9 Tested Shower Curtain Liners to Keep Water In and Mildew Out (2024)

Designed to be used alongside a shower curtain, shower curtain liners play the important role of protecting your bathroom from unnecessary splashes and spills. And while they’ve traditionally leaned on the more utilitarian side—think, the nondescript white plastic liners that you might find in a hotel bathroom—today, there are plenty of designs and materials to choose from.

To help you in your search, we researched and tested some of the top shower curtain liners on the market, considering their overall quality, design, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. Our favorite options felt nicely thick without being stiff, stayed in place while we showered, and were either waterproof or machine washable.

We also tapped a few cleaning pros to get insight into what exactly makes an effective shower curtain liner. The consensus? A material called EVA vinyl, which is a “low-cost and easy-to-maintain option” that works better than cloth alternatives, according to Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of Onedesk, a national cleaning company. “Mold and mildew are less of an issue since vinyl shower curtains act as a natural water repellant," he adds.

Our Top Picks

What We Like

  • Easy to clean

  • Weighted edges and bottom improve drape

  • Thick vinyl material resists nicks and discoloration

What We Don't Like

  • Non-returnable

The Quiet Town Sun Shower Curtain Liner looks and feels higher quality than any of the other vinyl or plastic liners we tested, easily making it our top pick. It's made with a 12-gauge ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a thick vinyl material free of BPAs and PVC. (Gauge measures the thickness of the material, so the higher the gauge, the heavier and more durable the material tends to be.)

We especially like its heavy drape that prevents sticking in the shower. We loved the clarity of the liner’s color—and when it comes time to clean it, just wipe it down to remove soap or water spots and it’s back to beautifully clear.

Many plastic liners cloud where they get nicks or creases, but the Quiet Town didn’t crease and stayed clear throughout use. The brass grommets resist rusting and easily fit over curtain rings. Two additional grommets, one at each of the bottom corners, add weight to the bottom to hold the liner in place while in use.

This liner comes in several fun colors, ranging from bright tangerine and canary yellow to clear and color-blocked options. (None of the liners are returnable, but you can buy a swatch card to see which color might suit your bathroom the best.) We tested the pink and lavender options, both of which looked very pretty but might not be suited to all users.

Overall, it’s one of the most stylish shower curtain liners we tested, as small design details like rounded corners and an imprinted logo set it apart from other options we tested. While it’s thick enough to use alone, we recommend pairing the liner with a fabric curtain for extra privacy.

Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches, 72 x 84 inches | Colors: 16 options | Material: EVA | Machine Washable: No

What We Like

  • Thick, heavy liner

  • Weighted bottom helps maintain position and drape

  • Dries quickly

  • Reinforced grommets add durability

What We Don't Like

  • Clouds at tight creases

  • Material is a bit stiff

With a durable material and reinforced grommets, the Gorilla Grip liner offers a high-quality performance for under $10. During testing, we found it to repel water and dry quickly. It’s far thicker and more durable than the price suggests and the EVA is easy to clean like other plastic designs, though some light scrubbing was required.

The heavyweight liner had reinforced grommets and weights on the bottom that helped keep it in place. The material is slightly stiff, so it took up a bit more space in the shower compared to thinner, more lightweight options. We found this to be a fair tradeoff considering the shower curtain liner’s durability, but it’s worth noting if you don’t have much shower space.

The only issue we had with the Gorilla Grip liner was that it could cloud if it gets pinched—in a few small places, you could see where it had been bumped, leaving marks on it. This isn’t the kind of liner that’s used alone. We would recommend using it with a curtain because it’s designed to be more functional than decorative.

Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches, 78 x 72 inches | Colors: 12 options | Material: EVA | Machine Washable: No

What We Like

  • Easy installation

  • Unique but practical design

  • Attractive design elements—sheer upper panel and ribbon accents

  • Removable, washable split liner

What We Don't Like

  • Specialty replacement liner

This liner and curtain set was one of our favorites for its unique and practical design. Unlike some other options, the hookless design doesn’t look hookless. The large grommets are split, but once installed, you can’t see the separation.

A removable liner snaps onto the curtain below a sheer panel. Come washing time, you remove the panel but leave the curtain in place. There’s no need to completely uninstall the curtain when it needs to be washed.

To give it a touch of style, the Hookless Escape has four accent ribbons throughout the curtain. We loved the sheer top panel because it let more steam out and let you peek out of the curtain to check on anything going on in the bathroom. The only downside we could see was that if you need to replace the inner liner, you’ll have to order a replacement from the manufacturer.

Dimensions: 71 x 74 inches | Colors: Nine options | Material: EVA | Machine Washable: No

Do you need to use a curtain with a liner?

