mold is black or dark green, mildew is pinkish, yellow or light grey) and can be dangerous to your health, so removing mold spots from your shower curtain regularly is essential, however such cleanings can be less frequent choosing one that doesn’t get moldy easily.

The best mildew-resistant materials are made with polyethylene (often abbreviated as PE), polyester, and/or polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA). In general, polyester is a good choice because it is a relatively water-resistant material. It is easier to clean, dries faster and lasts longer when compared to plastic liners. Moreover, it is treated during manufacture to stand up to mildew and mold. There are even antimicrobial shower curtains with extra antifungal agents applied to prevent fungi build-up on them.

PEVA and PE are materials designed to resemble vinyl without the toxic properties associated with vinyl. Those materials are naturally water repellant, do not develop a sour smell during their use and their smooth surface promotes water to glide directly down into the drain.

Such materials’ biggest advantage is that they are machine washable (while plastic liners need to be wiped down) which makes it easy to keep them hygienic and prevent them from mildewing. However, make sure to follow the specific instructions as written on the product’s label. Choosing the right material and regularly cleaning your shower curtains helps keep your bathroom hygienic and fresh smelling.

6 best mildew resistant shower curtain liners

Armed with the information on which materials make a shower curtain mold-proof, let’s see what the best choices are on the market!

Clean Healthy Living PEVA Clear Shower Curtain Liner

This clear shower curtain is made from 100% PEVA, a soft yet durable, water-resistant material. Thanks to three magnets on the bottom, it does not stick on your body when wet and does not blow out, thus maintaining water within the shower. It is also odorless and mold-proof to ensure your bathroom stays not only dry but also hygienic and fresh smelling.

The liner comes with four small suction cups to keep it in place (they work the best when you splash a little water on the wall first). Around the top holes, sturdy rust-proof metal grommets ensure that the curtain won’t rip or tear so you can use it for a long time.

LiBa mildew resistant shower curtain liner

Consider this product from LIBA when thinking of a shower curtain that doesn’t get moldy. Made from 100% PEVA -which contains less volatile organic compounds than PVC liners- Liba’s PEVA shower liner is certainly the better choice for you and your family’s health. This material encourages water bead formation on its surface allowing it to dry quickly, prevent mildew growth and sour smell in your bathroom.

The LIBA shower curtain liner is available in different sizes to fit any size shower or tub. Bottom magnets ensure that it does not get into contact with your body while showering, while rust-proof metal grommets with a reinforced tear-proof header guarantee long-term functionality.

SlipX Solutions Antimicrobial Shower Curtain

As one of the most affordable options on this list, the SlipX Solution Shower Curtain is a true crowd-pleaser. It features Microban Technology that contributes to the reduction of stain- and odor-causing mold and mildew on the surface of the liner and help prevent musty smell in the bathroom.

Available in both white and clear finishes, the ethylene vinyl acetate curtain will fit any standard-sized tub opening. It is constructed of 3-gauge PEVA that is lightweight and feels supple to the touch. Additionally, small weights sewn into the bottom help to prevent splashes, drafts, and leaks, while rustproof grommets ensure the curtain looks good even after years of use.

Biscaynebay Machine Washable Fabric Shower Curtain Liner

This polyester shower curtain is among the most colorful and customizable available. With over twenty color options and a water-repellent polyester blend, this option can make a statement in the bathroom. The fabric is designed to resist soak, repel water and won’t encourage mildew growth allowing for a long-lasting product that reduces moisture in the shower and bathroom.

Weights are added to the lower hem to further prevent water spillage and sticking onto the body. Purchasers can machine wash this curtain with cold water and mild detergent. It is both fade and wrinkle-resistant for easy maintenance.

BigFoot Anti Mildew Shower Curtain

This sturdy and durable 100% PEVA shower curtain liner will minimize the slip-and-fall hazard and reduce the risk of mildew build-up. When used as a liner, it protects your decorative shower curtain from discoloration and dirt, while when used stand-alone, it allows for an abundance of light in your space.

Being waterproof, it effectively acts as a moisture barrier; the fabric makes water droplets run down on it keeping your bathroom dry and slip-free as well as preventing residue build-up, so it won’t mold or mildew. It is available in three finishes -clear, frosted and white- and measures a standard 72″ x 72″ making it compatible with most showers.

Amazon Basics Water Resistant Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner

If you like to change your shower curtains often you might appreciate this budget-friendly choice from Amazon Basics. It can be used stand-alone or be paired with another shower curtain as an extra inner layer.

The vinyl is heavyweight to ensure that the liner is sturdy and does not get blown over easily. Also, it is extremely resistant to water and has no folded seams that would potentially become moldy. Although this material does come with the disadvantage of an odor, but you can easily overcome this issue by airing it out before installing.

In conclusion, when picking a mold-resistant shower curtain liner, always go for products made from materials that tend not to mildew, easy to clean and are odorless. Also, pay attention to its regular cleaning so you can maintain a hygienic, freshly smelling bathroom environment.

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