- Odorless plastic prevents mildew
- Waterproof PEVA material is durable
- Rust-proof grommets extend lifespan
- Magnets hold curtains in place
Overview
In this BigFoot shower curtain review, the short answer is yes, it’s worth it—if you want a cheap, clear liner that doesn’t smell like a chemical factory. For ten bucks, you get a 72×72 PEVA sheet that’s waterproof, washable, and weighted with magnets. It’s not fancy, but it solves the two big problems of cheap shower curtains: plastic stink and curtains that billow into the tub and stick to your legs.
Who’s this for? Anyone renting, outfitting a guest bath, or just tired of replacing fabric liners that mildew. It’s the kind of straightforward thing you buy when you don’t want to think about your shower curtain again for a while.
Key Features
- PEVA material – PEVA is the middle ground between cheap vinyl and expensive fabric. It’s waterproof without the strong chemical odor vinyl has, and it’s lighter than cloth, so it dries fast. No lining with a second curtain needed.
- Magnets in the bottom hem – Three magnets sewn into the hem. They’re not super-strong, but they’re enough to keep the curtain against the tub wall. Less billowing, less water on the floor.
- Washable and machine-dryable – You can toss it in the washing machine on gentle with some bleach, then hang it back up. No special treatment. This extends the life past what you’d get from a cheap vinyl curtain that cracks after two washes.
- Odorless (or close to it) – Some PEVA curtains still have a slight plastic smell fresh out of the package, but owners tend to mention this one has almost none. Let it hang for an hour and you’re good to go.
- 72×72 size – The standard size for most tub/showers. If you have a curved rod or an extra-long tub, you’ll need to measure. But for a typical alcove shower, it fits correctly without dragging on the floor.
- Snap-in plastic hooks included – They’re basic, white, and do the job. You’ll probably swap them for metal or decorative rings later, but you can use the included ones out of the box.
Fit for You
- You’re living in a dorm or apartment where you can’t drill into tile, and you want something that installs in two minutes with no tools.
- Your current shower curtain is starting to smell musty even after cleaning, and you want a fresh start under $10.
- You share a bathroom and need a clear curtain so you can see if someone left shampoo or a razor in the tub before stepping in.
- Your small bathroom doesn’t have a window, and a fabric curtain would trap humidity. This one lets air move better and dries faster.
- You’re looking for the best affordable shower curtain for small bathrooms that doesn’t feel like a garbage bag.
Uses
Primary use is obvious: keep water inside the tub. But because it’s clear, you can also use it as a liner behind a decorative fabric curtain. That’s the classic setup: a nice front curtain for looks, this one on the inside for the actual waterproofing. The magnets keep it against the tub so the front curtain doesn’t get wet.
Owners also use it in RV showers or temporary setups. It’s light enough to fold small for storage. If you’re staging a home for sale, a clean clear curtain makes a bathroom look bigger and brighter.
One thing: because it’s 72×72, it works well for standard tub-shower combos. If you have a shower-only stall with a narrower opening, you might need to trim the width. PEVA cuts cleanly with scissors, so that’s not hard.
Experience
Setup is about as easy as it gets. Snap the hooks through the holes, hang on the rod. The curtain comes folded, so you’ll want to let it hang for a few hours to lose the creases. Some people run it through a rinse cycle first to soften the plastic feel.
In daily use, the magnets are the feature you’ll notice most. They don’t latch to the tub with a satisfying click—think of them more as gentle helpers. The curtain stays in place during a shower, which means you’re not doing the “I’m covered in soap and the curtain is attacking me” dance. That alone makes it worth the upgrade over a plain sheet.
Water beads on PEVA and runs off, so the curtain dries quickly. But you should still pull it flat after your shower to prevent water pooling in the folds. That’s true of any plastic curtain. Skip that step a few times and you’ll get mildew spots near the hem. The washable feature helps—just toss it in with a load of towels and bleach about once a month. It comes out like new.
The small annoyance: the hooks feel cheap. They’re plastic, they slide okay on a standard rod, but they won’t glide smoothly on a curved or heavy-duty rod. You might hear a little scraping noise. Also, if your tub is uneven or slopes, the magnets might not make full contact at the ends. That’s a geometry problem, not a curtain problem—but worth knowing.
Noise is minimal. PEVA is quieter than vinyl. You won’t hear that crinkly sound every time you move. It’s not silent, but it’s unobtrusive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Price – Nine ninety-nine for a curtain that works is hard to beat. You’ll spend more on a cocktail.
