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Last updated: 18 Feb 2023
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Keep Your Bathroom Stylish and Mildew-Free With the Best Shower Curtain Liners

A bathroom should be a haven of relaxation. Somewhere where you can relax for a few minutes and rejuvenate after a long day. Whether it’s a soak in the tub or letting the rain from a showerhead refresh you, you don’t want to emerge from your bathing to find the entire bathroom floor littered with water. If you are tired of getting out of the shower just to find the walls and floor just as wet as the inside of the shower, you might be due for a shower curtain liner. Not only do liners help reduce excess water on walls and floors, but they are effective in preventing unwanted bacteria and mildew growth. Whether you have a stand-alone shower or use a showerhead over your bathtub, having the right length shower curtain is important. Liners can help extend the coverage that your curtain provides, closing up gaps at the bottom or side. We’ve picked out the best shower curtain liners of 2023 for style and functionality.

Compare The Best Shower Curtain Liner In 2023

1

Downluxe Shower Curtain Liner

– Best Overall
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Downluxe shower curtain liners are eco-friendly made from 4-gauge 100% PEVA and come in at a great price. The material is not only non-toxic and friendly to your health but is odorless and sheds moistures naturally making it wonderfully water resistant. The top of the shower curtain liner has rust proof eyelets. Some of the shower curtain liner options also include 12 rust-resistant metal hook rings. Available in a range of solid colors and clear-patterned designs, these shower drapes can be used as liners or as shower curtains on their own.

Pros
  • Mesh-reinforced top hem with rust proof eyelets
  • Water repellent
  • Weighted magnetic bottom hem prevents the curtain from blowing around while showering
  • The fabric has been pre-treated to resist mildew
Cons
  • Only available in the standard 72 x 72-inch size
2

AmazerBath Shower Curtain Liner

– Runner Up
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AmazeBath offers a selection of shower curtain liner sizes to fit extra-length or width spaces. The durable liner is not made from fabric but from EVA material which wipes clean and dry effortlessly. Clear weights at the base provide structure allowing the liner to hang straight down preventing water from splashing out during showering. The AmazerBath selection works well with straight or curved rods and allows you to customize the shower ring hooks to match your décor selection.

Pros
  • Available in a variety of sizes for narrow or extra length showers and tubs
  • Easy to wipe clean while hanging
  • 12 Rust-resistant metal eyelets on the top hem allow for structured hanging without any gaps
  • Weighted bottom hem keeps the curtain in place while showering
Cons
  • The clear material doesn’t provide any privacy, however, you can opt for a solid color
3

Barossa Design Shower Curtain Liner

– Honorable Mention
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Barossa provides a hotel-grade fabric curtain shower liner that is waterproof. The material can easily be removed and is machine washable, making it a very hygienic and easy to clean option. The material repels water and is quick to dry after showering. A weighted bottom hem keeps the drapes hanging straight down and prevents them from sticking together and blowing around. Barossa offers a satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return your product within 90 days if you are not satisfied.

Pros
  • The top is lined with 12 rust-proof metal eyelets that are compatible with most shower hooks
  • The top hem is reinforced to prevent tearing
  • Available in a variety of sizes for narrow or extra length showers and tubs
  • Machine washable
Cons
  • The clear material doesn’t provide any privacy, however, you can opt for a solid color
4

N&Y HOME Shower Curtain Liner

– Also Consider
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This soft fabric shower curtain liner is made of 100% premium polyester with two bottom magnets to keep the curtain in place. Although the fabric is not 100% waterproof, it has quick-dry properties and is machine washable which makes keeping it hygienic and preserving its quality effortless. The fabric is PVC-free with no vinyl or chemical odor and is free of hazardous chemicals.

Pros
  • Two magnets on the bottom corners for secure positioning
  • Machine washable
  • The top hem with 12 buttonholes is reinforced to prevent tearing
  • Variety of size options available for extra length and width
Cons
  • Not waterproof
5

LiBa Shower Curtain Liner

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This purchase offers you two heavy duty, water resistant shower curtain liners. The special aqua shield design repels water, keeping your bathroom and the curtain dry without too much effort. The PEVA material liners are available in clear, frosted, and solid white options. LiBa provides a 12-month warranty and 90-day money back quality guarantee.

Pros
  • Highly waterproof
  • The top hem with 12 grommets is reinforced to prevent tearing and ensures long-lasting durability
  • Heavy duty magnets on the bottom prevent the curtain from clinging to you in the shower
  • The purchase includes two shower curtain liners
Cons
  • There are not a large variety of size options available
6

SPACE Expanding Shower Curtain Liner

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Maneuvering in the shower (especially in small ones) isn’t always the safest task, and when space is an issue, shower curtains are a problem. This expanding shower liner offers a unique design that gives your shoulders and elbows more room to breathe as you wash away all of your problems away.

