Buyer's Guide: Best Shower Curtain Liners for Your Home
Before you can buy the best shower curtain liner for your bathroom, you need to make sure that you are getting value for money and the right liner for your personal needs. There are many different types of shower liners and you need to take the time to make sure that you know exactly what you need and want.
This is the buying guide for the liners, to ensure that you don’t make a mistake in purchasing something that you will regret later.
The difference between a shower curtain and a shower curtain liner
First things first. It’s important to know the difference between a shower curtain and a shower curtain liner. Yes, there is actually a huge difference.
A shower liner’s main purpose is to protect your bathroom from spills and splashing. It can be hung alone without a shower curtain and there are different types of curtain liners that you can purchase. It can be used in a shower or bath.
A shower curtain is to make the shower or bath not see-through. In order to ensure that spills and splashing aren’t wetting the floor, you will need to use a shower liner as well. Normally, a shower curtain can’t go without a liner. You need to purchase both.
Couple of things to know before buying shower curtain liners
In order to buy a shower curtain liner that gives you value for money, you need to remember these. These are some of the things that you should know and consider before buying your liner. Otherwise, you might regret your purchase later on.
Material
There are several common materials of shower curtain liners and each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Fabric
Fabric curtain liners are usually made of polyester or nylon and are soft to touch. So you won’t feel any uncomfortable when you touch the fabric liner during the shower. They are also easy to clean in the washing machines. However, compared with other materials, the fabrics are more likely to grow mildew and tear. Therefore, they need to be cleaned and replaced regularly. Although fabric liners need more delicate care, people still prefer them for their safety.
Vinyl / PVC
Vinyl or PVC curtain liners were once popular in the market for it is both cheap and durable. But they contain some toxic chemicals which will produce unpleasant smells. And the chemicals may harm the health of you and your family, leading to headaches or other health issues.
PEVA & EVA
PEVA or EVA curtain liners are upgraded alternatives to Vinyl liners. They are also sturdy and durable and look similar to Vinyl, but they are environmental-friendly and would do no harm to your health. What’s more, they can repel the water and inhibit the growth of mildew, thus becoming the mainstream material of shower curtain liners.
Types of connection
There are several ways to connect the shower curtain rod with the liner: hook, grommet holes, or snap. Snap is a more convenient method for replacing or cleaning the liner, so it is a feature that many people are looking for.
Functions
Now many curtain liners have pockets for people to put things that might be used in the shower. For people who don’t have much storage space in the bathroom, this is a practical function. The curtain liner with pockets can not only repel the water but also organize your personal stuff.
Size
Before buying, you have to measure the size of your shower stall or bathtub so that you won’t buy a curtain liner that misfits. The curtain liner should be a little bit wider and longer than the stall, so it can seal the water completely. The standard size of the shower curtain liner is 70 x 72 in, there are also sizes such as 72 x 84 in, 72 x 56 in, and so on.
Others
Some other factors also matter while selecting the right curtain liners, such as the magnets on the bottom and whether the light can come through. Heavy weighs on the bottom can keep the liner stay in place and away from your body, so having them may be a better design. And for those who don’t have lights in the stall or above the tub, choose a product that can let the light come through so you can see clearly inside.
These are the basic things to consider when you are buying a shower curtain liner. One thing that you should always keep in mind is that you want to purchase a liner that will ensure that your bathroom floor stays dry when you or your children are bathing or showering. Cheaper liners won’t offer the same protection as the more expensive ones with great features.