- Odor – Genuinely low smell compared to other plastic curtains in this bracket. Unpack and use same day without headaches.
- Magnets do their job – Water stays in the tub. That’s the whole reason to buy this type of curtain, and it delivers.
- Washable – Machine washing keeps it from getting that grey film or mildew. You’ll get a year or more out of it instead of a few months.
- Clear design – Makes a small bathroom feel bigger. Also lets light through, so you don’t shower in a cave.
Cons
- Hooks are flimsy – They’ll work for a while, but expect one to crack if you’re rough with the curtain. Plan to buy metal hooks for a few dollars more.
- Magnets are mild – Fine for a flat tub edge. If your tub is curved or has a big gap, the magnets won’t seal completely. Water might sneak out at the corners.
- Plastic feel – Let’s be honest, it’s a sheet of PEVA. It’s not luxurious. If you want a hotel-spa bathroom, you need a heavy fabric curtain. This is a functional tool.
- Prone to water spots – Clear plastic shows hard water spots after a few uses. Wiping it down with a squeegee or towel after each shower keeps it looking clear. If you’re lazy about that, it’ll get cloudy.
Advantages
- Compared to a standard vinyl curtain, this one has much less smell and won’t get brittle as fast. Vinyl curtains at the same price point often have a chemical odor that takes weeks to fade.
- In a BigFoot vs Maytex shower curtain comparison, BigFoot is about the same price but tends to have better reviews on the smell and the magnet strength. Maytex’s budget curtains sometimes feel thinner.
- As a PEVA waterproof shower curtain, it’s lighter and more flexible than a fabric-and-plastic hybrid, which means it hangs straighter and dries faster.
- For a clear shower curtain 72×72, it’s one of the rare ones that’s both clear and machine-washable without yellowing quickly. Some clear curtains turn yellow after a few months in sunlight. This one seems to hold up better based on user feedback.
Who Should Buy
- Buy it if: You need a no-fuss liner for a standard shower at a price that doesn’t hurt. Renters, students, and anyone replacing a crusty old curtain will be happy. If you have a small bathroom and want to maximize the feeling of space, the clear design helps.
- Skip it if: You want a decorative front curtain. This is clear plastic, not a statement piece. Also skip it if your tub has unusual curves or a huge gap. You’d need a heavier curtain with stronger magnets or a separate weighted liner.
- Look elsewhere if: You hate any maintenance. To keep it clear, you’ll need to wash it monthly and occasionally wipe it. If that sounds like too much work, a fabric liner with a waterproof coating might suit you better, though it’ll cost more.
FAQ
Is the BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain worth it?
Yes, at ten dollars, it delivers exactly what a PEVA waterproof shower curtain should: keeps water in, doesn’t smell bad, and washes easily. The magnets seal the tub well enough to prevent most floor puddles. It’s one of the best value picks in this category.
How long does a BigFoot PEVA shower curtain last?
With regular washing and keeping it dry between showers, most people get 6–12 months before it starts to look cloudy or the hems fray. That’s typical for this material. If you treat it gently and don’t use harsh cleaners, you might stretch it to 18 months.
Does the BigFoot shower curtain have a strong plastic smell?
It’s milder than most. PEVA naturally smells less than vinyl. Owners consistently note that any odor disappears after hanging it for a few hours. If you’re sensitive to smells, let it air out a day before using, but it’s unlikely to bother you.
Can you machine wash this curtain without ruining it?
Yes. Wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and a little bleach or vinegar. Then hang it back up to dry. The PEVA holds up well to washing, just don’t use hot water or put it in the dryer on high heat, which can warp the plastic.
What size is the BigFoot shower curtain?
It’s 72 inches wide by 72 inches tall. That’s the standard size for most bathtub and shower alcoves. Measure your opening first: if your rod is longer than 72 inches or your ceiling is higher, you’ll need to look for a wider or longer option, like a 72×84.
Is this curtain safe for use with a fabric outer curtain?
Absolutely. Use it as a liner behind any decorative curtain. The clear plastic won’t transfer dye or smell. The magnets will help the liner stay against the tub, keeping your nice fabric curtain dry and clean. That’s a common setup.
