Shower curtain liners might not be the most glamorous part of your bathroom, but they are important if you want to keep water inside your bathtub and away from your floor.
Unlike shower curtains, which are decorative, liners are designed purely to contain water. As such, it is important to choose a liner that is watertight and an appropriate size for your bathroom.
To help you find the right product for your bathroom, we have reviewed seven of the best shower curtain liners available today. We chose these liners based on their material, their ability to contain water, and how they are held in place.
- Durable EVA material
- Rust-resistant grommet holes
- Mold-resistant
- Heavy-duty vinyl
- Resistant to mold & mildew
- Durable mesh header
- Eco-friendly & non-toxic PEVA material
- Mildew-resistant
- Easy to wipe clean
- Polyester fabric
- Quick dry
- Magnets sewn into pockets
- Elegant look
- Premium polyester fabric
- Rust-proof grommets
- Heavy vinyl material
- No weights or magnets
- Easy to maintain
- Fits most standard-sized bathroom
- Magnets
- Easy to wipe clean
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we carry out comprehensive research and hands-on evaluations of shower curtain liners to provide you with the most accurate information. Our professional team checks and ranks every product based on crucial decision-making factors such as material durability, mildew resistance, and ease of cleaning. We then compare these results and share our findings, offering a clear picture of each liner’s performance. Our in-depth assessments, combined with our extensive experience, allow us to identify key design choices that impact user experience. This analysis is all grounded in concrete data and facts, ensuring you can trust our recommendation for the best shower curtain liner.
The Best Shower Curtain Liners of 2024
After looking closely at some of the current top-rated products, we have reviewed seven of the best shower curtain liners available today. We focused on the standard liner size of 72 by 72 inches as this will fit most bathtubs.
AmazerBath Plastic Shower Curtain
Best Value Shower Curtain Liner
This plastic shower curtain liner from AmazerBath is both waterproof and highly durable. It is also available in a range of colors, so it’s easy to find one that will complement your bathroom.
The liner is made of EVA, which reduces deterioration from water exposure. AmazerBath has also fitted three heavy, clear stones at the bottom of the liner to hold it down.
This liner provides easy maintenance. You can quickly wipe the curtain liner with a damp cloth to clean when needed. Installation is also straightforward as the liner fits any straight or curved rod, and the hooks are easily changed.
AmazerBath states that you can use this liner to protect your curtain or alone as a curtain itself. This makes it a great option if you don’t like to feel enclosed while showering.
You don’t need to worry about rust in the grommet holes as AmazerBath has fitted this liner with 12 rust-resistant metal holes.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable EVA material
- Secure fit
- Easy maintenance
- Rust-resistant grommet holes
- Mold-resistant
Cons
- Weights aren’t heavy enough
Product Specs
| Material | EVA |
| Thickness | 8-gauge |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | 12 |
| Weights | Clear stones |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Epica Mildew-Resistant Shower Curtain Liner
Best Shower Curtain Liner for Children
This Epica shower curtain liner is both durable and highly effective. It is made of waterproof vinyl and is heavy-duty.
To ensure this liner is safe for young children, Epica avoided magnets entirely. Magnets help weigh liners down and hold them in place, but they can also be hazardous if they get loose as children might swallow them (1).
Epica has treated this liner to be resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria for up to two years. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone affected by allergies or asthma as mold can trigger reactions (2).
The rust-proof metal grommets are fitted on a reinforced nylon mesh header that won’t tear. Epica has even covered the liner with a two-year warranty, so you won’t need to worry about rips and tears.
Pros
- No magnets
- Heavy-duty vinyl that stays in place
- Resistant to mold, mildew, and bacterial growth
- Durable mesh header
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- If used daily, the mildew-resistant treatment sooner than two years
Product Specs
| Material | Vinyl |
| Thickness | 10-gauge |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | Not specified |
| Weights | None |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
LiBa PEVA Lightweight Shower Curtain Liner
Best Shower Curtain Liner for Allergies
This set from LiBa contains two PEVA shower curtain liners. They are high-quality, eco-friendly, and free from PVC and chlorine, so there are no unpleasant chemical odors.
Resistant to mildew, these curtain liners are ideal for individuals with allergies or for anyone else keen to avoid mildew. Three magnets hold the liner in place and keep it away from your body — nobody likes a shower liner that clings to you.
