Cleaning cloth shower curtain

[linguistmama]

I've gotten rid of our plastic shower curtain and we're using a cloth one in an effort to remove some of the plastic from the house. The problem is getting it clean! I've soaked it overnight in borax and tto, just like I do diapers, but the next time it gets used it smells like mildew or something. I'm trying to avoid using bleach on it, any other suggestions?

[box_of_rain]

Do you wash it in a washing machine? I wash mine every couple of weeks with my regular detergent (charlie's soap) and I've not had an issue.

[AuntLavender]

So it just has a funky odor?

No mildew stains or rust colored stains at the bottom? (I live in FL and mildew grows incredibly quickly and my water is hard and light colored fabric shower curtains often start to get orangy at the bottom as the curtain drip dries.)

Perhaps you should try Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator? http://biokleenhome.com/products/household/general

I haven't used it on my shower curtains but it works really well on children's food stains on their shirts even several days after the food has dried on their clothes.

Sincerely,
Debra, homeschooling mom of 4 ages 11, 10, 8, and 4 3/4

[UUMom]

Are you some place where the sun is out? (I see the sun today...but it's not been very friendly lately). Hanging it outside straight from the wash in the sun will brighten it up and also help with the smell. Leave it out there all day.

I am going to visit some relatives in FL next week and I have ahuge urge to hang laundry there...winter here is sooooo long!

[linguistmama]

Thanks for the replies! I do wash it in the washing machine and its a funky smell that gets reactivated once it gets wet again. There aren't any stains. Sometimes we have sun right now and sometimes its still snowing!