It’s no secret that shower curtains are prone to mold and mildew. Icky spots can grow on shower curtain liners, along tile grout and in moist corners due to poor ventilation. Turns out, how you leave the curtain after a steamy shower can make a huge difference.
As a kid, my mom always insisted I close the shower curtain after showering — but, I’ve had roommates who prefer leaving it open. So, I’m curious: What method is better for moisture control and air circulation?
Our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to settle the shower curtain debate once and for all — open or closed?
Whether it’s a constant argument in your household or you’ve never actually considered why your shower grows mold, this cleaning advice may change your shower routine.
Should the shower curtain stay open or closed?
The pros have spoken: It’s best to fully close the shower curtain. “After showering, you should pull open and stretch the shower curtain out, eliminating any folds that could retain water,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab executive director.
Shower curtains and plastic liners that are left open can dry properly, preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. Not to mention, bathrooms with closed shower curtains tend to look tidier — especially when guests are over.
Some argue that keeping the shower curtain open will help moisture evaporate faster and allow air to circulate in the bathroom. Forté argues, “enough air still circulates around the sides and the top for the walls and tub to dry with the curtain drawn.”
Shower walls actually dry “pretty quickly,” adds Forté. With an open shower curtain, moisture is trapped in the folds of your curtain or liner, which take much longer to dry.
Pro tip: Plastic curtain liners can be machine washed on a warm, delicate cycle and dried on low heat for a few minutes.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
