Why sustainable shower curtains are better?

Polyester shower curtains aren’t eco-friendly. They are synthetic, made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and aren’t recyclable. In addition, it often contains many chemicals that can be toxic for you and the environment. Most shower curtains are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC shower curtains may release into the air 108 toxic chemicals (source 1, source 2) – 7 of which are identified as hazardous air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency. What’s more, VC is a synthetic chemical used in the polymerization of PVC. Studies like this one concluded that VC is a known human carcinogen by inhalation. In short, plastic shower curtains could be toxic and release toxic fumes. Because of this, it is recommendable to choose eco-friendly alternatives, like hemp, cotton, or linen.

What can I use instead of a shower curtain?

Shower curtain alternatives include sliding doors, glass doors, or an open shower. A glass shower door can be a great solution if you have your own place. While it can be pricier, glass is easy to clean, doesn’t emit nasty chemicals, and is a long-term sustainable option. On the other hand, if your bathroom is strategically designed, and you won’t make everything wet when showering, you might not need any shower curtains. Or, if you have good ventilation in your bathroom and everything dries pretty fast, consider having your bathroom curtain-free. Each option has its pros and cons, and the one you choose depends on your situation.

What is the best non-toxic shower curtain?

Hemp and linen shower curtains seem to be one of the best choices for shower curtains. Both are naturally anti-microbial and the tight weave prevents water absorption and lets the fabric dry quickly. Other natural shower curtain materials, such as cotton, usually absorb more water which makes them prone to become moldy quicker.

Do shower curtains biodegrade?

The synthetic shower curtains made from plastic are not biodegradable. On the other hand, shower curtains made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp are biodegradable. This makes them a more sustainable & better option.

Can you recycle a shower curtain?

There is a very low chance that you will be able to recycle your old synthetic shower curtain. PVC (plastic #3) is generally not recyclable in municipal recycling systems. TerraCycle offers boxes, which people can purchase, and fill with various bathroom accessories, including shower curtains. You can find more about it here.

How do I prevent mold from growing on my eco-friendly shower curtain?

Mold is annoying and very common in most bathrooms. You can try to prevent it by following these tips: - Ventilate your bathroom well so the fabric dries faster. As soon as you are done showering, turn on the exhaust fan, and leave it for at least 30 min (or if you have a window, open it.) - Always leave the shower curtain all the way open/spread out after using the shower so it can dry. If you leave it crumpled together in the middle, mold will grow in the folds. - Wash the eco-friendly shower curtains regularly. Shower curtains collect dirt and bacteria, so washing it at least once a month is recommendable. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. - When you wash the curtain, be sure the air dries completely before getting wet again. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. - Choose a thinner shower curtain so it dries faster. - Make sure the curtain doesn’t touch the ground.

What to do if you see mold on the curtain?

If you see moldy stains, take the curtain down, and the machine washes it with some towels. You can also soak the dirty parts in a bucket or sink in a homemade cleaning solution of baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, and water.

10 Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains: Sustainable, Fair-Trade Picks

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Looking for an eco‑friendly shower curtain? You’re in the right place!

Below are 10 sustainable, plastic‑free options made from natural fibers like hemp, cotton, and linen. Plus, tips to care for them and answers to common questions.

Let’s begin!

10 Sustainable Zero Waste Shower Curtains:

1. Rawganique Shower Curtains

Material: European hemp or linen
Made in: Europe (some products are made in the US or Canada)
Price range: Hemp – $55-$79. Linen – $109
Waxable for water resistance – but not machine washable
Ethically made – no sweatshop labor
Where to buy: Rawganique

2. Bean Shower Curtains

Material: Organic cotton, hemp, or a blend
Made in: the US
Price range: Organic cotton – $50-$65. Hemp – $124
Handmade + all natural, quick‑drying, non‑toxic, durable grommets
Some products ship in plastic – ask for plastic‑free delivery
Where to buy: Amazon

3. The Citizenry Curtains

Material: 100% French flax
Made in: Portugal
Certifications: World Fair Trade Organization
Price range: $125
Where to buy: The Citizenry
Shipping: Free in the US
Mold‑resistant + machine-washable, stainless steel rings, handcrafted, fair trade.