Pros
  • Strong rod for complete support
  • Can still utilize your outer shower curtain
  • Easily machine washable
Cons
  • Sized for a shower no larger than 60 inches wide

Buying Guide for the Best Shower Curtain Liners

Choosing the right shower curtain liner may require a little more consideration than you might think. Not only should you go for a color and style that you like, but you need to make sure you get the correct length, width, fabric, and rail fasteners. There is a wide range of liners to choose from. To make it easy, we’ve put together a guide outlining the different options to help you choose the best shower curtain liner for your needs.

Types of Shower Curtain Liners

Fabric shower curtain liner

Although having a fabric shower curtain liner may seem counterproductive, they do have their place. These liners come in a great range of styles to fit any bathroom color scheme. They are available in vinyl, cotton, polyester, or linen which makes them easy to throw in the laundry for a quick wash without any harsh chemicals needed. This makes them a good eco-friendly option. The only downside with fabric liners is that you will have to wash them regularly and make sure they dry well before hanging them back to prevent mildew and stains.

Plastic shower liners

Plastic shower liners are one of the best options since they are convenient, easy to clean while hanging, inexpensive, and complement most bathroom styles. You can simply wipe these down to clean or dry them. Generally, they are see-through or have a light pattern, so they won’t interfere with your bathroom style but rather complement the current materials and color scheme.

Check that the plastic materials do not contain or emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which can be hazardous to your health, irritating eyes and skin, amongst other more serious effects.

Magnet base shower liners

These liners are perfect along with bathtubs since the bottom magnets keep the liner in place along the side of the bathtub. The magnets weigh the fabric down for a close fit with less water escaping.

Mildew resistant shower liners

Mildew-resistant liners are treated for mold and mildew prevention, reducing the frequency at which the liner needs to be washed. The best types are made of polyester, PE (polyethylene), or PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate). Polyester is a machine-washable, somewhat water-resistant fabric. When used as a shower curtain liner, is it also treated for mold prevention.

PE and PEVA are naturally water-resistant plastic-type materials similar to vinyl but without harmful chemicals.  

Although also popular materials for shower curtain liners,  PVC or vinyl are not as water-resistant and may contain some harmful chemicals. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding these materials.

Heavy duty shower liners

Due to their heavyweight, these shower curtain liners are less prone to blow around while you’re showering with less chance of sticking to you. They typically also offer good resistance to bacteria and mold.

Extra length shower liners

Shower liners that are too short will allow water to get through to the bathroom floor and walls, while liners that are too long won’t dry out properly and result in mildew growth fairly quickly. Most liners are 70 to 72 inches in length. If the rail is set high, you can get extra-long liners around 96 inches in length. 

Extra wide shower liners

Bathtubs that double-up as a shower usually require extra width curtains due to the longer rod over the entire bathtub length. Getting an extra-length liner will reduce the large gaps at the ends preventing water from escaping. It also makes for a beautiful look when uniformly positioned across the entire length of the rail.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Shower Curtain Liner

Shower curtain liners not only have the potential to enhance the look of your bathroom, but they can preserve your shower curtain for longer with less mildew. Here’s what you need to determine before making your purchase.

Size

The width of your shower curtain will depend on whether you are using it in front of a free-standing shower or a bathtub and the length will vary depending on the mounted rod height. Take these measurements beforehand so you can choose a liner that matches your shower curtain and does not leave any gaps.

Material

Although vinyl liners have a slightly cheaper look than some other materials, they are very easy to clean with a simple wipe and are less likely to stick to you while showering. Fabric liners may look appealing but need to be washed in a washing machine. They blow around easily in drafts which cause large open gaps where water gets onto the floor and walls while showering. 

PVC-free shower curtain liners don’t release hazardous compounds and have good water resistance, anti-mildew, and anti-mold properties.

Magnets and suction cups

Liners weighted down with the use of magnets or kept in place with suction cups have a better chance of staying in place and keeping water off the bathroom floor.

Eyelets

A liner with reinforced eyelets or grommets along the top will prolong its life since it is less likely to rip or form tears around the shower curtain rings.

Anti-bacterial and mildew-treated materials

If you live in a humid climate or have a bathroom that does not receive good ventilation it is important to opt for materials that are mildew resistant. Many fabrics used for liners have been treated for mold prevention which will greatly prolong the life of your shower curtain and the liner.

Color

Color coordinate your liner with your shower curtain and overall bathroom style. Alternatively, there are also a number of clear options which make it easy to pair with any color scheme without interfering with the design flow.

People Also Asked

Q: How long do shower curtain liners last?

A: Shower curtain liners generally last around 6 months.

Q: What is the best way to take care of a shower curtain liner?

A: Always allow the liner to dry completely after showering. Spray the liner with cleaning agents, and remove any residual soap, stains, and mildew frequently. Fabric liners can simply be placed in the washing machine to clean.

Q: Should shower curtains be placed inside the tub?

A: Shower curtain liners should go inside the tub, while the shower curtain hangs on the outside of the bathtub. The curtains are designed for decorative purposes and to offer privacy, while liners prevent water from splashing out.  

Bathroom Linens
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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