It is very easy to clean and maintain the liners as you can simply wipe them down. You can even use them as a clear curtain if you want to allow the light in while you shower.
The grommets are made of the same PEVA material as the liners. This means there is no risk of rust and they are durable and won’t tear.
If you aren’t sure whether it is right for you, there is a 90-day money-back guarantee. In the longer term, you will be protected by a 12-month warranty against mold, mildew, and tears.
Pros
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic material
- Durable
- Mildew-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Could be too light for high water pressures
Product Specs
| Material | PEVA |
| Thickness | Not specified |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | Not specified |
| Weights | Magnets |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
N&Y Home Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
Best Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
If you want to avoid plastic materials in your shower area, consider this liner from N&Y Home. It is a hotel-quality, washable, premium polyester fabric in solid white. The liner is thick and close-knit, making it feel more luxurious than many of its competitors.
Despite being made of fabric; the close-knit means water will glide off the material rather than soak into it.
It is also highly durable as the top contains 12 buttonholes instead of grommets. This reduces tearing and you won’t have to deal with any unsightly rust stains on your white curtain.
When you want to clean the liner, it is easy to take down and place it in your washing machine. For a quicker clean, you can simply rinse it while it’s still hanging up and you should remove the bulk of any dirt.
There are two magnetic weights sewn into small pockets in the bottom corners. Sewing them into the corners instead of gluing them on top makes this liner much safer for children who might otherwise swallow any loose magnets.
Pros
- Polyester fabric
- Quick dry
- Water slides off the surface
- Magnets sewn into pockets
Cons
- It will stay damp when in contact with a shower curtain
Product Specs
| Material | Premium polyester |
| Thickness | 100 GSM |
| Size | 70 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | 12 |
| Weights | Magnets |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Barossa Design Waterproof Shower Curtain Liner
Best Curtain and Liner Combination
If you want a liner in a specific color, this Barossa Design shower curtain liner is available in a range of pastel blues, browns, and greys. Whatever the color, no PVC, vinyl, or plastic is used; it is 100% waterproof premium polyester. Water will slide off the curtain as you shower, leaving it dry.
Weights are sewn into the bottom hem to keep the liner in place while you’re showering. The fabric isn’t completely transparent, so it also makes a good curtain. When needed, you can easily remove it and put it in your washer for a quick clean.
You won’t need to worry about rusty grommets as this liner’s grommets are rust-proof. The header is also made with a reinforced hem to improve its durability.
If you aren’t entirely sure about this curtain liner, you are protected by a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Elegant look
- Premium polyester fabric
- Rust-proof grommets
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Colors might appear slightly faded
Product Specs
| Material | Premium polyester |
| Thickness | Not specified |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | 12 |
| Weights | Weighted hem |
Our Ratings
User Experience
AmazonBasics Heavyweight Shower Curtain Liner
Best Basic Shower Curtain Liner
AmazonBasics is an excellent range for anyone shopping on a budget. This curtain liner is a heavy-duty vinyl product that has a very simple design but serves its purpose admirably. The heavy weight of the vinyl means the curtain will stay close to the tub and away from you.
The liner has been treated to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which also prolongs its life.
Rust-proof metal grommets help to hold the liner up. There are no loose magnets to pose a risk for young children. Instead, the liner is held down by its weight.
It is easily maintained and won’t require much cleaning. To help keep it clean, you can quickly wipe the liner down with a damp sponge or cloth. The manufacturer recommends opening the curtain to help it dry completely after cleaning it or showering.
This AmazonBasics liner is designed for use alongside decorative curtains. The transparent material won’t provide any privacy if you install it without an accompanying curtain.
Pros
- Heavy vinyl material
- Rust-proof grommets
- No weights or magnets
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Has a strong chemical odor when new
Product Specs
| Material | Vinyl |
| Thickness | Not specified |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | 12 |
| Weights | None |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Gorilla Grip Heavy-Duty Clear PEVA Curtain Liner
Best Non-Toxic Curtain Liner
If you want an eco-friendly, non-toxic option, this Gorilla Grip shower curtain liner is made of PEVA and is free from PVC. The material is both waterproof and easy to clean, as all you will need to do is wipe it down. It is also durable, robust, and won’t tear easily.
