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Quick Overview
Attaching a magnet to a shower curtain can be done in a few simple steps. The main methods are using adhesive magnets, sewing magnets into the curtain, or attaching magnetic curtain weights. Adhesive magnets provide an easy removable option while sewing in magnets creates a more permanent hold. Magnetic weights work well for cloth shower curtains. The key is to position the magnets along the bottom seam or edge of the curtain. This helps pull the curtain flat against the tub when closed. With the right technique, magnets can secure a shower curtain and prevent billowing or openings.
Choosing Appropriate Magnets
When attaching magnets to a shower curtain, make sure to select magnets that are appropriately strong and sized. Small refrigerator magnets likely will not have enough holding power. Choose magnets that are at least 1 inch across or larger. Neodymium rare earth magnets offer extremely strong magnetic attraction in a small size, making them ideal for shower curtains. Avoid large magnets that are unnecessarily bulky or heavy since they may pull down the curtain. For adhesive and sewn-in options, select magnets with a flat shape on one side so they sit flush against the shower curtain material.
Adhesive Magnets
Self-adhesive magnets provide a quick and convenient way to attach magnets to a shower curtain. They stick right onto the curtain fabric. Look for magnets that are marketed as long-lasting and waterproof, such as marine grade magnets. Avoid very lightweight flexible magnets like magnetic sheets, as they lack strength and adhesion power. Strong neodymium magnets with a high quality adhesive offer a good balance of strength and ease of use. Make sure the curtain fabric can support adhesion. Adhesive magnets may not stick well to certain water-repellent vinyl curtains or very porous cloth. If needed, add a small dab of multi-purpose adhesive to reinforce the sticky magnet.
Sewn-In Magnets
For a permanent bond, sewing magnets into the shower curtain heading or hem provides lasting strength. Use a curved needle to puncture through the thick magnet. Place the magnet in between the curtain fabric, folding over the edge if needed. Stitch around the perimeter of the magnet going through both layers of fabric. This encases the magnet while attaching it securely. Avoid very thick or large magnets that are difficult to sew through. If the heading has grommet holes, position the magnets in between them. Sewn-in magnets work for both cloth and vinyl curtains. Just be sure to only stitch through the heading – not the main curtain fabric which needs to hang freely.
Magnetic Weights
For cloth shower curtains, magnetic weights at the bottom seam provide an easy attachment option. These special weights have magnets embedded in them. Simply slide the weights into the bottom pocket or fold of the shower curtain. Arrange them evenly spaced along the length of the curtain. The magnetic attraction helps grip the weights through the fabric so they stay positioned. Look for clasping magnetic weights that tightly pinch the fabric when closed. Magnetic shower weights are quick to install and remove while keeping the shower curtain stabilized.
Positioning Magnets on a Shower Curtain
Where you place the magnets makes a big difference in how well they hold the shower curtain closed. Arrange the magnets in a vertical line down the edge of the curtain that touches the tub. Spacing them about 6 to 12 inches apart provides consistent coverage. Putting magnets directly on the side of the curtain that faces the shower does not work as well. They need to grip through both layers of fabric when the curtain is fully closed.
Aim to position the magnets right along the bottom seam or edge of the curtain. Keep them as low as possible, just above the tub rim. This prevents any gap or billowing along the length of the tub. For adhesive and sewn-in magnets, you may need to fold over and reinforce the bottom hems to give the magnets something thicker to adhere to. Just take care that the curtain still drapes properly when hung up.
Securing Curtain to Tub
When the shower curtain magnets are aligned low on the curtain edge, they attract directly to the tub rim. This firmly seals the curtain to the tub. For best results, use a steel, cast iron, or enameled porcelain tub rather than fiberglass. The smooth tub edge also needs to run parallel to the wall. Position the magnets to match up with the tub rim. They may not hold as well on textured slip-resistant tub bottoms. In that case, consider adding magnetic strips, duct tape, or additional magnets around the outside tub edge. This gives the curtain magnets more surface area to grab onto.
