The “pink mold” you may find in your shower actually isn't mold, but a very common strain of airborne bacteria that's found throughout the world. The bacteria, Serratia marcescens, cause that pink or even red slime you might find in your shower, toilet bowl, or around other water fixtures.

Is pink mold harmful?

It's usually not as hazardous to your health as black mold and other fungi, but there are some pink mold dangers, such as urinary tract infections, intestinal problems and in rare cases pneumonia. You'll definitely want to rid your bathroom of the pink mold and take steps to keep it from coming back.

How do I get rid of pink mold in my shower?

Create a cleaning paste with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Using a soft bristle brush, apply paste to the bacteria and scrub away the pink film. Rinse. Once the pink is gone, you'll need to disinfect the area.

What kills pink mold?

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills off all sorts of pesky mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold.

How do you stop pink mold?

Tips to Prevent the Growth of Pink Mold

1. Encourage hand-washing, especially after using the bathroom, to prevent the transfer of Serratia marcescens bacteria to other surfaces.
2. Keep surfaces dry. ...
3. Close and straighten shower curtains so they will dry more quickly. ...
4. Clean away soap scum at least weekly.

Pink Mold - How Dangerous & Toxic Is It?

Why is my shower grout turning pink?

A: What you're seeing is often called “pink mold.” It is actually a type of bacteria, Serratia marcescens. Bubbly liquids often dislodge this growth, even when scrubbing does not. Try dribbling club soda along the top edge of the tile, or at least above the area where the grout is pink.

Why is my bathtub turning pink?

The pink colour is from a pigment (prodigiosin) produced by Serratia marcescens under the right growing conditions. Serratia marcescens is commonly referred to as “pink mold” or “pink mildew” but it is bacteria causing those irritating pink stains in the bathtub and on your shower head.

Does vinegar remove pink mold?

Use 1.5 cups of bleach in 1 gallon of water (around 1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Other options for killing mold are 1 cup of borax (sodium borate) in 1 gallon of water, undiluted vinegar, or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Use these cleaners separately to avoid dangerous chemical reactions.

How long does it take for pink mold to grow?

Under ideal conditions (optimal temperature and level of humidity), it takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Typically, the spores begin to colonize in 3 to 12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days.

Is Serratia marcescens harmful to humans?

In rare cases, Serratia marcescens can be deadly.

Along with other bacteria, Serratia marcescens is a source of hospital-acquired infections, which can happen if a patient's immune system is severely compromised or if the bacterium enters the body with a catheter, respirator or other medical device.

Where does pink bacteria come from?

The pink colour is due to a pigment secreted by a species of bacteria known as Serratia marcescens, found naturally in soil, air and water. They can cause infections, but that generally happens in hospitals and affects people with compromised immune systems.

How do you remove pink mould from silicone?

Rub a paste of white vinegar and baking soda into mouldy areas. Scrub at heavy stains with a stiff-bristled brush or reapply the paste. Rinse with a cold, wet sponge and dry with a microfibre cloth. Spray any mould on bathroom sealant with bleach and water to kill mould spores.

Is Serratia marcescens airborne?

Serratia is an airborne bacteria and can not survive in your chlorinated water supply. These airborne bacteria can come from any number of naturally occurring sources and the condition can be aggravated if you remove chlorine using an activated carbon filter.

What happens if I touch pink mold?

Health Risks

➺ Exposure to pink mold can be very harmful. That is, it may lead to various infections and health conditions in humans. These may include respiratory and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal conditions, bladder infection, endocarditis, pneumonia, etc.

Is pink mold contagious?

Humidifier lung is not contagious and therefore makes it easy to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. If this happens to you, it is imperative that you remove all traces of the pink mold from your portable humidifier.

Can pink mold cause breathing problems?

Risks associated with mold in the bathroom include respiratory problems, inflammation and infections of the lungs, bleeding in the lungs, allergic reactions, hives and rashes, and a general feeling of malaise.

Why is my bathroom ceiling turning pink?

Although this gunk is commonly called either “pink mold” or “pink mildew,” it is actually a type of water-borne bacteria, Serratia marcescens. And it's not always exactly pink, either. Its color — caused by a red pigment produced at room temperature — is often closer to orange.

Where is pink mold found?

About Pink Mold

Aureobasidium pullaria fungi or pink mold is most commonly found on caulk and damp window frames, in bathrooms, on shower curtains and in toilets and sinks due to the humid environment these areas create.

How do you get rid of Serratia marcescens?

Running your pink-tinged curtain through the washing machine on a gentle wash cycle with warm water effectively removes Serratia marcescens bacteria and any associated stains.

What does pink mold look like?

Sometimes, pink mold can look more orange than pink. This is because room temperatures can cause the mold to develop a red pigment. In addition to its color, pink mold often has a fuzzy or slimy texture. Usually, it will be found growing in between bathroom tiles and on shower curtains.

Does hard water leave pink residue?

No, a pink residue is not a problem with your water quality, and is not harmful in this situation. It is evidence of bacteria that are common inhabitants of our environment. The most typical of these bacteria is one known as Serratia marcescens.

What happens if Serratia marcescens is left untreated?

marcescens has been shown to cause a wide range of infectious diseases, including urinary, respiratory, and biliary tract infections, peritonitis, wound infections, and intravenous catheter-related infections, which can also lead to life-threatening bacteremia.

What disinfectant kills Serratia marcescens?

Though Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water, the bacteria can grow in toilets where water is left standing long enough for the chlorine to dissipate. To kill the bacteria, clean affected surfaces with a strong chlorine bleach solution.

How did I get Serratia marcescens?

The bacteria will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, and soap and food residues in pet water dishes.

How do I stop silicone mould in my shower?

Mix the bleach or vinegar solution with the baking soda to make a paste. Use the paintbrush to apply the paste over the silicon. You can use a toothbrush to access any hard to reach spots. Then, apply cling wrap over the paste and allow the solution to stand for two hours.