Fixing Torn Shower Curtain Ring Holes

The shower curtain in the average bathroom gets pulled, tugged and flipped several times a day, so torn shower curtain ring holes are inevitable in even the strongest vinyl or plastic curtain. Here are ideas for both short-term and long-term repairs, to save money and extend the useful life of your shower curtain.

Step 1: Fix the First Torn Hole Immediately

To avoid more rips and tears to other holes, fix the first torn one immediately. Use whatever is available:  a bandage, packing tape, duct tape, even some hot wax from a candle if the rip is small. Scoop hot melted wax from near the flame with a flat knife and spread on both sides of the tear. When it cools slightly, clamp it to make a firm seal.

Step 2: Assess the Condition of the Other Holes and Decide on Repair

If just one or two others look weakened, decide on a solution to fix them, and get the supplies you need within 24 hours. These could include reinforcing the holes with metal grommets, which can be expensive and time-consuming. A quicker short-term solution is to apply waterproof plastic "Curtain Savers" to all the shower curtain holes. These are reinforcements like we used to use on three-hole binder paper. Get 2 sets ($8 for 1 set of 12) at a national hardware or building supply chain store.

Affix the self-adhesive Curtain Savers to each side of the shower curtain hole. They are inconspicuous, strong and sturdy. If the curtain is in excellent shape overall, and you want to keep it for a few more years, go to the effort of putting metal grommets in all the curtain holes. A grommet tool kit and sets of grommets can be purchased at hardware and craft stores.

Step 3: Too Late - A Major Repair is Needed

If the shower curtain is drooping or torn at more than half the holes, a major repair is in order. This works for both vinyl and plastic curtains. Detach the curtain from all hooks and launder it in the washing machine. While it is damp, use a very hot steam iron to press down the vinyl curtain at the top, making two folds so the top is now three layers thick. Seal down all three layers with an epoxy glue made for plastics. Do this in a well-aired space, or even outdoors on a fine day. Clamp with large office-style bulldog clips until the glue has dried. With a leather punch, make new holes in this top hem. Reinforce the holes with grommets. Check that your old shower hooks are still clean and in good working condition. If not, replace them, too, and hang up the repaired shower curtain.

Step 4: A New Approach

If you decide to put grommets on the shower curtain holes, and you have a spring-loaded shower curtain rail, try this idea: Enlarge the curtain holes to 1/2 inch larger diameter than your shower rod. Affix same-size grommets. Slide the curtain right onto the shower rod. The curtain will slide smoothly and stay fully open more effectively.