What see through fabrics can I use in the bathroom?
May 2, 2018 3:07 PM Subscribe
whatever is see through and allows air through- like chiffons or mesh for example which can handle humidity
We used to have a clear plastic shower curtain, but it destroyed the ceiling over the tub because all the humidity rose straight up. When we replaced it with a cotton shower curtain there was a HUGE and immediate improvement to the demise of our ceiling. Unlike the nylon the cotton is breathable much of the humidity also goes through the curtain and not just above the tub. But we'd like something that's as see through as possible that will also be breathable and machine washable. I found a light colored mesh-like fabric (I don't know what it is) and decided to try it as a shower curtain, but it began to melt under light steam... so I now want to replace it. But I'm not sure what to ask for at the fabric store.
We used to have a clear plastic shower curtain, but it destroyed the ceiling over the tub because all the humidity rose straight up. When we replaced it with a cotton shower curtain there was a HUGE and immediate improvement to the demise of our ceiling. Unlike the nylon the cotton is breathable much of the humidity also goes through the curtain and not just above the tub. But we'd like something that's as see through as possible that will also be breathable and machine washable. I found a light colored mesh-like fabric (I don't know what it is) and decided to try it as a shower curtain, but it began to melt under light steam... so I now want to replace it. But I'm not sure what to ask for at the fabric store.
Something like cotton eyelet might work well. It's got decorative perforations in many different designs. When used in a dress or blouse, there's usually a liner, but in a shower curtain you could do without. It would be completely breathable and would add style.
Lace is another possibility, also in many different patterns and thicknesses. I'd get cotton or a cotton/poly blend.
I use cheesecloth to make cheese, and while it is certainly breathable, it is very thin and droopy, and stretches when saturated with water I don't think it would be the best choice. I'd go with something that has a little weight, and style, so it doesn't look like you've just draped a sheet over the rod.
posted by citygirl at 4:04 PM on May 2, 2018 [1 favorite]
Lace is another possibility, also in many different patterns and thicknesses. I'd get cotton or a cotton/poly blend.
I use cheesecloth to make cheese, and while it is certainly breathable, it is very thin and droopy, and stretches when saturated with water I don't think it would be the best choice. I'd go with something that has a little weight, and style, so it doesn't look like you've just draped a sheet over the rod.
posted by citygirl at 4:04 PM on May 2, 2018 [1 favorite]
A lightweight cotton would probably work for this, and you should be able to check fiber content on anything at the fabric store. The downside would be that cotton is usually fairly absorbent, and may weigh down the shower curtain rod too much, or take too long to dry (leading to fun with mildew and mold.)
An additional thing to consider is installing a shower fan (not the simplest task if there's not already a vent installed for it), or if you already have one and it isn't working, either clean it out (disgusting but doable, and does a lot to improve air circulation and reduce humidity) or replace it if cleaning doesn't help (well under $100).
If the shower area isn't drying out fast enough after showers, you can point a fan from the doorway into the bathroom.
posted by asperity at 6:05 PM on May 2, 2018 [2 favorites]
An additional thing to consider is installing a shower fan (not the simplest task if there's not already a vent installed for it), or if you already have one and it isn't working, either clean it out (disgusting but doable, and does a lot to improve air circulation and reduce humidity) or replace it if cleaning doesn't help (well under $100).
If the shower area isn't drying out fast enough after showers, you can point a fan from the doorway into the bathroom.
posted by asperity at 6:05 PM on May 2, 2018 [2 favorites]
Shower temperature steam shouldn't melt even the flimsiest of synthetics. Is it possible you got some sort of water-soluble stabilizer?
Are you using a shower curtain liner as well or will this be the only thing keeping your shower inside the shower? For what you're asking for, polyester chiffon or organza should hold up fine, but I can't imagine anything that meets your criteria AND actually keeps water from getting everywhere without a liner. I would look into better ways to ventilate your bathroom. I use a solid plastic shower curtain and haven't had damp ceiling problems since a previous super told me to open the bathroom window from the top instead of the bottom. We also tend to shower with the door cracked because the apt is dry anyhow.
posted by yeahlikethat at 6:11 PM on May 2, 2018 [2 favorites]
Are you using a shower curtain liner as well or will this be the only thing keeping your shower inside the shower? For what you're asking for, polyester chiffon or organza should hold up fine, but I can't imagine anything that meets your criteria AND actually keeps water from getting everywhere without a liner. I would look into better ways to ventilate your bathroom. I use a solid plastic shower curtain and haven't had damp ceiling problems since a previous super told me to open the bathroom window from the top instead of the bottom. We also tend to shower with the door cracked because the apt is dry anyhow.
posted by yeahlikethat at 6:11 PM on May 2, 2018 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I was thinking that if I use the same fabric as both a liner and then the second layer as just a curtain- the two layers should be enough to keep water from splashing since our shower head doesn't have water directly hitting the curtain anyway.
posted by fantasticness at 9:50 AM on May 3, 2018
posted by fantasticness at 9:50 AM on May 3, 2018
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posted by mochapickle at 3:26 PM on May 2, 2018 [1 favorite]