Can You Tumble Dry Shower Curtains? (read this first)

You should always check the care label on your shower curtain, but as a general rule, shower curtains should not be tumble dried. 

This is because shower curtains can be made from a number of materials and you can find cotton, linen, polyester, cotton blended, vinyl, or even some polymer blends like EVA in many shower curtains.

In some cases, shower curtains can be tumble dried on a no heat or low heat setting. However, it is impossible to know just how the materials used to make the shower curtain will react to being tumble dried.

Which is why we recommend allowing your shower curtain to air dry on the curtain rail in your shower.

What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On Shower Curtains

You should find a care label on your shower curtain which will give you all the information you need on how to wash and dry your shower curtain.

This information is given in the form of symbols and below, we have listed all of the symbols relating to tumble driers. Starting with the ones you’re most likely to find on your shower curtain.

Symbols Most Likely To Be Found On Shower Curtains

• Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top – Do not tumble dry
• Square With White Circle –You can tumble dry
• Square With Black Circle – You can dry normal, with no heat
• Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle – This indicates you can dry on normal, low heat

Symbols Unlikely To Be Found On Shower Curtains (for your information)

• Square With White Circle, Two Black Dots In Circle – This indicates you can dry normal, medium heat
• Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle – You can dry normal, high heat

How To Dry Shower Curtains Without A Tumble Dryer

Even if the care label indicates that your shower curtain can be tumble dried, it is far better (and safer) to air dry it.

Air Drying Your Shower Curtain On The Shower Rail (Recommended)

After washing and rinsing your shower curtain, it should be rehung on the rail it was taken from. The shower curtain can then dry naturally in the air and any water droplets can drip into the shower tray and drain away.

Air Drying Your Shower Curtain On A Washing Line

Weather permitting, your shower curtain can be air dried outdoors on a washing line, rotary line or a retractable clothesline.

Retractable clotheslines are a great space saving device, perfect for those of use with small gardens. The line is extended between two opposite walls when needed and returned to the wall mounted box when not in use.

A retractable clothesline can be set up indoors or out and once retracted back into the wall mounted box the space is free for other uses.

Using A Dehumidifier For Faster Indoor Drying

If you have washed your shower curtain during the cold Winter months and you want to get it dry faster, try placing a dehumidifier in the room with the drying shower curtain.

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air which allows the shower curtain to release more moisture at a faster pace. Using a dehumidifier can seriously reduce drying times.

SEE ALSO: Great Dehumidifiers For Drying Your Shower Curtains & Clothes

What Happens If You Tumble Dry Shower Curtains?

If you disregard the care label on your shower curtain you could cause any of the following;

The Shower Curtain Could Shrink

Depending on the material used to make your shower curtain, exposing it to the heat of a tumble dryer could cause it to shrink. The shower curtain might not fit your shower from that point onwards.

The Shower Curtain Could Melt

Some materials can melt if exposed to high temperatures. If your shower curtain was to melt in the tumble dryer, not having a shower curtain would be the least of your problems. You might need to replace the tumble dryer as well.

The Shower Curtain Could Become Brittle

Extreme heat can cause some materials to become brittle and break. This can result in cracks, splits and general damage to the shower curtain.

The Shower Curtain Could Become Distorted

Exposing the shower curtain to high temperatures could cause the fabric to become distorted. Once distortion takes place, the shower curtain is irreparably damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions