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Non Toxic Shower Curtain Liner
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated November 2025
PVC and “waterproofed” shower liners are toxic, while organic fabric easily grow mold, mildew, and bacteria. I'll show you how to use three better alternatives— natural fabric, OEKO-TEX certified polyester, and low-maintenance non-toxic PEVA —with techniques that prevent build-up.
Organic and Natural Shower Curtain Liners
Bean Products 100% Organic Cotton Shower Curtain Liner
The only GOTS-certified 100% organic shower curtain liner is from Bean Products. Most “organic” shower curtains start with organic cotton, but have unknown dyes and chemicals added during processing. Therefore, this is the safest shower curtain liner from a material health standpoint, as long as you take care to make sure it doesn’t stay damp— jump down for easy methods. Lighter weight, this is also a better choice than heavy duck cloth canvas or waffle weaves, which are prone to retaining moisture and notorious for molding. Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate liner.
Schoolhouse OEKO TEX Cotton Shower Curtain Liner
Can you use a fabric shower curtain as a liner? Yes, but only if you can commit to some maintenance to keep it clean and your bathroom dry — jump down for tips. Schoolhouse has 100% cotton shower curtains that can be used as a liner if you choose. They’re not organic, but are OEKO TEX certified and tested for harmful chemicals. They’re also unique for their great design and colorful patterns. (I love a colorful bathroom, so currently have their gingham one!) Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate liner (this is what I do.)
Quince Natural Linen Shower Curtain Liner
Quince’s linen shower curtains are affordable for 100% natural linen, and because linen dries faster than cotton, can resist mildew build up a little better. They are not organic or OEKO TEX certified, but are an elegant and overall healthy choice. Even though linen dries relatively quickly, it still requires some care on your part to keep your bathroom dry and liner clean— jump to see techniques. Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate liner.
Bean Products Hemp Shower Curtain Liner
Hemp dries the fastest of any of the natural fiber shower curtains listed here— even faster than cotton or linen. So, this liner may be easier to keep mold and mildew-free than other organic fabric shower curtain liners. It doesn’t have GOTS or OEKO TEX certification, but hemp doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow, so is still a healthier plastic shower curtain liner alternative overall. Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate liner.
The healthiest option (with some maintenance.)
OEKO-TEX certified polyester liners strike a Goldilocks balance—more waterproof than natural fibers with less maintenance, though not as mold-resistant as PEVA.
Non-Toxic Polyester Shower Curtain Liners
Magic Linen OEKO TEX Shower Curtain and Liner Set
This is the best non-toxic polyester shower curtain available. It’s extremely convenient, with a polyester backing that’s removable by snap-on clips for easy washing, and comes with the built-in linen shower cotton outer, so you don’t have to buy a separate one. Importantly, the whole things is OEKO-TEX certified, making this a healthy shower curtain liner that is safe to the touch, won’t off-gas, resists build-up, and looks elegant. Comes in more colors than most natural shower curtains, too. Polyester still needs care to reduce mildew— see tips here. You can use code MAGICBATH for 7% off.
Amazon OEKO TEX Polyester Shower Curtain Liner
If you’re shopping on Amazon or at big-box stores, beware the polyester shower curtains that are advertised as “anti-microbial,” “scum-resistant,” or completely waterproof. While polyester is quick-drying so naturally resists microbial build-up and water a little better than natural fabrics, it still isn’t perfect at it. This type of advertising usually means that toxic coatings are applied to the polyester, like PFAS or endocrine-disrupting antimicrobials like Microban. This one from Amazon Basics thankfully has no such coating, and is even OEKO TEX certified. It’s also the most affordable PVC free shower curtain liner here.
Target OEKO TEX Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
This shower curtain is a blend of cotton and polyester and has OEKO TEX certification. If you want a waffle weave shower curtain that doesn’t need a liner, this would be your best bet. This is because the polyester content will help it dry faster than if it were just cotton, which most waffle weaves are made of. Because the texture prevents you from being able to wax it, I strongly recommend you use the clip method below to keep it dry, in addition to some of the other methods I have below. Alternatively, use this on the outside of your shower as the outer curtain, and pair it with a simple polyester or PEVA liner for the inside curtain that gets wet.
PEVA doesn’t require chemical additives to make it flexible, and the “studies” showing its harmful are actually just one, done by a high school student, on worms, in 150 degree water. It’s truly a relatively safe choice in part because its inherently mold-resistant. A waterproof PVC alternative that requires very little maintenance and last years.
Non-Toxic PEVA Shower Curtain Liners
Outlines Recyclable PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
If you know you’re not a regular cleaner, or if you run a rental home, Outlines shower curtains are a great choice. They recycle the shower curtains for you and send you replacements either on a schedule or as you wish. This way, you never have mold or mildew build up. The corners have little silicone weights you can insert so it doesn’t blow around in your shower. Multiple colors and sizes available. BPA, PFAS, and PVC free. Save 15% with code INTERIOR_MEDICINE.
Quiet Town Heavyweight EVA Shower Curtain Liners
PEVA and EVA are the same thing when it comes to shower curtains; the P just stands for poly. I love Quiet Town’s EVA shower curtain liners (and matching shower curtains) because they’re so colorful, and of course are BPA and PVC free. The bright patterns mean it functions well as a shower curtain that doesn’t require a liner. Heavier weight, so it won’t blow around. If you maintain them with a little cleaning spray, they can last years and years.
Amazon OEKO TEX Certified PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
The most affordable healthy shower curtain liner. Most shower curtain options on Amazon have a “special waterproof treatment” which often means its coated in PFAS or Microban, but this one doesn’t! It’s even OEKO TEX certified. Comes in just one color, but is very affordable and highly rated.
Sproos! Fluted EVA Shower Curtain Liner
Sproos! shower curtains are made with a heavier gauge EVA that doesn’t blow around, and it has a fluted texture that adds a little bit of privacy. Non-porous and mold resistant, it’s an easy to keep clean shower curtain that you won’t need to replace with a little care — but it is still fully recyclable and comes in a few fun colors that match their shower filters.
How to Keep Shower Curtains Mold-Free
Otter Wax: Great for Natural Fiber Shower Curtains
Waxing an organic fabric shower curtain is a great way to make it naturally waterproof, and therefore resist mold and mildew issues. Otter Wax is a very healthy option, made of 100% beeswax and plant-based oils instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Waxing a shower curtain is certainly a labor-intensive process, but can be worth it if you don’t mind the effort and want the safest shower curtain liner possible without any chemical PFAS or antimicrobial coatings. See how to wax fabric here.
Shower Curtain Drying Method: Great for Natural and Polyester Shower Curtains
Most shower curtains get mold and mildew build-up along the bottom edge, because it stays in contact with the side of the tub and never gets a chance to dry out thoroughly. This tutorial shows you an easy way to prevent that with a hook on the opposite wall. An even easier way would be to use a chip clip and a stick-on hook. You can use a nice-looking regular shower curtain on the outside of your tub that always stays dry and hides the whole set up, if you wish.
Branch Basics Non-Toxic Bleach Alternative: Great for Washing Natural and Polyester Liners
The Branch Basics Oxygen Boost has truly and completely replaced bleach in my house, thank goodness. This is ideal for getting mold and mildew out of a shower curtain you’ve let go for too long. One word of caution— patch test before you use it— it’s strong, and I learned the hard way it can remove color sometimes (like bleach.) The oxygen boost is EWG Verified and fragrance free. (You can see all the laundry products I recommend as a Look Inside member.)
Meliora Non-Toxic Cleaning Spray: Great for PEVA Shower Liners
Meliora makes the cleanest of the clean cleaning sprays (ha!). Not only does it have an EWG overall grade of A, each of the ingredients on its list also has either A or B grades. Impressive. Spray refills come as tabs, and this is a completely natural way to maintain a scum-free PEVA shower curtain liner. (You can see all the cleaning products I recommend as a Look Inside member.)
Humidity and Mold Monitor: Great for Every Bathroom
An indoor air quality monitor can help you track humidity levels to prevent mold growth. Mold grows best above 60% humidity, so keeping this in the bathroom can help you track your ventilation and mold risk. The humidity will be super high during and immediately after your shower, but this can help you aim for between 40-50% humidity throughout the rest of the day, by opening windows, and keeping the exhaust fan on for the right amount of time (usually longer than you think you need to.) Super inexpensive monitor here, or the nicer looking more comprehensive ones I recommend here.
DIY Organic Cotton Shower Curtain Liner
This isn’t a mold-free technique, but it is a DIY one, so I’m including it here anyway. There are very few truly organic shower curtains available, as noted above, but there are plenty of GOTS certified organic cotton and linen sheets, which you can easily use to make a no-sew DIY shower curtain out of with these instructions. Or, even easier, just attach the sheet as-is with these clip rings— good for a fuller look. These are all of the organic sheets I recommend. A flat sheet in size Full will work best at 81 x 96” (shower curtains are typically 72 x 72”) — hem down or use no-sew adhesive. A twin is a little too narrow, at 66 x 96” but may work for a shower stall.
Dehumidifier: Great for Humid and Damp Bathrooms
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, don’t like turning it on, or have an extra humid bathroom set-up, consider a dehumidifer. They’re big, but they’re very effective at removing excess water from the air and reducing your mold risk. Bonus— use the captured water to water your plants. The Deverse, pictured above, is relatively small (you don’t need much power for a little bathroom), well-rated, and interestingly has GRS certification, which means the recycled plastic its made of has fewer harmful chemicals present. Ultimately, any humidifier you like that fits in your space is a good option!
Your Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liners
What is the best shower curtain liner material?
The best shower curtain liner material is organic fabric (cotton, linen, or hemp) if and only if, your bathroom has good ventilation and you can commit to keeping your liner waxed, clean, and dry.
There are three non-toxic shower curtain liner materials—the healthiest requires the most maintenance, while the least toxic option requires the least upkeep:
100% organic cotton (or other natural fabric) – high maintenance
OEKO-TEX certified polyester – medium maintenance
Non-toxic PEVA – lower maintenance
Choose your shower curtain liner based on your bathroom's ventilation and the maintenance you can realistically commit to:
Good ventilation + weekly laundry: Choose a plastic-free liner made from organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Hemp dries fastest and resists mold better than cotton or linen. Wash weekly (or more frequently in humid conditions). Consider buying 2-3 liners to rotate while washing.
Good or moderate ventilation + willing to wax: Choose an unwaxed organic fabric liner (cotton, linen, or hemp) and waterproof it yourself using this waxing method. Do periodic wax barrier checks and do not wash in the laundry! You can use a cleaning spray to remove any small surface build-up.
Moderate or poor ventilation + weekly laundry: Choose an OEKO-TEX certified 100% polyester liner without PFAS or antibacterial treatments. These resist water and mold better than natural fabric because they dry faster, and wash easily with oxygen bleach.
Moderate or poor ventilation + unable to wash weekly: Choose a non-toxic PEVA or EVA liner. While not as ideal as natural fabrics or certified polyester, these are significantly safer than PVC or a mold-covered curtain. Clean with spray and a cloth as needed.
What certifications should I look for in non-toxic shower curtain liners?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This ensures the shower curtain starts with organic fibers, and prohibits toxic chemicals throughout production. Many “organic” shower curtains start with organic fibers but are processed with additives that are harmful.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is the most important certification for shower curtain liners. It tests for hundreds of harmful substances and prohibits PFAS and antimicrobial coatings, which are very common on shower curtains.
Avoid vague claims like "eco-friendly" or "natural" without third-party certification backing them up. You can read more in my free Fabric Guide.
Are plastic shower curtains toxic?
It depends.
PVC plastic shower curtains are definitely toxic because they're made with polyvinyl chloride and softened with BPA and other harmful chemicals. PVC on its own is very hard and extremely rigid, so the chemicals are required to make it soft.
Some polyester (a type of plastic) shower curtains can have waterproof PFAS coatings or endocrine-disrupting antimicrobials added to their surface, making them toxic.