Traditionally, shower curtain liners are designed to be used in tandem with shower curtains. Shower curtain liners have served a more utilitarian role than shower curtains, as they are intended to contain water in your shower and prevent any unintended spills or splashes in your bathroom. Today, you'll find a variety of shower curtain liners that are stylish enough to be used alone, though you still might want to add a shower curtain for extra privacy.

What We Like

  • Holds up well in the wash

  • Classic look

  • Soft texture

What We Don't Like

Fabric shower curtain liners may not offer the same waterproof effect as vinyl options, but they often have a more refined look and soft texture that is more appealing for certain users. During our testing, we especially liked this fabric option from The Company Store.

It’s made from polyester, which has a delicate drape that looks and feels nicer than EVA, which can often be quite stiff. It’s water-repellant (not waterproof) and mildew-resistant and held up nicely in the wash during our testing.

Just note that this shower curtain liner is lightweight, so it’s not the most heavy-duty option on this list. However, it’s made with a weighted bottom hem to keep it from moving in the shower, which we found worked well. While only one color is available, it offers a classic look that matches most curtains well.

Dimensions: 70 x 72 inches | Colors: One option | Material: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes

What We Like

  • Beautiful linen

  • Liner fully protects the curtain

  • Creates an airy, light appearance

What We Don't Like

  • Included hooks scratched the curtain rod

  • Lacks weighted bottom

If you like the look and feel of linen, check out this rustic set from Brooklinen. With your purchase, you'll get a 100 percent linen curtain, EVA liner, and 12 metal hooks. As with most linen items, you should expect some wrinkling (in this case, especially near the grommets). However, the combo of white linen and a clear liner gave airiness to the windowless bathroom in which it was tested.

It offers a simple and classic look that matches most design styles well. The linen has a thinner texture, but we still found it to be quite durable in our testing.

The liner isn’t the highest-quality EVA we tested, and it doesn’t have weights at the bottom. However, it worked well and completely protected the curtain. The main issue we had with this set was the hooks, which have sharp open ends that can scratch your shower rod. During testing, there was no way to get them on or off without leaving a mark. While we loved the set, we recommend buying hooks separately.

Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Colors: Two options | Material: Linen curtain, EVA liner | Machine Washable: Yes (curtain only)

What We Like

  • Weighted bottom edge

  • Lightweight, so it doesn’t protrude into the shower

  • Fabric washed very well

What We Don't Like

  • Takes longer to dry

Another one of our favorite picks is the Crate & Barrel White Shower Curtain Liner, which was particularly easy to clean. Thanks to the polyurethane inner coating, it repels water well, and the weight of the liner plus the weighted edge kept it from sticking to the shower. Those weights also prevent the lightweight fabric from billowing in the shower, leaving plenty of space for the occupant. We loved that it washed well, looking new and ready to go right out of the washing machine.

One thing to note is that the polyurethane coating does slow down the drying process—not by too much, but you'll have to make sure to leave the liner open after use so that it will dry. That adds some maintenance time to this liner, but it looks nice and cleans very well.

Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches | Colors: One option | Material: Polyester coated with polyurethane | Machine Washable: Yes

How often do you need to replace a shower curtain liner?

This will depend on how often the shower gets used, whether or not the liner gets left open or closed, and the ventilation strength in the bathroom. If the liner has stains or shows signs of mildew or mold, we recommend replacing it. If you want to extend the life of your liner, we recommend letting it dry between uses and cleaning it regularly to help prevent soap scum buildup and mildew.

What We Like

  • Thick but not stiff

  • Dried quickly and repelled water

  • Laid flat in the shower, leaving space inside for showering

What We Don't Like

  • Easily shows water spots

The BigFoot shower curtain liner is made of mildew-resistant EVA, but it’s the quality of the material that makes this model stand out. It’s thick, but there’s no chemical odor—in fact, there’s no odor at all.

Despite its thickness, this liner is flexible and contours well to the shape of the shower. The three magnets at the bottom made a major difference. They also help the liner drape, so that it doesn’t protrude into the shower.

The EVA dries quickly, helping with mildew resistance. Overall, it’s an excellent liner, though you’ll need a curtain if you want privacy. The only downside is that it easily shows water spots. They'll go away with gentle cleaning, but expect them to show up within a few uses. That being said, the durability of the material gives us confidence it’ll hold up against even heavy-duty scrubbing if needed.

Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Colors: Three options | Material: EVA | Machine Washable: No

What We Like

  • Durable construction

  • Stayed in place nicely

  • Lots of size and finish options

What We Don't Like

  • Strong plastic smell upon arrival

If you live in a high-traffic household, a heavy-duty liner, like this option from Liba, might be worth considering. As with many of the picks that we tested, this liner is made with EVA, a thick vinyl material that's durable and mold- and mildew-resistant.

