Shower curtains can last for a long time in good condition, making it hard to justify throwing them away. Outdated patterns, accidental stains or damage, and shrinkage in the washing machine can lead to the need for a replacement, but what to do with the old one? Even if it’s simply time for a change, you can upcycle your old shower curtains. These shower curtain upcycling ideas are great day projects that will keep your shower curtain out of the waste bin.

Uses for Plastic Shower Curtain Liners

Plastic shower curtain liners can be used for many upcycling projects. Cleaning shower curtains is essential when they are made out of vinyl or plastic, since mold and mildew tend to grow on these materials.

Once you’ve cleaned your plastic shower curtain liners, you can easily apply some creative reuse ideas around the house.

Reusing plastic shower curtain liners is easy!

• Line container gardens – but don’t forget to poke a hole in the bottom!
• Protect growing seedlings from the cold and birds with a clear or semi-clear liner until they’re ready to be transplanted.
• Protect tender plants from frost with a plastic shower curtain liner.
• Make into reusable produce bags with a sewing machine.

These are just a few ideas. Get creative and find unique uses for old plastic shower curtain liners around your home!

Uses for Fabric Shower Curtain Liners

Fabric shower curtain liners come in an endless assortment of colors and patterns. The type of project you choose will be influenced in part by the curtain you are using.

Project ideas for fabric shower curtain liners:

• Make a tote bag or beach bag from colorful shower curtains.
• Create a rustic rug by cutting the curtain into strips, braiding the strips together, and sewing the braid into an oval.
• Wrap an ugly or old picture frame using 2” strips of curtain and a hot glue gun for a new look.
• Cut your curtain into 2” strips and make them into fabric ribbons that can be used on gifts year-round.
• Reupholster a dog bed, ottoman, kitchen chair, or old cushions using your old shower curtains.
• Make a uniquely-patterned shower curtain into art by cutting out the pattern you want to keep and stretching it on a wooden canvas frame. Staple the curtain to the frame or use hot glue to keep the fabric in place.
• Repurpose an old shower curtain into a new window curtain by sewing loops at the top that can fit over a curtain rod.

As you can see, creative reuse can lead to many unique DIY projects that minimize waste while providing you with something new!

How to Wash a Shower Curtain

Before you start on any DIY project, it’s important to clean your shower curtain. Vinyl and plastic shower curtains gather mold and mildew over time. 

Wash them alone in your washing machine using warm water and a combination of one of the following:

• ½ cup bleach and ¼ cup laundry detergent
• ½ cup laundry detergent and ½ cup baking soda, and 1 cup white vinegar added to the first rinse
• ½ cup borax and ½ cup laundry detergent

While fabric shower curtains don’t usually tend to gather mold or mildew, a good wash can restore brightness, remove any smells they may have collected, and ensure that they are ready for their new purpose. Do not use bleach on patterned or colored curtains.

When your shower curtain has finished washing, don’t put it into the dryer. Even at low settings, your curtain could shrink! Instead, hang your curtain to drip dry on a laundry rack, a clothesline, or a patio railing.

Wrinkled curtains can skew measurements for DIY projects, so take the time to iron your shower curtain if needed once it is dry. Most shower curtains can be ironed on a low heat setting, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s tag first.

Shower Curtains at Linen Store

Shower curtains can last years with proper care and regular washing, and upcycling ideas can further extend their usefulness. When it’s time for a change, check out Shower Curtains at Linen Store. We offer shower curtains in many different fabrics, styles, and colors, so you are sure to find the right one for your bathroom.