However, other plastic shower curtains are better for health:
OEKO TEX certified polyester do not have PFAS or antimicrobials added and are tested for hundreds of harmful substances.
PEVA does not require BPA or phthalates to soften it and has not been found to be carcinogenic or harmful to human health. Read more below.
Both un-coated polyester and PEVA are two plastic materials good at resisting mold, mildew, and water, and require less maintenance than organic fabric shower liners. And, a major point I want to remind you of if you’re feeling stressed about toxicity, is that as long as a shower curtain isn’t off-gassing VOCs, or finished with harmful coatings, it is something you touch 1-2 times a day with one hand, and there is very little friction on it. This means any chemicals would have a hard time finding their way out of the liner. Compared to your bed sheets, a shower curtain liner will have a much lower impact on your health. Context matters a lot!
What is PEVA material? What is EVA?
PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), also known as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), is a non-toxic plastic alternative to PVC. It's a long, repeating chain of polymer molecules that creates a soft, flexible fabric.
PEVA and EVA are the same material when it comes to shower curtains—the "P" simply stands for "poly."
Is PEVA safe? Is PEVA toxic?
PEVA falls somewhere in the middle of the toxicity spectrum. It has not been found to be carcinogenic or harmful to human health by major agencies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), OSHA, or the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
However, one 2014 study by a high school researcher at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics gets an outsized amount of attention. The study exposed worms (Lumbriculus variegatus) to VOCs from PEVA shower curtains heated to 150°F in water. The PEVA-exposed worms showed stress reactions higher than the control group that wasn’t exposed to PEVA (but lower than PVC-exposed worms.)
To the best of my knowledge, no other PEVA toxicity studies exist. None have been conducted on humans at normal bathroom water temperatures and exposure durations. PEVA is certainly less toxic than PVC because it doesn't require phthalates like BPA or chlorine in production. It's probably not as toxic as the worm study suggests, since even the hottest water couldn’t heat the bathroom’s air to make the PEVA 150°F. On the other hand, it's also probably not as safe as natural fiber and is definitely less eco-friendly.
PEVA deserves more research to ensure it's truly safe beyond just "non-carcinogenic." I'd like to see updated studies on it.
So, I don't recommend heating PEVA to 150°F and breathing its VOCs. However, I do consider it a safer option than PVC for waterproofing applications, because protecting against mold and water damage is critical for your health.
Are PEVA shower curtains toxic?
PEVA shower curtains have very low toxicity, especially compared to PVC. While PEVA isn't as safe as organic fabric, it's a reasonable compromise when mold prevention is your priority and you can't commit to washing natural fabric weekly.
What is the difference between PEVA and PVC?
PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a polymer-based fabric that is naturally flexible. Unlike PVC, PEVA doesn't require phthalates to make it soft and bendable. It also doesn't contain chlorine like PVC does—one of PVC's main health hazards.
Why are PVC shower curtains toxic?
The two main reasons PVC is toxic are:
PVC itself: PVC is a priority chemical to avoid, as agreed upon by international health organizations, because of its toxicity during production and degradation. The US Green Building Council states that PVC is "consistently among the worst materials for human health impacts." Vinyl chloride, the molecule used to make PVC, is an established carcinogen that causes lung, brain, liver, and rare cancers like hepatic angiosarcoma. When PVC products are burned in municipal waste incinerators, they release dioxins—among the most hazardous chemicals for human and environmental health.
Chemicals added to PVC to make it flexible fabric:
Lead is still commonly added to PVC for flexibility. Phthalates and other chemicals are also added to alter rigidity, transparency, or softness. These chemicals are not chemically bound within the PVC structure and easily leach out into the environment or absorption into your body.
VOCs like benzene, toluene, and organotins — the classic vinyl or “new plastic” smell are released into the air continuously, especially in high heat and humidity situations like the bathroom, and can be inhaled, causing negative health impacts.
Are polyester shower curtains toxic?
OEKO-TEX certified polyester shower curtains are very minimally toxic. There are three pathways of exposure to consider: inhalation (what you breathe), absorption (what touches your skin), and ingestion (what you consume).
