Here's How Often You Should Actually Replace Your Shower Curtain ...Saudi Arabia

Daily showers leave you smelling like flowers. Shower curtain liners, on the other hand, are a little less rosy. In fact, shower curtains can contain mold and mildew, and the early signs of buildup aren't always visible to the naked eye. Knowing how often to change a shower curtain is essential, especially if you live with certain conditions.

"It is important to replace items that are in contact with water and that can remain humid and accumulate potentially harmful microorganisms," explains Dr. Alfredo G. Torres, Ph.D., MS, the Herman Barnett Distinguished Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at UTMB. "The accumulation of mildew or mold can affect individuals suffering from a chronic illness or autoimmune condition."

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Few items fit the bill of "items that are in contact with water" better than a shower curtain, whether it's paired with a liner or not. So, how often should you change your shower curtain and liner? It's more than you probably think. Microbiologists shared how often to replace your shower liner and curtain, and they didn't water down the reasons why.

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The frequency of when to change a shower curtain varies based on factors like geographic location and frequency of use. However, microbiologists can offer a general timeframe. "The manufacturers recommend changing the shower curtain between six months to one year," Dr. Torres says.

Some shower curtains are waterproof, standalone products. Others team up with a waterproof liner to keep the water in the shower and off the curtain and floor. If you're in the latter camp, you'll also need to know how often to replace your liner. Again, it can vary.

"It might depend on the material of the liner and the curtain," Dr. Torres says. "If both are made of vinyl or other plasticized material, they might be changed at the same time. If the curtain is fabric and proper cleanliness is maintained, it might last longer than the liner."

The Cleveland Clinic generally recommends changing liners every six months to one year (the same as the recommendations on how often to change a shower curtain).

Some people are more prone to getting sick from a shower curtain liner riddled with mildew and mold than others. These populations may include "an individual who is very sensitive to mold or one who is a transplant recipient or otherwise on immunosuppressant drugs," says Dr. Valerie J. Harwood, Ph.D., a microbiologist, integrative biology professor and associate dean at the University of South Florida.

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Factors to Consider When Determining How Often To Replace Your Shower Curtain and Liner

Six to 12 months is a ballpark answer to the question, "How often should you change your shower curtain?" Dr. Torres says where you live also factors into the equation. "Places with high humidity will be more prone to accumulate more microorganisms than dry or low humidity areas," he explains.

2. Visible signs of mold

Dr. Torres warns that harmful bacterial accumulation isn't visible. Therefore, seeing signs of mold is a flag to change your curtain. "When the plastic liner is pink and moldy, it is time to replace it," he says.

However, Dr. Harwood says, "The pink-orange coloration is usually bacterial growth of the relatively harmless bacterium Serratia marcescens."

Your mileage may vary on "relatively harmless." Some research indicates this mold can lead to urinary tract and wound infections, a risk that may be especially pronounced in people with autoimmune issues.

Black and gray mold is more problematic, as it can cause your immune system to react with symptoms like coughing, sneezing and congestion and may worsen asthma. It also may be hiding in plain sight. "Typically, it occurs first and most often toward the bottom of the curtain, which stays wet longest," Dr. Harwood points out.

Also, some signs may be "visible" to the nose first. Dr. Torres says a "musty odor" is another contamination flag.

3. How often to wash your shower curtain and liner

Regular washing can extend the lifespan of your shower curtain and liner.

"Washing removes organic material such as proteins that promote bacterial growth on the curtain," Dr. Hardwood shares. "Unless the curtain looks visibly fouled, once a month is probably plenty. The humidity and use level of the bathroom will influence how quickly bacteria or molds grow on the curtain."

The material and type of washer you use can also matter. "Disinfect the curtain every 15 days to a month with a chloride solution if it's a vinyl curtain and wash the curtain once a month if is a fabric curtain," Dr. Torres advises.

Let your shower curtain and liner completely dry before letting someone else hop in, especially if the bathroom is humid. "Bacteria need moisture to grow and most need moisture to survive," Dr. Harwood stresses. "Molds also tend to prefer moist environments. Thorough drying deters the growth of these microorganisms."

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