It looks very sleek when hanging, even without an accompanying curtain. There are three magnets attached to the bottom hem of the curtain — these keep it tight to the tub and away from your body. The reinforced header is fitted with 12 rust-proof grommets.
Putting up the curtain liner is straightforward as it easily fits any standard rod and shower opening.
Pros
- Fits most standard-sized bathrooms
- Functional and durable
- Easy to clean
- Rust-proof grommets
Cons
- Magnets are ineffective for non-metallic tubs or those that are not very magnetic
Product Specs
| Material | PEVA |
| Thickness | Not specified |
| Size | 72 x 72 inches |
| Number of Grommets | 12 |
| Weights | Magnets |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Material | Thickness | Size | No. of Grommets | Weights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmazerBath Shower Curtain Liner | Value | EVA | 8-gauge | 72 x 72″ | 12 | Clear stones |
| Epica Mildew-Resistant Liner | Children | Vinyl | 10-gauge | 72 x 72″ | N/A | None |
| LiBa PEVA Lightweight Curtain Liner | Allergies | PEVA | N/A | 72 x 72″ | N/A | Magnets |
| N&Y Home Fabric Curtain Liner | Fabric | Premium polyester | 100 GSM | 70 x 72″ | 12 | Magnets |
| Barossa Design Shower Curtain Liner | Curtain & Liner Combo | Premium polyester | N/A | 72 x 72″ | 12 | Weighted hem |
| AmazonBasics Shower Curtain Liner | Basic | Vinyl | N/A | 72 x 72″ | 12 | None |
| Gorilla Grip PEVA Curtain Liner | Non-Toxic | PEVA | N/A | 72 x 72″ | 12 | Magnets |
Shower Curtains vs. Shower Liners
Shower curtains and shower liners look similar and can work together, but there are key differences between them.
Curtain Liner
A shower curtain liner is a protective layer that is designed to hang on the inside of a bathtub. As you shower, water strikes it and falls into the tub rather than spraying out onto your floor.
Liners can be made from various materials including fabric, vinyl, and plastic. They are usually colorless and transparent, but it is also possible to find colored ones. Many homeowners opt to use curtain liners alone as they complement most modern bathrooms and allow light through.
Shower Curtain
Curtain liners can be used without curtains, but a shower curtain can’t be used without a liner. Shower curtains are generally made of thick fabric to provide privacy and visual appeal.
Thick fabrics are susceptible to water damage, including mold and mildew. However, as they are designed for bathrooms, shower curtains can usually resist humidity and moisture.
Shower curtains are available in a range of styles, colors, and patterns and can add a splash of color to your bathroom. You can also buy seasonal designs if you want to switch your curtain throughout the year, so you can shower with Santa and his reindeer in December.
Shower Curtain Liner Materials
Shower curtain liners are generally one of three types of materials: fabric, plastic, or vinyl, each with different pros and cons:
Fabric
Fabric liners are usually made of polyester and can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Most fabric liners are water-resistant, meaning water will slide off rather than soak through. However, some fabric liners could allow water through if in close contact with the shower curtain.
Plastic
Plastic material varies greatly — popular materials include PEVA and EVA. EVA is ethylene-vinyl acetate, which is a plastic alternative to vinyl (3). Polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) is a popular alternative because it is chlorine-free (4).
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular robust material that usually doesn’t require any extra weights to hold it in place. However, vinyl isn’t very resistant to mold or mildew and requires frequent cleaning with bleach and other chemicals to prevent fungi growth (5).
How to Find the Best Shower Curtain Liners
At a glance, you might not notice much of a difference between the various shower liners that are available. Here are a few tips for finding the best liner for your bathroom:
Material
The first thing to consider is a suitable liner material. This is largely determined by how watertight the material is and how easy it is to clean. Polyester liners are an excellent option as they can be easily cleaned in a washing machine and simply need to be hung up to dry.
Plastics such as PEVA and EVA are also easily cleaned and can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. These should be opened to allow for good airflow when drying.
Keep In Mind
Despite its drawbacks, vinyl is also heavy and highly durable. Most vinyl liners won’t need magnets or weights to hold them down thanks to the material’s natural weight.
