Plastic Vs. Mesh Shower Caddy: Which One Is Better To Use?

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There are many things you should consider when picking out shower caddies and storage, but the important things to consider change when you are dealing with portable shower caddies rather than ones that stay in the bathroom. You can get them in mesh and plastic, so it's helpful to compare the materials to help you choose a caddy. Oftentimes, when an array of portable shower caddies begins showing up in stores, it is because college students are preparing to head back to school. Shared bathroom spaces mean they will need to tote their shower supplies to and from their dorm rooms every time they go to shower or brush their teeth. However, college is not the only time a person may need a shower caddy. They may be on a child's packing list for a sleep-away camp, or you may use one for the shower at a gym or even your own shared bathroom, depending on your living situation. It is important to choose the right style to make sure it lasts through all of your uses. 

Two popular material choices for portable shower caddies are plastic and mesh. Plastic shower caddies have a solid shape, often with a few compartments. Mesh shower caddies are pliable and feel more like a fabric material than a hard plastic. Both options can be quite affordable, often available for $10 or less, and each has its own set of pros and cons that makes them ideal for particular situations. If you are looking for a new shower caddy, then it is a great time to learn about the benefits and best uses of each so that you can make a good decision for your needs. 

One of the most recognizable portable shower caddies is the classic hard plastic option. These caddies come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but many of them feature a handle in the center with divided compartments on either side. The plastic usually has holes to allow airflow and drainage so the caddy can dry out between uses. Plus, the hard plastic makes the caddy easy to clean. 

One of the main concerns with a shower caddy is its potential to develop mold, since it is regularly exposed to moisture. A major benefit of a plastic shower caddy is that it is relatively simple to treat any mold that may develop. All you need to do is safely remove any visible mold before submerging the caddy in a solution of 1 gallon of water per 1 cup of bleach for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak it in undiluted vinegar for one hour. Just don't use bleach and vinegar at the same time — the combination will create a dangerous chlorine gas. Rinse off all residue and allow the plastic to dry completely, and your caddy should be ready for use again. Just be aware that the soaking process may change your caddy's color slightly.  

These caddies are also great for shower situations that require you to set your caddy down on the floor of the shower. There will be no danger of the caddy tipping over and spilling your contents. Additionally, the materials in the caddy will be protected by the plastic, so no tubes will be squished or squeezed unintentionally. Plastic shower caddies range in price, but smaller models with high reviews start at around $5, while larger ones can cost $25 or even more.

Mesh shower caddies are made from lightweight fabrics and mesh. They often have a mesh bottom and mesh outside pockets with a center portion that is similar to a small tote bag with two fabric handles. The mesh is usually made of plastic so that it dries quickly. As for cleaning, many people find success simply by throwing the mesh caddy in a washing machine every week, which is good because some also suggest that mesh caddies can grow smelly quickly. If you decide to get a mesh caddy and wash it, you might want to learn how to get the mildew smell out of your laundry with these easy tips. 

The design of mesh caddies also allows them to hang from hooks in or near the showers rather than needing to be on the floor. They can also feel less cumbersome to carry. However, mesh caddies may feel flimsy compared to plastic caddies. While they have some structure, they're much more flexible than plastic caddies. For pricing, a simple caddy with 6 mesh pockets and a large center pocket with a mesh bottom starts at around $10.

Truly, both options work well. If you want more structure and know you need to set the caddy on the ground in the shower, then plastic may be the right choice for you. If you can hang the caddy or prefer the malleable fabric for packing or general transport, then a mesh caddy will be preferable. If you are preparing for college, you should also check out the top three ideas for making your dorm room super homey.