You can opt for either an 8-gauge or 10-gauge liner. If you're looking for something that will really last, we recommend choosing the 10-gauge option, which is on the stiffer side but better suited for heavy use. In our testing, we also liked that it stayed in place nicely while we showered.

Beyond its durability and performance, we also love how customizable this option is. It's available in three different finishes (clear, frosted, and white) for varying degrees of privacy, and comes in five different sizes to accommodate a variety of showers. Unfortunately, we found that there was a strong plastic smell upon arrival, but this should go away in time.

Dimensions: Five sizes | Colors: 19 options | Material: EVA | Machine Washable: No

What We Like

  • Pockets of different sizes

  • Dries well

  • Creates extra storage in crowded bathrooms

What We Don't Like

  • Mesh doesn’t dry as well as the vinyl

  • Can overload with too much weight

The Maytex Mesh PEVA Shower Curtain and Bath Organizer does more than keep water inside a shower. It adds much-needed storage to a crowded bathroom, with nine mesh pockets of different sizes on one side. We didn’t test this option for ourselves, but we did try a similar (now discontinued) product that had a comparable design.

It’s designed to be reversible, so you can either use the pockets for shampoo and items you need in the shower or face it outward and store items you need while using the sink. For small bathrooms, the added storage can keep clutter from taking over.

We love the different size pocket options: the largest ones should be big enough to hold a shampoo bottle, while the smaller pockets would work great for shaving supplies. However, the only downside comes at washing time: if you have the liner facing the water, the mesh pockets do not dry out as well as the vinyl. Additionally, you’ll want to be aware of what you place in the pockets, as they may get overloaded with too much weight, which could collapse your curtain rod.

Dimensions: 70 x 72 inches | Colors: Three options | Material: Vinyl and nylon mesh | Machine Washable: No

Final Verdict

The Quiet Town The Sun Shower is our pick for the best shower curtain liner for the quality of the EVA material, color clarity, and overall design with its weighted grommets and rounded edges. If you love a clear curtain, it can stand alone, or you can pair it with a separate curtain for extra privacy. If you want to save a few dollars, our best budget pick is the Gorilla Grip PEVA Heavy Duty Shower Curtain Liner, which is highly durable and will stand up to heavy use and cleaning.

How We Tested the Shower Liners

We used 14 shower curtain liners at home one at a time to see how well they held up to the manufacturers’ claims. The liners were in use for 48 to 72 hours, getting used three to four times per day during that time. We rated the liners across several specific categories, including design, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

When testing the design, we considered how the material felt and if it matched the manufacturer's description. We felt each option and noted the thickness, quality, and texture of the liner. This also included how it looked coming out of the packaging, whether it had an odor, and how easy the liners were to install.

Cleaning ease came down to how well the liner either washed in a washing machine or how easily it could be wiped clean. We also noted how quickly each option showed any soap scum or mildew. We monitored durability after several uses and one cleaning, noting how well each option held up after consistent use. Finally, we determined if the liner’s price matched the quality and performance.

We also retested three of the top-performing options to gain more in-depth testing insights, sending the Gorilla Grip PEVA Waterproof Shower Curtain Liner (best budget), Quiet Town Sun Shower Thistle (best overall), and Crate & Barrel White Shower Curtain Liner with Magnets (best washable) to separate testers’ homes for one month.

What to Look for in a Shower Liner

Materials

Material is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a shower curtain liner, as it not only determines how the liner looks and feels but also its susceptibility to mold and mildew, which is "one of the biggest problems in the bathroom,” according to Alex Varela, General Manager of Dallas Maids in Frisco, TX.

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew. All of the seven non-fabric options on this list are made from EVA vinyl. Our best overall option, the Quiet Town The Sun Shower, is especially durable and is made with thick, 12-gauge EVA.

Installation

Most shower curtain liners attach to a curtain rod using hooks, which may or may not be included with your shower curtain liner. If you don’t like the look of hooks, check out our best hookless option, the Abluen No Hook PEVA Shower Curtain or Liner. This specific model has grommets that separate to make installation a breeze.

Size

Standard liners are 72 x 72 inches, though you’ll find some variation with 70 x 72 and 71 x 71-inch liners being fairly common too. We tested these liners in a slightly smaller-than-average shower, making a 72 x 72-inch liner plenty big.