4. Echelon Home Linen Shower Curtain

Material: linen from Belgian flax
Made in: No information
Price range: $69
Where to buy: Amazon
Hygienic, fast‐drying + lightweight, softens over time. More affordable with antiseptic properties

5. Parachute Home Shower Curtains

Material: Turkish cotton, or a blend of cotton and linen.
Made in: Turkey
Price range: $89 – $109
Where to buy: Parachute Home
Durable with proper care – line dry to avoid shrinkage

6. Bed Bath And Beyond Shower Curtains

Material: Organic cotton or cotton-hemp blend
Made in: Unknown
Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, And GOTS
Price range: $32 – $40
Where to buy: Bed Bath And Beyond
Budget‑friendly + eco‑conscious
A few zero waste curtain options – solid hemp shower curtain, two-tone organic cotton shower curtain, & pebble stripe organic cotton curtain

7. Threshold Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton
Made in: Unknown
Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX (tested for harmful substances)
Price range: $20
Where to buy: Amazon
Lightweight + machine‑washable
Affordable + plastic‑free alternative
Machine wash + air dry it

8. Quiet Town Home Shower Curtains

Material: Cotton canvas
Made in: Brooklyn, the US
Price range: $148 – $198
Where to buy: Quiet Town Home
Care: Machine wash in cold water. Dry on low heat
Shipping: the US & Worldwide
100% USA-grown, milled, dyed cotton canvas + grommets imported from Turkey
The company up-cycles all of the remaining materials in their ongoing Re:canvas projects

9. mDesign Cotton Waffle Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton
Made in: Indonesia
Price range: $23
Where to buy: Amazon
Care: Machine washes cold, gentle cycle. Hang to dry
Affordable, textured, tight weave -ideal for humid spacesMachine wash cold + hang to dry

10. YoKii Shower Curtains

Material: Cotton linen blend
Made in: China
Price range: $35
Where to buy: Amazon
Care: Wash in cold water using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle
Wrinkle‑free, heavyweight, plastic‑free, waterproof
Easy to install and clean

Quick comparison table

Brand / Model	Price	Material	Highlights
Rawganique	$55–109	European hemp or linen	Waxable, ethical production
Bean	$50–124	Organic cotton or hemp	Durable, quick‑dry, plastic‑free option
The Citizenry	~$125	French flax linen	Fair‑trade, Oeko‑Tex certified
Echelon Home	~$69	Belgian linen	Softens with time, fast‑drying
Parachute Home	$89–109	Turkish cotton/linen blend	High-end, fade‑resistant fabrics
Bed Bath & Beyond	$32–40	Organic cotton/hemp blend	Certified and budget‑friendly
Threshold (Target)	~$20	100% cotton	US‑made, low-waste, durable
Quiet Town Home	$148–198	Cotton canvas	US‑made, low waste, durable
mDesign Waffle	~$23	Cotton	Tight weave, functional texture
YoKii Blend	~$35	Cotton/linen blend	Affordable, trusted, and certified

Pros & cons of sustainable shower curtains

Pros:

One‑time investment: durable and long‑lasting
Biodegradable: hemp, linen, and cotton compost naturally
Natural fibers are antimicrobial and breathable

Cons:

Higher upfront cost (around $40–$150)
May shrink (especially cotton)
Requires more upkeep: frequent washing and proper drying

FAQ

Why choose these over plastic?

Most shower curtains are made from PVC, which can release over 100 toxic chemicals, including EPA-listed air pollutants. (1, 2, 3) They’re also non-recyclable and non-biodegradable. In contrast, eco-friendly shower curtain options are made from natural, non-toxic fibers and are compostable at the end of life.

Alternatives to a shower curtain?

Consider glass doors, sliding doors, or going without a curtain if your bathroom is well ventilated and designed to dry quickly.

Best non-toxic material?

Hemp and linen are top choices – they resist mold, wick moisture, and dry fast. Cotton can work too, but tends to absorb more water and dry more slowly.

Do natural curtains biodegrade or recycle?

Yes, unlike plastic curtains, fiberglass or PVC curtains, natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and linen biodegrade. Keep synthetic curtains out of the landfill or recycle via services like TerraCycle.

How to prevent mold?

Ventilate your bathroom well – keep the fan on for 30+ minutes.
Spread the curtain fully after use – avoid folding or bunching.
Wash monthly, following instructions (always air-dry fully).
Use thinner fabrics that dry faster and avoid letting the curtain touch the floor.

How to clean moldy stains?

Machine‑wash the curtain with towels or soak stains in a baking soda, vinegar, tea-tree oil solution. Let the fabric air dry completely before rehanging.

Final thoughts

Switching to a sustainable shower curtain, whether hemp, linen, or organic cotton, is an easy way to reduce plastic waste and exposure to toxic chemicals.

These eco‑friendly shower curtains offer durability, compostability, and healthier materials, plus they often look great too.

Did I miss a cool eco-friendly shower curtain brand? Let me know!

10 Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains: Sustainable, Fair-Trade Picks