Due to the easy maintenance of polyester, it is the best overall choice. However, PEVA and EVA are also excellent materials.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
The terms waterproof and water-resistant are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings.
If you intend to use a liner alone, you can choose a water-resistant curtain. As it won’t be in contact with another material, water won’t soak through it.
However, if you do have a shower curtain, you will need a waterproof liner. This means that when the liner rubs against the curtain, it won’t soak through — keeping the water in the tub and your shower curtain dry.
Types of Grommet Holes
Grommet holes are a small part of a shower liner but they are also one of the most important.
Most grommet holes are made of metal, which can rust depending on the type of metal used. This rust can then bleed onto the liner, creating unsightly orange streaks. As your liner is constantly exposed to moisture, choose a rust-proof metal for the grommet holes.
FAQs
Do You Really Need a Shower Curtain Liner?
You probably don’t need a shower curtain liner if your existing shower curtain is already waterproof.
Shower curtains are made to keep water inside your tub or shower, but they’re also designed to be easily cleaned. A good shower curtain liner will do that job just as well, and when it comes time to wash the curtain, you can simply throw out the liner and get a new one.
There are two basic reasons why people use shower curtain liners: odor control and waterproofing. If you’re in an apartment or share a bathroom with others, using a liner can help keep your smell in the shower.
And if you have kids who might leave their toys in the bathtub or other objects that could leak into the drain, shower liners can help prevent mold from growing in those hard-to-reach places.
But if you don’t have any of these problems, there’s no reason to bother with liners. They’re expensive and inconvenient to clean (you’ll have to remove them whenever you wash your real curtain).
For extra protection against leaks or odors, try spraying vinegar on your walls after each use or adding baking soda to your laundry load every once in a while.
How Long Should a Shower Curtain Liner Be?
A standard shower curtain liner is usually about 72 inches long, but some are shorter or longer than this. If you want to be sure that your liner will fit properly, measure the distance from the top of your shower’s tub wall to its floor before buying a new one.
This measurement also tells you how much extra room you’ll have inside your bathroom if you have a smaller-than-standard shower fitting.
The length of your shower curtain liner is important when protecting your floors and walls. A too-short liner can leave gaps between it and the wall, allowing water to seep. If a liner is too long, it could bunch up and get in your way.
Do Shower Curtain Liners Go Inside the Tub?
Whenever you are showering, the shower curtain liner is meant to stay inside the tub. This way, the water dripping from the liner won’t fall onto the floor but will instead go straight into the tub.
How Do I Keep My Shower Curtain from Getting Moldy?
Maintaining a dry environment is of the utmost importance to keep your shower curtain from getting moldy. It is only natural for your shower curtain to get wet; after all, its primary function is to stop water from leaking into the rest of your bathroom.
If you have a shower liner, place it inside the tub while keeping the outer curtain on the outside. This will allow air to circulate freely between the two layers. Windows may also be of assistance.
One way to stop your shower curtain from getting moldy is by using vinegar in your washing machine with every load of laundry. Vinegar will kill bacteria and fungus on your curtains, which can help prevent mold growth.
Another way to keep your shower curtain from getting moldy is by using bleach in your washing machine with every load of laundry. Bleach kills bacteria, so it will help prevent the growth of any fungus on the curtains and make them last longer.
How Often Should You Replace Your Shower Liner?
You should replace your shower liner every six months to prevent mildew and mold. If your shower is not properly ventilated, the humidity build-up favors these two. To make your shower liner last longer, combine one part vinegar with four parts water.
Add this mixture to a water spray bottle and apply the solution to the liner. Vinegar acts to remove the soap scum and mold on the liner’s surface. Use warm water to rinse the liner completely and allow it to air dry.
Hand washing the liner in the tub every other week will ensure that it gets the deepest clean possible. For this, you can use a mixture of baking soda and laundry detergent.
What Is the Difference Between PEVA and EVA?
PEVA stands for polyethylene vinyl acetate, while EVA stands for ethylene vinyl alcohol. Both are used for making shower curtains. They differ in how they react to water. PEVA is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water; EVA absorbs water.
If you use PEVA, you won’t see much difference between your old shower curtain liner and your new one. But if you’re replacing an EVA liner, you’ll notice a big change.