Overpowering Suction Cup Holders
Many shower curtains are hung using suction cup holders. Strong neodymium magnets can successfully anchor the curtain even when the suction cups lose their grip over time. Simply position magnets clustered around where the suction cup holders attach near the top corners of the curtain. Use at least 4 or 5 magnets per holder to provide enough collective magnetic force. Spread them out in a radial pattern covering the suction cup base. The magnets on the bottom of the curtain then secure it at both top and bottom.
Winding Around Curved Rods
Shower curtain rods with a curved profile can pose a challenge for proper magnet placement. Make sure to arrange the magnets to follow the arc of the rod. They need to sit flat against the tub, so you may need to angle them or use smaller magnets along sections with tight curvature. Using flexible magnetic strips that contour to the tub edge can help. For small radius bends, sew in short angled magnets pointing in the right direction rather than large rectangular magnets. Test the magnetic hold periodically by closing the shower curtain to ensure adequate coverage all around curved rods.
How to Attach Magnets to a Shower Curtain
Using Adhesive Magnets
Follow these steps when attaching adhesive magnets to a shower curtain:
1. Obtain strong neodymium magnets with self-adhesive backing. Look for sets intended for shower curtain use with waterproof marine grade adhesive.
2. Measure and mark magnet placement in a vertical line along the edge of curtain that will touch the tub. Space them 6-12 inches apart.
3. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the placement spots on the curtain, removing any oils or residues. Let dry.
4. Remove backing paper from magnets and press firmly onto the curtain for 30 seconds, taking care not to shift their position. Full bond will occur in 24 hours.
5. Run a small bead of silicone sealant around magnet edges for added waterproofing and adhesion if desired.
Sewing in Magnets
Here is how to sew magnets into a shower curtain:
1. Select flat neodymium magnets about 1 inch wide by 1/8 inch thick or less. Avoid very thick magnets.
2. Mark desired placement in a vertical line near bottom edge of curtain. Space about 8 to 12 inches apart.
3. Sandwich magnet between the curtain fabric and fold over the edge double if needed so magnet is enclosed in two layers.
4. Thread a sharp curved upholstery needle with strong nylon thread. Knot the end. Insert through one edge of the magnet.
5. Reposition needle inserted through opposite side of magnet. Continue sewing completely around magnet perimeter.
6. Tie off thread. Check magnet is firmly embedded in the fabric layers with no looseness.
7. Repeat steps for the remaining marked magnet locations.
Attaching Magnetic Weights
Use these steps to place magnetic weights on a cloth shower curtain:
1. Obtain magnetic shower curtain weights designed to fit inside bottom pocket or hem.
2. Spread curtain out flat on a table or floor. Identify bottom hem.
3. Starting at one end, insert magnetic weight into hem section and close clasps. Arrange evenly spaced across length.
4. Attach top of curtain to rod hooks as normal. Magnetic weights will hand inside the pocket or fold.
5. Make any adjustments to weight spacing needed to keep bottom edges aligned and flat.
Tips for Shower Curtain Magnets
– For safety, position magnets along the shower side of the curtain away from where they could pinch fingers on the dry side.
– Maintain magnetic hold strength by checking for magnets that have fallen off or shifted position and replacing as needed.
– Avoid hanging the shower curtain so magnets make direct contact with metal fiberglass tubs which can damage the surface.
– Use thick waterproof silicone to reinforce adhesive if the curtain material does not hold it well. Allow to fully cure before use.
– Take care not to accidentally poke holes in the curtain fabric when sewing magnets into lightweight materials.
– Cluster multiple small magnets together for more strength if needed rather than using overly large singular magnets.
– Clean mineral deposits off magnets periodically with vinegar and water to renew magnetic attraction strength.
Conclusion
Attaching magnets along the vertical edge is an effective way to keep shower curtains from blowing inward and opening. When positioned properly, the magnets adhere securely to the tub rim or wall and prevent billowing or gaps. Choose flat neodymium magnets at least 1 inch wide for optimal strength. Self-adhesive, sewn-in, or magnetic weighted curtains all provide good options. Place the magnets in a vertical line as low as possible on the shower side of the curtain. Spacing about 6 to 12 inches between magnets offers consistent coverage. Arrange the magnets to align with the tub edge, taking curvature into account. With the right installation method and placement, magnets can hold shower curtains closed and create a reliable water barrier.