Cleaning old vinyl shower curtains

[spacepig]

I have a vintage vinyl curtain and shower curtain that need a good cleaning. Both are yellowed and the clear one reeks of cigarette smoke so I'm guessing that's the culprit of the yellow on it. The other one doesn't have a smell, but the curtain is more yellow at the top so gives the curtain a more peachy color with the bottom of the curtain being more of the original pink shade. I guess the yellowing could be the result of cigarette smoke but also maybe by a space heater?? It's slightly sticky as well

Any ideas on where to start on these? Can the yellowing be removed?

 

[ea56]

I’d wash it in warm water with detergent and bleach. You might even want to stop the machine and let them soak in the detergent and bleach for about 30 mins. Then when the cycle is complete hang them back on the hooks to dry and for the winkles to smooth out.

Eddie

 

[launderess]

Vinyl like many other plastics tend to yellow with age depending upon circumstances (think those plastic slip covers your Nana had on her living room furniture).

Sometimes yellowing can be reversed, others not.

https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-whiten-yellowed-vinyl/

 

[mattl]

I would be wary of putting either of these in a washer. I'd soak in a tub and perhaps scrub with a soft brush on a flat surface. Some of the yellow my go but I bet most of it is permanent.