The shower curtain debate is a true pickle: Leave the shower curtain open, forsaking aesthetics, or close it and risk a shower fungal outbreak. Many people opt for leaving it open in hopes of avoiding hard-to-remove moisture-loving mildew, but does it really work? What about other options that achieve the same goal, without requiring your shower curtain to be left open all day? Why does it matter whether you keep your shower curtain open or closed? The clincher comes down to moisture. It’s recommended that you leave your shower curtain open after showering because it helps the curtain dry completely. When closed, moisture can get trapped, encouraging mold and mildew growth. Keeping your shower curtain open allows air to flow around the curtain, reducing the chances of these issues developing. That being said, you only need to leave the curtain open for an hour or so after showering. That leaves enough time for the shower curtain to dry out, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew. If you want to head moisture off at the pass, experts recommend utilizing the bathroom fan both during and after showering to aid in ventilation. To give your shower curtain an even greater chance of staying free of moisture, opt for one that’s water-repellent.
