Perhaps you are bored with your current shower curtains, or you just moved into an apartment, and the standing tub has no shower barrier.
What comes to your mind is to get some new shower curtains as they help stop water from the shower from splashing all over the bathroom floor. So, you look around for shower curtains and stumble on PEVA curtains.
While a shower curtain is what it is for some people, they take any appeasing design and go home. But if you are a person who likes to get information on what you are buying, then you are in the right place.
So, what is a PEVA shower curtain? These are chloride-free shower curtains, unlike PVC shower curtains, with antimicrobial properties that make them great for the wet nature of bathrooms.
What Does PEVA Mean?
PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a material that’s used for making common household items like shoes, toys, motorcycle or car protective coverings, and many others.
Though created chemically through a combination of various materials, it’s less toxic and thus a good replacement for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) products.
What are PEVA Shower Curtains?
These shower curtains were introduced as an alternative to PVC shower curtains. So, to better understand PEVA shower curtains, you need to know some information about PVC shower curtains.
This is because of many complaints about PVC shower curtains as they emit pungent odors that would cause dizziness and headaches to the users.
Moisture and heat activate chemicals in PVC products which lead to the emission of harmful phthalates into the air. The emitted fumes are dangerous, and inhaling them over time can cause serious health complications.
So, having PVC shower curtains means you are getting into contact with them every time you go to take a shower. Even though there have been various reports on why people should shun PVC shower curtains, you will still find them in the shops.
Now back to PEVA shower curtains; they don’t contain chlorine and have minimal VOCs, thus less toxic and safer. The curtains are also eco-friendly since they can be recycled easily. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties make them withstand the damp environment of your bathroom without emitting harmful gases.
Is PEVA Non-toxic
Vinyl in PEVA is a type of plastic made from ethylene and chlorine; it is cheaper, waterproof, recyclable, and environmentally friendly.
However, both PVC and PEVA contain Vinyl, making you wonder why one is toxic and the other not. But since the chlorine in Vinyl is the active ingredient for harmful gases, PEVA undergoes a different treatment process to eliminate it.
PEVA items have gained more recognition than PVC plastic items thanks to their non-chlorinated component. Therefore unlike regular plastics, PEVA products are eco-friendly, non-toxic, chlorine-free, odor-free, and antimicrobial. However, the fact remains that PEVA products aren’t completely safe as they still contain some VOCs.
Why Should You Use a PEVA Shower Curtain?
While PEVA shower curtains are durable, like most options on the market, the following characteristics make them unique.
Chlorine-free
The PEVA shower curtains are chlorine-free and don’t retain any chemicals that might be in water which can be inhaled when you use the shower. This alone makes it a safer option for you than other products with highly volatile chemicals.
Waterproof
These shower curtains are completely waterproof and thus contain water in your shower, saving further damage to the rest of your bathroom floor.
Thanks to the waterproof characteristic, the shower curtains are easy to wash by hand or machine as long as you follow the instructions. Luckily, they even dry off more quickly than fabric shower curtains.
Shower curtains made from hemp, linen, nylon, or polyester are water resistant but not 100% waterproof. These materials may outwit PEVA or PVC because they are not plastic and are natural, thus eco-friendly.
Made with affordable yet durable material
PEVA curtains are not only affordable, but they are also durable, unlike those made with fabric, as they wear off quickly.
Can Kids Use PEVA Shower Curtains?
Although it hasn’t been ascertained if PEVA shower curtains are safe, they are better than PVC and other cheaper alternatives. Due to this, you must find natural substitute shower curtains for kids like linen, hemp, or nylon to be on the safe side.
Nevertheless, some kid’s products made with PEVA material, like toys and bibs, are safe for use.
Why Should You Wash Shower Curtains?
Cleaning shower curtains, no matter the material will take time though it’s necessary for you to clean them regularly. Failure to do so can bring in unsanitary conditions like the growth of mildew and mold, which can be detrimental to your health.
How to Wash Plastic Shower Curtains
Plastic shower curtains are best hand-washed, but you can put them in the machine while following the guidelines. Here are the two methods to use;
Using the washing machine
Put your shower curtains in the washing machine; use a combination of warm water and baking soda, vinegar, or a gentle laundry detergent. Take note to use only one of the mentioned items and not all at once, as that can equate to making a ticking time bomb.
Use warm and not hot water to avoid damaging your shower curtains. You can skip the dryer part and hang the curtains on a rod to dry naturally.
Handwashing
You will require a microfiber cloth or any similar piece of cloth, water, and baking soda. First, make the cloth damp and sprinkle a few baking soda particles.
Scrub over the whole surface of the curtain to remove soap scum and hard water stains. You can wash the shower curtain flat or in a bathtub. Rinse it up 2 or 3 times and hang it up to dry.
Why is a Shower Curtain Important?
A shower curtain prevents water from splashing all over the bathroom floor, which can lead to accidents or even attract bacteria and mold buildup. The shower curtains will also enhance the overall décor of your bathroom and make it look nice.
PEVA shower curtains have gained customer trust as they are waterproof, phthalates-free, eco-friendly, and affordable. They are also easy to clean, dry up quickly, and won’t fade their original color even when washed regularly.
Now you know the features and benefits of PEVA shower curtains, you can decide if they suit your bathroom needs.