Green Living - Questions & Answers ......with Debra Lynn Dadd

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009:

Controlling Mold on Cotton Shower Curtains

 

by Debra Lynn Dadd

 

 

Q:

 

Hi Debra ~

 

I have a hemp shower curtain. We keep the bathroom ventilated as much as possible since the bathroom is small with an average size window that is usually open.

 

The curtain is only two months in use and is already having mold growth along the bottom edge. I live in Chicago so we experience humidity.

 

How do I remove the mold and what do I do to prevent it from growing?

 

Thank you.

 

"Moldy" in Chicago

 

 

A:

 

I have the same problem with my cotton shower curtain.

I have not come up with a solution. Does anyone know how to handle this?

 

I currently just keep replacing the shower curtain every few months, which is not the best idea, environmentally. In my last house, we installed glass shower doors, which cost less than $100. We're going to remodel this bathroom, so we'll install the glass doors in this house too.

 

 

>>

 

In the last issue, I posted a question asking how to prevent cotton and hemp shower curtains from molding. The web-business Home Environment--who sells 100% cotton duck shower curtains and shower curtains made from hemp--had the answer.

 

The best way to keep natural-fiber shower curtains mold-free is to pre-treat them before their first use with AFM X158, "a clear, odorless defensive sealer designed to encapsulate surfaces which would typically be subject to mold and mildew attack." Their website says "Hemp absorbs water up to 20% of it's weight, dries quickly, and resists mildew," but speaking to them on the phone, I found out that hemp can still mildew, depending on conditions, but because it dries faster, it mildews less than cotton. Pre-treatment with X158 should keep your shower curtain in good shape.

 

 

 

{mosgoogle}

 

 

---

Learn more from Debra's bestselling book:

Home Safe Home: Creating a Healthy Home Environment by Reducing Exposure to Toxic Household Products   » Buy from Amazon.com   » Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Comments (3)

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written by JJ, July 26, 2010

I have been searching for an answer to this same question. When I purchased my Hemp Shower Curtain $100. (including shipping) the advertisement stated, "Mold and Mildew Resistant". I thought it would be worth purchasing this verses vinyl shower curtains every two to three months along with the PVC that we were inhaling from the vinyl. In the long run it would save money. I had to return the shower curtain to get another and this one I washed every other week. Mold spots again are forming on the bottom mainly in the seam. I have bleached it which of course lightened the color which still would not be bad but the mold spots are still there. What a waste of money. When I do find the answer to this question I will be in touch. Until then "Good Luck".

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written by JJ, July 26, 2010

I'm afraid I don't agree with using AFM X158. I try to go green as much as I can. Thought the information I came across says it is non toxic there are warnings. See the following web site. http://www.greenstore.com/documents/X158.pdf "Still in search for a better answer.

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written by MotherLodeBeth, October 10, 2010

I soak my cotton shower curtains in water that has two cuts kosher salt and then hang to dry. For some reason the salt helps prevent mold issues. So does spraying the cotton or canvas shower curtain with Lysol and then allow to dry completely before rehanging. Also remember when done showering to open a window or turn on the fan and stretch out the shower curtain so it can dry completely.

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