How to stop a shower curtain from blowing in – 4 tricks for a more relaxing shower

There are few things more infuriating when showering than the shower curtain developing a mind of its own and sticking to you mid-shower – besides running out of shampoo, we suppose. 

Luckily, there are some simple DIY fixes for this bathroom nightmare, helping to keep your shower curtain ideas stay in one place, so that you can enjoy your shower in peace.

These are the four methods contractors suggest to keep your curtain still, and why this annoyance happens in the first place.

How to stop a shower curtain from blowing in

As practical as they are, shower curtains also come with their fair share of problems. Not only does it feel impossible to clean a shower curtain to get rid of staining, but many often seem to blow in on you even when there is no breeze. 

However, this might be a sign that your shower curtain is doing its job and protecting your bathroom, says Bethany Uribe, mitigation division supervisor at ASAP Restoration. 

‘If a shower curtain is blowing in, then that means it is doing its job perfectly. The reason for this is because of air pressure differences between the hot moist air inside the shower, and the cooler dry air outside the shower,’ she explains ‘Hot air rises, and leaves behind a vacuum of space. The cool air down near the shower floor is trying to get in and this forces the shower curtain to blow in.’

This helps to keep you warm and your bathroom dry. But, if you’re sick of unsticking yourself mid-wash, you can try these solutions.

1. Deploy your extractor fan

To help mitigate the pressure effect that is causing the curtain to blow in in your bathroom, you can use your bathroom extractor fan (or open the window) to help equalize the pressure, suggests Bethany Uribe, mitigation division supervisor. This prevents the vacuum from forming while helping to prevent and get rid of shower curtain mold and mildew. 

For even better results, you can also opt to keep the shower curtain slightly open at the opposite end of the showerhead, adds Martin Smith, managing director at Westside Bathrooms. ‘This will allow free-flowing air into the shower and minimize movement.’ 

2. Use a heavier or weighted curtain

Another great way to keep a shower curtain in one place is to opt for a heavier shower curtain fabric, or pick a weighted shower curtain, continues Martin Smith.

‘A heavier shower curtain can make a difference as it’s less likely to blow into the shower compared to a lighter-weight curtain. You can also add weight to your existing curtain with heavy-weight magnets, such as these from Amazon, to prevent movement.’

More often than not, a heavier or thicker shower curtain also helps to make a shower look more expensive, too. So it’s a win-win in our eyes. 

3. Use magnetic strips or suction cups

For a more robust approach to keeping a shower curtain still, you can use something to physically hold it in place as you bathe. 

‘Use suction cups to attach the shower curtain to the wall or bath, keeping it in place,’ recommends Martin Smith. ‘These can be attached to a wall in a shower enclosure or onto a bath for showers above a bathtub.’

‘Magnets are a solid solution when it comes to shower curtain placement, but most tubs and shower stalls these days are made with fiberglass and plastic composites. This means that the magnets will have nothing to stick to. To fix this, simply get some magnet strips and affix them to the interior of the shower with some hot glue. This will keep them in place, while at the same time allowing for their removal in the future,’ suggests Bethany Uribe, mitigation division supervisor.

4. Invest in a curved shower pole

Alternatively, if you would like more space to move in your shower, you can invest in a curved shower pole rather than a straight one, recommends Rosie Anna, of Eagle General Services. Your shower curtain may still move, but it will be less likely to stick to you when it does. 

‘You'll have more space to shower after doing this, I promise,’ Rosie adds. 

FAQs

How do I add weight to my shower curtain?  

If you want to weigh an existing shower curtain, you can use weighted clips to help weigh down the bottom, or for a more stylish DIY option, sew small weighted beads into the hem of your curtain for a more seamless look.  

Is it okay to shower without a curtain? 

It is generally not a good idea to shower without a curtain or a screen to stop water from going everywhere. Showering without a curtain can soak your bathroom and, unless dried thoroughly afterward (which is a lot of effort) result in mold and mildew.  

If you are really tired of your shower curtain and don’t mind a small bathroom renovation, Martin Smith, bathroom design expert highly recommends switching to a screen instead. ‘For a more permanent solution, invest in a good quality shower screen, especially if your shower is over a bathtub. Not only do screens stay still while you shower, but they make cleaning a bathroom easier too.’