Choosing and Cleaning Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are often the focal point of a bathroom. A wide variety of fabric, pattern and styles are available to compliment the design of your bathroom or home. These range from simple, elegant designs to unique and unusual colors and patterns. Replacing the curtain is the easiest and cheapest way to redecorate your bathroom. Choose your material and then select matching accessories to match the bathroom and furniture.

Selecting Shower Curtains

The choices in a curtain for the shower are abundant.You can find prints from traditional or contemporary styles and everything in between. Once you have chosen the fabric, you can select the rod and curtain rings. These help determine the overall look of the room and are inexpensive.

The most common materials used are waterproof surfaces. These include nylon, vinyl or PVC coated materials. These are best because they are waterproof, which is important in the shower. If you find a great curtain that isn''t waterproof, you could use a vinyl liner with your fancy outer curtain. This will give you the look you want with the waterproof protection you need.

Making Your Own Shower Curtains

If you have trouble finding the style you want, you could make your own. This is an easy job for anyone with even rudimentary sewing skills. Your local sewing store has a wide selection of materials. If you find a great fabric that isn''t waterproof, you can always purchase a liner. These are very inexpensive and are available in most stores that sell bathroom accessories.

Cleaning Shower Curtains

Mold is a problem all over the bathroom, and the shower curtain is no exception. Mold thrives in warm, damp environments, such as your shower. The mold can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. In addition, bacteria can grow on a dirty shower curtain. This can be dangerous for people with respiratory problems, young children or the elderly. Keeping your curtain clean is the best way to prevent illness.

Clean your shower curtain with a cleaning solution that is made to kill mold. Most materials used in curtains can''t be put in the washing machine. Check the cleaning instructions that came with your curtain. If it can be machine washed, use hot water and a little bleach to kill mold and germs. Another option is to wash the curtain and apply lemon juice. Set the curtain outside in the sun. The sun reacts with the lemon juice to kill mold.

Once you have removed the mold, it''s important to prevent it from coming back. Here are some things you can do to keep the mold away.

Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated. Use the vent when you shower. If you don''t have a vent, consider having one installed.

If you don''t have a vent, open the bathroom window. This isn''t as effective as a vent, but will help.

After washing your curtain, soak it in salt water before drying. The salt water will help prevent future mold growth.

Charles Mohaney reveals frequently for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com . Charles is publishing on issues like shower curtains and home improvement.