Shower curtains are an important part of any bathroom, but do you know they can affect your health and environment? Many regular shower curtains, especially PVC, have plastic, harmful chemicals. These chemicals release poisonous smoke in the air, which may deteriorate for your health. Plastic curtains also prevent moisture, making it easy to flourish of mold and mildew.
In addition to health risks, shower curtains produce a lot of waste. Most plastic curtains do not break naturally, so they remain in landfill for years after throwing. Fossil fuels are also used in making these curtains and pollution in the air also increases. Since more people are trying to choose environmentally friendly options, it is prudent to switch to better options.
The good news is that organic cotton, cannabis, bamboo and PEVA are shower curtains made of safe and durable materials. These options are better for the environment and are healthy for your home. In this article, we will look at the best environmentally friendly shower curtains, why are they a great choice, and where can you buy them from. Let’s make your bathroom stylish and planet-friendly!
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What Makes a Shower Curtain Eco-Friendly?
If you want to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly, then choosing a durable shower curtain is a great step. Many regular shower curtains are made of plastic, which can leave harmful chemicals and produce a lot of waste. On the other hand, environmentally friendly shower curtains are made of safe materials that are better for your home and environment. But why is the shower curtain environmentally friendly? Let us look closely on it.
Made from Safe and Natural Materials
Most plastic shower curtains are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is harmful to the environment and can leave poisonous smoke in your home. Environmentally friendly shower curtains are made of natural, biodegradable or recycling materials such as:
- Organic Cotton :– Soft, breathable, and free from harmful coatings.
- Hemp :– Strong, mold-resistant, and grown without pesticides.
- Bamboo :– A fast-growing, eco-friendly plant that is naturally antibacterial.
- PEVA or EVA :– A safer plastic alternative that does not contain harmful chemicals and can be recycled.
No Harmful Chemicals
Some plastic shower curtains release toxic chemicals in the air. These chemicals, which are called fathlets and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), can be harmful to your health. Environmentally friendly shower curtains are made without these toxins, making them a safe option for you and your family. Many curtains are dyed with natural or non-toxic colors rather than harsh chemicals.
Better for the Environment
Most plastic shower curtains go into the landfill, where it takes decades to destroy them. They increase pollution and damage the planet. Environmentally friendly curtains are different because they are either biodegradable or recycled. Curtains made of cotton, cannabis or bamboo are naturally destroyed over time, while PEVA and EVA can be recycled instead of throwing curtains.
Naturally Water-Resistant
Shower curtains need to protect the water from splashing on the floor. Many plastic curtains have a chemical coating to make them waterproofing. However, environmentally friendly curtains use natural materials that prevent water without the need for additional chemicals. For example, cannabis and bamboo are naturally mold and mildew. Some cotton curtains may require liner, but choosing a PEVA liner is still better than using PVC.
Ethically Made
Environmentally friendly shower curtains are not only better for the planet, but they are also made properly for workers. Many santies ensure that their products are produced under safe and moral function conditions. Some evidences should be noted:
Gots (Global Organic Textile Standard) :- ensures that the cloth is biological and produced by responsibility.
Oeko -Tex standard 100 :- This guarantees that the cloth is free from harmful chemicals.
Fair business certified :- supports proper wages and moral production.
Using eco-friendly shower curtain is a small change that has a huge impact. Best shower curtains reduces plastic waste, harmful chemicals stay out of your home and promote sustainable production. Whether you choose natural clothes like cannabis or cotton or recycling materials like Peva, you will choose a better option for both your bathroom and environment. In the next part, we will learn about some of the best eco-friendly shower curtains so that you can help you choose the right coast!
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Best Sustainable Materials for Shower Curtains
If you want an environmentally friendly shower curtains, it is important to choose the right material. Many regular shower curtains are made of plastic, which can release harmful chemicals and it takes years to break into the landfill. Fortunately, better options exist! Here are some of the best materials which are safe for your home and better for the environment.
Organic Cotton – Soft and Natural
Organic cotton is a great option if you want a soft and natural shower curtain. Unlike regular cotton, it is grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. It is also breathable and gives your bathroom comfortable, simple look.
✅ Pros:
✔ Soft and comfortable
✔ Free from toxic chemicals
✔ Easy to wash in the machine
❌ Cons:
✘ Not completely waterproof (may need a liner)
✘ Can take longer to dry
Hemp – Strong and Mold-Resistant
Hemp is a strong and durable fabric that lasts for a long time. It grows rapidly without pesticides and is naturally resistant to fungal and mildew. This makes it perfect for the bathroom, where moisture can be a problem.
