Most people don't think twice about whether they leave the shower curtain open or closed after they get out of the shower. But cleaning pros have weighed in on the question of whether the shower curtain should stay open or closed. As it turns out, there is a right answer to this cleaning debate.
Some people say that leaving the shower curtain closed (meaning all bunched up at one end or the other) allows for better airflow in the bathroom, which helps moisture to evaporate quickly. Others insist that closing the shower curtain so it's flat is a better way to prevent moisture from taking hold in the bathroom.
Why does it matter? Excess moisture in the bathroom can lead to the growth of mildew on the curtain or shower walls. And while it's possible to clean mildew off of shower curtains and grout, it's far better to prevent it from growing in the first place. Left untreated, mildew and mould are not just unsightly—they can cause allergy symptoms.
Below, our cleaning pro explains how you should leave the shower curtain so your bathroom stays fresh.
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, the former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab US.
Shower curtains and plastic liners that are left open can dry properly, preventing the buildup of mould 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.
