This hack gives a worn or outdated shower curtain a second life instead of sending it to a landfill. With a few simple steps, you can turn it into a waterproof picnic blanket, a drop cloth for painting, a protective cover for outdoor furniture, a reusable shopping bag, a pet feeding mat, or a liner for a greenhouse shelf. You will need basic tools and a bit of creativity, and the result is both practical and eco-friendly.
What You’ll Need
- An old shower curtain (vinyl or fabric, depending on the project)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Marker or chalk for marking
- Needle and thread or a sewing machine (for some projects)
- Grommet kit or eyelets (optional, for hanging or handles)
- Heavy-duty tape (like duct tape) for no-sew options
- Cleaning supplies (mild soap, water, cloth)
Step-by-Step
- Clean and dry the curtain. Wipe it down with mild soap and water, then let it dry completely. This removes soap scum and mildew, making it safe to handle and repurpose.
- Decide on your project. Choose one of the following uses based on the curtain’s condition and your needs. For a picnic blanket, keep the curtain whole. For a drop cloth, cut it to the desired size. For a bag, you’ll need the bottom half. For a pet mat, cut a rectangle that fits your pet’s feeding area. For furniture covers, cut pieces to drape over chairs or tables. For a greenhouse shelf liner, cut to fit the shelf.
- Cut the curtain. Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut along your marked lines. For a bag, cut a rectangle about twice as wide as you want the bag to be, and long enough to fold in half. For a drop cloth, cut to the size of the area you’ll paint. For other projects, cut to the dimensions you measured.
- Finish the edges (optional but recommended). To prevent fraying on fabric curtains, fold over the edges and sew a hem. For vinyl curtains, you can leave the edges as is or tape them with duct tape for a cleaner look.
- Add handles or fasteners. For a bag, fold the rectangle in half (right sides together) and sew the side seams, leaving the top open. Then turn it right side out. Attach handles by sewing or using grommets. For a furniture cover, you can add ties or elastic to secure it. For a picnic blanket, you can add a strap or roll it up and secure with a band.
- Test your creation. Use the item as intended. For a picnic blanket, spread it out and check for leaks. For a drop cloth, lay it down and ensure it covers the area. For a bag, test the handles by placing a few items inside.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the cleaning step. A dirty curtain can transfer grime to whatever you’re protecting.
- Not measuring before cutting. Cutting without measuring can result in a piece too small for its purpose.
- Using the wrong type of curtain for the project. A heavy vinyl curtain may be too stiff for a bag, while a thin fabric curtain may not be waterproof enough for a picnic blanket.
- Forgetting to finish edges. Unfinished fabric edges will fray quickly, reducing the lifespan of your creation.
- Overloading a bag made from a thin curtain. The material may tear if you put too much weight in it.
Tips
- For a no-sew version of a bag or mat, use heavy-duty tape or fabric glue to seal seams and edges.
- If your curtain has hooks or grommets already, you can repurpose them as hanging loops for a drop cloth or as a way to hang the picnic blanket for drying.
- Use a fabric curtain for projects that need to be breathable, like a cover for outdoor cushions, and a vinyl curtain for projects that need to be waterproof, like a picnic blanket.
- When cutting a curtain with printed designs, consider how the pattern will look on your final item.
- Store your recycled items in a dry place to prevent mildew.
Troubleshooting
- If the curtain is too stiff to fold for a bag, try using a fabric curtain instead, or soften the vinyl by warming it slightly with a hair dryer on low heat (keep the dryer moving to avoid melting).
- If your seams are leaking on a picnic blanket, apply a seam sealer (available at outdoor stores) or place a second layer of plastic underneath.
- If the edges fray after cutting fabric, use a zigzag stitch or apply a liquid seam sealant to the edges.
- If the bag handles are too weak, reinforce them with an extra layer of fabric or use a thicker material like webbing.
- If the curtain has a strong smell, wash it with vinegar and water, then air dry in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a shower curtain liner instead of a curtain?
Yes, a liner works just as well, and it’s often thinner and easier to cut. Just make sure it’s clean and dry.
How do I make a waterproof picnic blanket from a shower curtain?
Simply lay the curtain flat, and optionally add a fabric top layer for comfort. The curtain acts as a waterproof barrier underneath.
Can I machine wash the recycled items?
It depends on the material. Vinyl should be wiped clean, not machine washed. Fabric items can be washed on a gentle cycle, but check for wear and tear first.
What if my curtain has mildew stains?
Clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water, then dry thoroughly in the sun. If stains persist, you can still use it for projects where appearance doesn’t matter, like a drop cloth.
Is it safe to use a recycled shower curtain for food-related projects?
If you use it as a picnic blanket, place food on a separate plate or mat. Avoid direct contact with food, especially if the curtain is old and possibly contains harmful chemicals.
Can I recycle a shower curtain that has tears?
Yes, you can cut around the tears and use the intact sections for smaller projects like a pet mat or shelf liner.