If you have a smaller shower, consider a model that’s an inch or two narrower than the standard, like the best for small bathrooms Maytex Mesh PEVA Shower Curtain and Bath Organizer, which is 70 inches wide. That keeps the liner from pushing out into the shower space. Our best heavy-duty pick, the Liba Heavy Duty Shower Curtain Liner, is also available in five size options if you need a more exact size.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these bathroom must-haves sure to upgrade your daily routine.

  1. Amazon Basics Shower Curtain Tension Rod: If you’re purchasing a new shower curtain liner, it may be worth it to replace your shower curtain rod as well. This one from Amazon is adjustable from 42 to 72 inches and can support up to 20 pounds.
  2. Simple Houseware Bathroom Hanging Shower Head Caddy Organizer: If you’re tight on shower space, this shower caddy will help reduce clutter and keep your products within reach. It hangs over your shower head and includes two shelves and two hooks to hold all of your essentials.
  3. Dynamene Shower Curtain: This under-$20 shower curtain is made from oil-, stain-, and water-repellant fabric. It comes in 30 colors and 13 sizes to fit your bathroom perfectly.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Stacey L. Nash, who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. She tested all of the products on this list and also read through other user reviews to look for patterns in user experiences. For additional insight, Nash spoke with cleaning experts.

Our Experts:

  • Alex Varela, General Manager of Dallas Maids in Frisco, Texas
  • Roman Peysakhovich, CEO of Onedesk, a national cleaning company
  • Bianca Pineda, commerce writer for The Spruce

The 9 Best Shower Curtain Liners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

9 Tested Shower Curtain Liners to Keep Water In and Mildew Out (2024)

FAQs

9 Tested Shower Curtain Liners to Keep Water In and Mildew Out? ›

Recyclable PEVA Shower Curtain Liner System

A less toxic plastic option, and nearly guaranteed to lower your exposure to mold and mildew without any off-gassing.

What is the best material for shower curtain to prevent mold? ›

Recyclable PEVA Shower Curtain Liner System

A less toxic plastic option, and nearly guaranteed to lower your exposure to mold and mildew without any off-gassing.

What is the best material for a shower curtain liner? ›

Opt for PEVA or EVA materials, which are chlorine-free, less toxic and more eco-friendly.

How do you get mildew out of a fabric shower curtain liner? ›

Washing machine (+ vinegar or baking soda)

Vinegar will cut the soap scum buildup, oils and mildew. Alternatively, you can add a couple teaspoons of baking soda in lieu of detergent or vinegar. Then simply hang your fabric shower curtain and liner back up on the curtain rod to air dry.

Why does my shower liner get moldy so fast? ›

Mold grows where there's moisture,” Rubino explains, adding that because shower curtains often get wet, “they're prime real estate for microbial growth.” Additionally, the makeup of the shower curtain or liner itself, if it's fabric, along with other factors in the shower, can contribute to the proliferation of mold.

What material won't mold in the shower? ›

If you're already dealing with grout stains and shower mold, or if you're planning a bathroom remodel to prevent those problems, acrylic shower walls that look like tile are the ideal solution. Unlike traditional tile and grout, water can't penetrate acrylic shower walls, helping to fully waterproof your bathing space.

What makes a shower curtain liner mildew resistant? ›

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.

Which is better PEVA or fabric shower liner? ›

If a shower curtain says it is PEVA or EVA, that means it does not have polyvinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, making PEVA or EVA shower curtains safer.

Is PEVA mildew resistant? ›

LiBa's clear shower-curtain liner is made from chlorine-free PEVA, an odorless material that works as a replacement for PVC, which is what most shower-curtain liners are made with. Along with that, it's designed to fight one of the biggest problems among shower-curtain liners: mildew.

What's the difference between mold and mildew? ›

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.

How often should you wash a fabric shower curtain liner? ›

You should clean your shower curtain and liner about once a month. If you have a fabric shower curtain that doesn't come into contact with moisture often due to the liner, you may be able to wash it every three months.

Can I use OxiClean on shower curtain liner? ›

Use OxiClean™ to keep your liner from getting grungy. Remove the liner from the shower, then throw it in the washing machine along with one or two towels and OxiClean™ VSR powder, following the directions on the label. Wash with cool water on a delicate setting. Simply rehang it in the shower to dry.

What material should I avoid in my shower curtain? ›

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is frequently made with numerous hazardous chemicals, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your bathroom. As these chemicals off-gas, they contribute to indoor air pollution [1].

Is there a mold free shower curtain? ›

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.

What fabric is best for a shower curtain? ›

Vinyl: The Durable Champion

If durability is what you're after, then look no further. Vinyl shower curtains are both tough and resilient. With their water-resistant properties and easy-to-clean surface, vinyl curtains can withstand the daily onslaught of water and soap scum without breaking a sweat.

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