Final Verdict
For under ten dollars, the BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain solves the basic problems without fuss. It’s a solid choice for anyone who needs a washable shower curtain with magnets that actually works. The PEVA material is a good middle ground—it’s not the premium option, but it’s far better than the cheapest vinyl alternatives. You get reliable waterproofing, minimal smell, and a clear view that opens up a small bathroom.
The one thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to do a little maintenance. Wipe it down or wash it monthly to keep it looking clear, and consider buying sturdier hooks. Do that, and this curtain will serve you well for a year or more. It’s exactly what it claims to be, and at this price, that’s a win.
BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain vs the 2026 Alternatives for Small Bathrooms
This BigFoot shower curtain review starts with a simple observation: at $9.99, this clear shower curtain 72×72 has no right to be as useful as it is. It’s a PEVA waterproof shower curtain with magnets in the hem, no chemical smell out of the bag, and enough “washable” credibility for a monthly cycle. In a category where the next price step usually costs twice as much, the BigFoot is the budget pick that knows exactly what it is. That makes the comparison easy to frame: it’s not trying to be a premium liner.
| Product | Price Range | Key Strength | Key Weakness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain | $9.99 | Odorless PEVA, magnet weights, machine-washable at a budget price | Thin material; don’t expect a luxury feel | Small bathrooms with a tight budget |
| Gorilla Grip Clear Shower Curtain Liner | Mid, roughly $15-$20 | Thicker material and heavier bottom magnets | Stiffer to pull; more money | Drafty showers that need the curtain to stay down |
| Maytex Value Shower Curtain Liner | Budget, sometimes a few dollars less than BigFoot | Simple, light, easy to wipe down | No magnets; clings to skin when air moves | Plain setups where the curtain never rides up |
| AmazerBat Clear Shower Curtain Liner | Mid, often under $20 | Mesh top and reinforced top/bottom for airflow | Busy look; not truly clear; heavier when washing | Mold-prone bathrooms that need ventilation |
BigFoot vs Maytex shower curtain: Magnets or Nothing
The closest way to think about this is BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain vs Maytex shower curtain, because both are cheap PEVA sheets that you’ll wipe down or throw in the washer. BigFoot vs Maytex shower curtain comparisons usually come down to one thing: the magnetic hem. Maytex skips it. On a straight rod in a bath with no air movement, that’s fine. But the moment a window opens or the fan comes on, a magnet-free curtain drifts sideways and ends up stuck to your wet arm. BigFoot’s magnets hold the bottom against the tub wall. That one feature makes more difference than any material difference between the two. If the absolute lowest price matters above everything and your bathroom has zero drafts, Maytex will do. Otherwise, pay the extra dollar or two and get the magnets.
BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain vs Gorilla Grip: Thickness Matters
Gorilla Grip is the mid-price alternative and it earns its reputation. The plastic is heavier, the magnets are bigger, and it handles hot steam and repeated washing without aging as fast. If you see “Gorilla Grip” and think “finally, a shower curtain that won’t float around,” you are right. The catch is that heavier doesn’t feel better in every bathroom. A stiffer curtain can pull on a lightweight tension rod, and on a narrow tub it takes a bit of effort to slide closed. The BigFoot is a washable shower curtain with magnets that stays lighter and easier to move. That’s why the BigFoot is the best affordable shower curtain for small bathrooms unless you genuinely need Gorilla Grip’s extra weight.
BigFoot Clear Shower Curtain vs AmazerBat Clear Liner
AmazerBat is the smart aleck of the group: it adds a mesh strip across the top to keep air passing through, which helps in a bathroom with no fan. It also has reinforced edges and a stronger bottom hem, so it survives washes without stretching out. Those are real wins. But the mesh ruins the “clear curtain” look. If you paid for nice tile and want that tile visible, the BigFoot’s smooth clear sheet shows it off. The AmazerBat is a better alternative when you care more about preventing mildew than about looks. For a basic clear shower curtain that you can wipe clean in a few seconds, the BigFoot wins.
So is BigFoot shower curtain worth it? At $9.99, yes. It’s not the thickest, and it won’t outlast a premium liner, but it gives you the practical features that matter for a small bathroom: magnets, no odor, a smooth PEVA surface, and machine-washable durability. Pick the Gorilla Grip if you’re tired of a curtain that billows in a draft and want a heavier feel. Pick Maytex only if you want the cheapest acceptable liner. Pick AmazerBat for a humid bathroom that needs airflow. The BigFoot is for the rest of you.