✅ Pros:
✔ Long-lasting and tough
✔ Naturally fights mold and mildew
✔ 100% biodegradable (breaks down naturally)
❌ Cons:
✘ Can feel rough at first (softens over time)
✘ Absorbs more water, so it needs to dry properly
Bamboo – Lightweight and Antibacterial
Bamboo is another great sustainable material. It grows rapidly without the need for chemicals and has natural antibacterial properties, which help prevent mold and mildew. The bamboo cloth is soft and looks stylish in any bathroom.
✅ Pros:
✔ Resists mold and bacteria naturally
✔ Soft and lightweight
✔ Comes from a fast-growing, eco-friendly plant
❌ Cons:
✘ Some bamboo fabrics go through chemical processing (look for organic ones)
✘ Can be more expensive than cotton or hemp
PEVA or EVA – A Safer Plastic Alternative
If you need a waterproof shower layer, PEVA or EVA is a more secure option than traditional plastic. These materials do not contain poisonous chemicals like PVC and do not have a strong smell of plastic. Also, they can be recycled!
✅ Pros:
✔ Waterproof (does not need a liner)
✔ Free from harmful chemicals
✔ Affordable and easy to clean
❌ Cons:
✘ Not biodegradable (but recyclable)
✘ Not as natural as cotton, hemp, or bamboo
Linen – Breathable and Quick-Drying
Linen comes from flax plants, which use less water and less chemicals to grow. It is naturally resistant to bacteria and dries quickly than cotton or cannabis. Linen also has a stylish texture that makes your bathroom beautiful.
✅ Pros:
✔ Lightweight and dries quickly
✔ Naturally fights bacteria and odors
✔ Looks beautiful and breathable
❌ Cons:
✘ Wrinkles easily
✘ More expensive than cotton or PEVA
There are many best eco-friendly shower curtains available to choose. If you want something soft and natural, choose organic cotton or linen. If you need strong and mold-resistant curtains, cannabis or bamboo are a great option. And if you want something waterproof but more secure than regular plastic, then PEVA or Eva is a good option.
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Top Brands Offering Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains
Buying an environmentally friendly shower curtain is a great way to secure your bathroom and improve the environment. Many regular shower curtains are made of plastic that can leave harmful chemicals. But now, most of the brands are offering safe and green options made of materials such as organic cotton, hemp, linen and PEVA (a safe type of plastic).
Here are some of the best brands that make high quality, environmentally friendly shower curtains.
Coyuchi – Soft and Natural Cotton
Coyuchi is known to make domestic products using safe, biological materials. Their shower curtains are made of 100% organic cotton, which means they are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic coatings. They are soft, breathable, and give your bathroom a refreshing, natural look.
✅ Why People Love It:
✔ Made from 100% organic cotton
✔ No harmful chemicals or coatings
✔ Machine washable and long-lasting
❌ Things to Consider:
✘ Not waterproof, so you may need a liner
✘ More expensive than regular cotton curtains
Parachute – Simple and Safe
Parachute makes domestic products that are both stylish and safe. Their shower curtains are made of oeko-tex certified cotton, meaning that they have been tested for harmful chemicals. The cloth is soft, light, and comes in neutral colors that match any bathroom.
✅ Why People Love It:
✔ Made from safe, non-toxic cotton
✔ Soft and lightweight
✔ Simple and stylish designs
❌ Things to Consider:
✘ Not waterproof, so a liner is recommended
✘ A little more expensive than basic curtains
Quiet Town – Colorful and Unique
Quite Town makes shower curtains from cotton, linen and PEVA. Their cloth curtains are dyed with non-toxic colors and sewed in small batches to ensure high quality. If you want something colorful and unique, Quite Town has many best designs.
✅ Why People Love It:
✔ Handmade with non-toxic dyes
✔ Bold colors and fun designs
✔ PEVA options available for a waterproof choice
❌ Things to Consider:
✘ Some designs can be pricey
✘ Fabric curtains need a liner for full waterproofing
Bean Products – Strong and Long-Lasting Hemp
If you want a shower curtain that lasts for years, then bean products are a great option. They form hemp and organic cotton curtains that are naturally fungal and free from chemicals. Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers, so these curtains are very durable.
