Explanations and Solutions to the Shower Curtain Effect

Before discussing solutions, you might want to know why exactly your shower curtain sucks in rather than being pushed outwards.

Why does it blow in?

The "Chimney Effect" theory makes a lot of sense, as everyone knows that hot air rises. However, inward movement continues even when only cold water is used. Therefore, other forces must be involved. The Bernoulli Effect refers to the flow of water downward causing an increase in velocity, which decreases air pressure within the shower. This decrease in air pressure results in an "air pressure differential". One can only assume these "effects" work together, causing lightly weighted curtains to be sucked inward. 

Best option? Get a heavier curtain.

One of the best ways of putting an end to shower curtain cling is to buy a heavy weight curtain that is made to stand up to the effects shown in the picture above. These are quite cheap and highly rated.

Click here to read my blog post on heavy weight curtains (some also include built-in magnets or storage pockets)


If you like the curtain you have, check out my blog post 5 Ways To Stop Your Shower Curtain Blowing In. This is useful for people who would rather not replace their curtain. This post discusses several ideas such as adding extra weight or using devices specifically designed to hold the curtain out while you're showering. I've tracked down all of the most commonly used products and popular methods people use to solve this problem. 


Temporary "quick fix" ideas:

If you're looking for a quick fix, the image below shows a commonly used technique, but it can be a bit of a pain having to do this every morning. 

It's not really a "solution" as wrestling the curtain into position every morning and making the little puddle can be a pain.  

These are the other "DIY" ideas I've come across. They're pretty tragic. 

Another simple idea I should mention is that the air pressure and hot air rising problems can be minimized to a certain extent by raising the curtain upward a little to allow for some air movement underneath. I haven't tried this approach myself but have read that it can help to minimize the problem.

Check out the other posts in this blog for a wide range of much better ideas and solutions. The tips and tricks presented here will give you several options for eliminating this infuriating problem.

 

Tablecloth Weights Are Perfect For Shower Curtains

Commonly used on shower curtains

There appears to be no product specifically designed to weigh down shower curtains. However, if you're looking for something quite heavy to attach to your shower curtain, these stainless steel tablecloth weights will be perfect. They are heavy and don't hang down too far meaning they won't drag along the floor to the extent that other versions do. As they are stainless steel, they provide a pleasant contemporary look. Most importantly, several people have reviewed these as working well on shower curtains.

In case you're wondering, these are a clip on weight. You simply pry the clip open and place the curtain edge inside. This obviously allows you to choose whether you place them on the sides, corners, or bottom of your curtain.
 

The weights pictured here are a four piece set, and will suit people looking to maintain a clean/modern look. Reviews also claim that these can also be used on net curtains and drapes to prevent them blowing around in the wind.

They are available on Amazon


Shell Weights 

These are quite attractive and made of hand painted resin.

Unlike other items used to add weight, these have a water/coastal theme which matches up reasonably well with bathrooms. Their actual weight is not specified, but their description states that they're heavy enough to weigh down tablecloths used outdoors in gusty conditions, so I'm assuming they will be heavy enough.

There are all sorts of different kinds available. Some look a little tacky, but I don't believe these shells would drag down the appearance of your bathroom. In fact, they could even be called a "cute accessory". 

If you do decide to get something which clips onto the bottom of your curtain, remember that it may make a little 'clanking' noise if they're tapping on the sides of tubs. Although I'm assuming you could always clip them up a little higher.

These shell weights are also available on Amazon.

Please see the other posts I've written up in this blog which describe a number of other techniques and products that are available to keep your curtain from molesting you.