Having your shower curtain constantly blow inward while you’re trying to take a shower can be annoying and make your bathroom feel cold and drafty. There are several simple things you can try to prevent this from happening. The main reasons a shower curtain gets pushed inward are air pressure differences and airflow in the bathroom. Understanding what’s causing the issue will help you find the best solution. In this article, we’ll go over the common causes of shower curtains blowing inward and give you tips to fix it. Whether you need to adjust your bathroom ventilation, weigh down the curtain, change the curtain design, or make other tweaks, you’ll find useful information here to stop the shower curtain from annoyingly blowing in and keep it in place.
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What Causes Shower Curtains to Blow Inward
There are a few main reasons shower curtains get pushed inward from the force of air:
Air Pressure Differences
Air moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure. When you have the shower running hot water, it creates steam that warms up the air in the shower stall. This makes the air pressure slightly higher in the shower than outside of it. The higher pressure air then pushes outwards into the lower pressure air in the rest of the bathroom. This constant force blowing out from the shower zone can push the curtain inward as the air flows out to equalize the pressure.
Air Supply Vents
Many bathrooms have air supply vents as part of the ventilation system that blow fresh air into the room. If these vents are placed right by the shower, they can direct a stream of air that pushes the curtain inwards. The closer the vent is located to the shower, the more bothersome this effect will be.
Exhaust Fan extractor exhausting air from the bathroom
Bathroom exhaust fans pull air out of the bathroom and decrease the air pressure. This draws in outside air from other areas of the home to replace it. As higher pressure air pushes into the bathroom through cracks and gaps, it can head right for the low pressure zone in the shower, pushing the curtain inward. Running a powerful exhaust fan during or after showering can exacerbate this.
Window or Door Openings
An open window or bathroom door allows lots of unrestricted air motion in and out of the bathroom. This makes it easy for air currents to form that direct air toward the shower. The moving streams of air can readily push the shower curtain. Even just small window gaps or partially open doors can have this effect.
Tips to Stop Your Shower Curtain From Blowing Inward
Now that you know the main causes of inward-blowing shower curtains, here are some great solutions to try:
Get a Curved Shower Rod or Corner Rod
Installing a curved shower rod, also called a bowed rod, can help stop the shower curtain from blowing inward. The curve mounts the rod farther out from the shower at the ends while still staying close to the walls. This leaves more space between the shower and curtain for airflow. It also allows the shower curtain to hang away from the shower rather than flush against it. For a similar effect in a corner shower, use a right-angled corner rod.
Use Weights or Magnets
Adding weights to the bottom of the shower curtain can help hold it in place and prevent inward blowing. Options include:
- Shower curtain weights – Plastic or metal weights that slide into the shower curtain hem or clip onto the bottom edge
- Magnets – Place magnets into the edge of the curtain and corresponding magnets onto the tub or shower walls
- Tension curtain rod – Has built-in springs that lightly tension the rod and curtain to keep it from moving
Reduce Air Pressure Differences
To prevent problematic air pressure imbalances:
- Crack open a window or the bathroom door while showering to equalize indoor and outdoor pressures
- Run the exhaust fan during your shower instead of after
- Redirect bathroom air vents so they don’t point right at the shower
Seal Gaps Around the Tub or Shower
Applying caulk around your tub, shower walls, and rod can help eliminate airflow gaps for the curtain to blow into. This includes sealing where the tub meets walls, where shower surround panels join, between tile joints, and around plumbing fixtures. Be sure the shower curtain rod mount is caulked thoroughly on all sides. Let the caulk fully cure before using the shower.
Insulate the Bathroom
Improving insulation in exterior bathroom walls and windows can help stabilize indoor air pressures. This will reduce air currents entering the bathroom from outside that may push on the shower curtain. Sealing window gaps and adding weatherstripping around doors also helps.
Redirect or Cover Vents
If you have a vent blowing directly on the shower, either change the vent location or cover it. Installing a vent deflector redirects the air flow while still allowing ventilation. Or you can temporarily cover vents with a piece of cardboard while showering. Just remember to uncover them after so moisture can properly vent out of the bathroom.
Get a Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner
Plastic vinyl or polyester shower curtain liners are lightweight and won’t get pushed around as much by air currents. Avoid fabric shower curtains or liners as these are more prone to billowing into the shower when disturbed by moving air. Vinyl materials also cling to the wall better when wet and are impermeable to drafts.
Choose a Curtain With Weights or Magnets
When shopping for a new shower curtain, look for options that have built-in weights or magnets. The weighted curtains will list the total grams/ounces. Or choose a curtain with pockets to hold shower weights or magnets. These contours are designed to solve the inward blowing problem.
Shower Curtain Blowing Inward Troubleshooting Guide
Use this handy chart to troubleshoot what may be causing your shower curtain to blow inward and find the best solution:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain blows inward mainly when shower is running |
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| Curtain gets pushed in when exhaust fan running |
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| Curtain billows in from certain direction |
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| Bottom of curtain blowing in | Gaps at bottom allow air to push under curtain |
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Conclusion
It’s very common for shower curtains to get blown inward from bathroom air currents and pressure imbalances. With the right troubleshooting, you can figure out what factors are at play in your bathroom. Choose from solutions like curtain weights, better sealing, covering vents, opening windows, and installing curved rods to stop the annoying shower curtain blowing. Test different ideas until you find the right remedies that work in your specific bathroom. Just a few simple fixes will allow you to say goodbye to the shower curtain blowing in and you can enjoy your showers uninterrupted.