✅ Why People Love It:
✔ Made from strong and mold-resistant hemp
✔ No plastic, coatings, or harmful chemicals
✔ Handmade in the USA
❌ Things to Consider:
✘ Hemp fabric can feel rough at first (softens over time)
✘ Absorbs more water, so it needs time to dry properly
EarthHero – A Store for Eco-Friendly Choices
EarthHero is an online store that sells eco-friendly shower curtains of many brands. They carefully choose products that are good for the environment and are safe for your home. If you are not sure to choose which brand to choose, then Earth Aahiro is a great place to find various options.
✅ Why People Love It:
✔ Many eco-friendly brands in one place
✔ Offers both fabric and PEVA shower curtains
✔ Focuses on ethical and sustainable production
❌ Things to Consider:
✘ Prices vary depending on the brand
✘ Some items may sell out quickly
Choosing environmentally friendly shower curtain helps to keep your home free from chemicals and reduce waste. Whether you prefer tenderness of Koyuchi’s organic cotton, the strength of the hemp of bean products or the colorful designs of Quite Town, there is a great option for everyone.
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How to Take Care of Your Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains
Buying eco-friendly shower curtains are great option for your home and environment. But to keep it hinged for a long time, you need to take proper care of it. Natural ingredients like cotton, hemp and linen need to pay more attention to plastic. With correct care, your shower curtain can remain clean, fresh and mold-free for a long time.
Here are some easy ways to keep your shower curtain in good condition.
Wash It Often
Every day water, soap and dirt accumulate on your shower screen. If you do not clean it, fungi and smell may occur. It will be fresh by washing it frequently.
How to Wash Different Shower Curtain Materials:
Cotton & Linen: Put it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Use mild detergent and avoid bleach.
Hemp: Hand wash or use a gentle cycle in the machine. Hemp is naturally mold-resistant but still needs cleaning.
PEVA or EVA (Plastic-Free Materials): Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, or rinse it in the bathtub.
Use a Shower Curtain Liner
Shower Curtain liner protects your curtain from water splashes. This lasts it for a long time and makes it easy.
Best Eco-Friendly Liners:
- PEVA or EVA liners – Safe, non-toxic alternatives to plastic liners.
- Hemp liners – Naturally mold-resistant and long-lasting.
- Organic cotton liners – Soft, washable, and reusable.
Clean Stains and Mold Quickly
If you see stains or mold, clean them right away. This stops them from getting worse.
Easy Cleaning Methods:
- For Light Stains: Mix water with mild soap and scrub gently with a sponge.
- For Mold or Mildew: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and scrub with a brush. Then rinse.
- For Tough Stains: Spray white vinegar mixed with water, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean.
It is easy to take care of your eco-friendly shower curtain. Wash it frequently, dry it, clean the stains quickly and use the liner to keep it safe. If you follow these easy steps, your shower layer will last long, which will save your money and reduce waste.
A little effort helps a lot to fresh, clean and keep good for your shower layer!
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How to Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Eco-Friendly Shower Curtain
Wash It Regularly to Prevent Mold and Stains
Your shower screen accumulates soap, water and dirt daily, which can cause fungal and unpleasant smell. To keep it fresh, wash it every few weeks depending on its content:
Cotton and Linen : Wash on the light cycle in the machine with light detergents.
Hemp : Wash by hand or use light machine cycle.
PEVA and EVA (plastic-free option): Wipe with damp cloth or wash it with light soap.
Let It Dry Properly After Each Shower
Moisture deposition can cause fungal, so make sure your shower curtain dries quickly:
Spread it completely instead of keeping it together.
Use a bathroom fan for air flow or open the window.
Wipe the lower hem to remove excess water.
Conclusion
Choosing an eco-friendly shower curtain is a small but powerful step toward a healthier home and a cleaner planet. Sustainable materials like cotton, hemp, linen, and PEVA are safer than plastic options and help reduce waste. But to keep your shower curtain looking fresh and lasting longer, you need to take care of it properly. A little effort can go a long way in preventing mold, stains, and bad smells.
Simple habits such as washing your curtains regularly, letting it dry completely and using natural cleaner such as vinegar and baking soda can bring a huge difference. Using the liner for additional safety and spreading the curtain after each shower will also help it last long. These small steps will keep your bathroom refreshed and save you from changing your curtains again and again.
By following these easy tips, you will enjoy a clean, refreshed and more environmentally friendly bathroom for the coming years. Do you have any favorite tricks to keep your shower curtain clean? Share them in comments below!
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