OEKO-TEX certified polyester shower curtains won't off-gas since they contain basically zero VOC chemicals. They don't come into significant contact with your skin during normal use. The key is avoiding polyester liners with PFAS waterproof coatings or antimicrobial treatments.
The primary way these could be considered toxic, and I think is worth thinking about, is that they are petroleum-based, and that does have long-term impacts on the health of our environment and all people. If you do go with a polyester shower curtain, it will likely not cause a major impact on your immediate health. I would just recommend keeping it as long as you can instead of creating waste by throwing it away prematurely, causing more strain on the environment and people.
Coatings Added to Shower Curtains
Are waterproofed shower curtains toxic?
It depends on how they're waterproofed. Natural fibers or polyester can be coated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to make them waterproof—these coatings are toxic and should be avoided. Suspicious marketing to look out for includes “100% waterproof,” “stain-resistant” or “water-resistant coating.”
Look for liners that achieve water resistance through the material itself (like PEVA) or DIY waxing methods, rather than chemical coatings.
Are antimicrobial shower curtains toxic?
Yes. Antimicrobial shower curtains are often coated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Microban. These coatings interfere with your hormone balance, contribute to global antimicrobial resistance, and are not actually very good at what they claim to do— they should be avoided at all costs. Preventing mold and bacterial build-up through proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and better material selection is far safer than antimicrobial treatments.
Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew
What even is mildew?
Mildew is a type of fungus! Mold is also a type of fungus, but mildew has its own special name because of its color (light) and flat growing pattern.
What is the pink film on my shower curtain?
That isn’t mold, but bacteria— specifically Serratia marcescens.
How do I prevent mold on fabric shower curtain liners?
Mold prevention requires a multi-faceted approach:
Ventilation: Run your bathroom fan during every shower and bath, and for 20-30 minutes after. If you don't have a fan, open a window.
Drying: Air out your liner fully after each shower so all surfaces can dry. Don't let it bunch up or remain in contact with the tub wall— jump up to see the clip and hook method I recommend.
Washing frequency: Wash fabric liners weekly in hot water. Use a non-toxic bleach alternative rather than chlorine bleach (see above.)
Rotation system: Keep 2-3 liners in rotation so you always have a clean, dry one available while others are in the wash.
Waxing (optional): For cotton, linen, or hemp liners, apply a beeswax or plant-based coating to create a waterproof barrier that resists mold growth. Do not wash a waxed liner in the washing machine.
Immediate action: If you spot any mold, clean the liner immediately.
General
Do fabric shower curtains need a liner?
Yes, fabric shower curtains need a separate liner to reduce your exposure to mold, mildew, and bacteria. However, there are three exceptions:
You wax your fabric shower curtain liner to make it naturally waterproof
You wash your fabric shower curtain liner weekly to remove buildup of mold, mildew, or bacteria
You live in a very dry climate and the shower curtain isn't touching anything that keeps it damp (like the side of a tub), so it dries completely every day. Or, you use a dehumidifier and exhaust fan religiously, and monitor your bathroom humidity for very low levels.
Jump up to see the wax, laundry detergents, dehumidifiers, air quality monitors and other tools I recommend using to make your shower curtain and bathroom healthier.
How often should I replace my shower curtain liner?
If you have a separate decorative shower curtain and a shower curtain liner, your outer curtain can last indefinitely—just wash it monthly to remove dust and bacteria. But, for shower curtain liners, replace as follows:
Polyester liners (machine washable): Don't need replacement as long as you wash them whenever mold or mildew appears. Frequency depends on bathroom ventilation and climate. Consider washing weekly or bi-weekly as a preventive routine.
PEVA liners: Wipe with cleaning spray or scrub with vinegar and baking soda. Check regularly for mold and mildew. With proper maintenance, a heavy-gauged high quality PEVA liner can last a long time, though without maintenance, consider replacing every 6-9 months.
Organic fabric liners: Can last years if properly maintained with weekly washing and proper drying, or indefinitely if waxed and maintained correctly.
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