Pink mold might be the cause of any pink you’ve noticed in your bathroom. Showers and bathtubs are common places for this unsightly buildup. Contrary to popular belief, pink mold is just a typical bacteria identified as Serratia marcescens which is not a mold at all. These airborne bacteria prefer warm, humid environments to grow. Even though the color may occasionally be more orange-pink or red, the bacteria’s colonies emit a protein named prodigiosin that provides the organism its recognizable pink tint.
Pink mold could make you question whether it is as harmful to your health as black mold, but fortunately, it is not. But, persons with compromised immune systems or who are recuperating from significant surgery may be at risk. However, pink mold is typically not a health hazard for most people; instead, it is a housekeeping issue.
What Leads to the Development of Pink Mold on The Bathroom Surface?
Despite how disgusting it may sound, the strains of bacteria that produce pink mold were probably spread through body fluids, including feces, pus from wound infection, or urine. Because of these human secretions, the bacteria are able to cling to areas where they can thrive and reproduce.
In damp conditions, pink mold bacteria flourish, just like mold and mildew spores. These microbes eat organic matter, including rotting wood furniture, plants, and sometimes even actual mold. Though they originate on various surfaces, all types of bacteria begin with a few bacteria that are in the ideal conditions to form colonies.
The most prevalent type of pink mold, Serratia marcescens, is typically discovered in dank, gloomy areas close to toilets, tubs, and sinks. They develop when a bacterium settles in a location and begins to feed on organic material, such as dead skin cells, linen, and wood fibers. Additionally, Serratia marcescens consumes the phospholipids and oils contained in soap scum.
How to Prevent Pink Mold in Your Bathroom
Sadly, maintaining your bathroom clean of microorganisms cannot be achieved easily. Regular bathroom cleaning is required. Be watchful of soap scum, Serratia marcescens’ preferred food. Ensure your restroom is dry and has adequate ventilation since bacteria can grow more slowly in these conditions. To remove shower steam, turn on the vent fan. After taking a shower, thoroughly dry the shower walls using a squeegee.
Guide to Eliminating Pink Mold on Bathroom Surfaces
Shower Doors and Walls
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and one tablespoon liquid dish soap to make a cleaning paste. Put the paste on the bacteria, remove the pink coating with a soft-bristled brush, and then rinse it thoroughly. You must clean up the area when the pink has disappeared. Spray the infected area with bleach and water mixed in a 1:1 ratio, leave it for 10 minutes, and then rinse. Utilize a cloth or squeegee to dry the surface.
Floor Tiles and Grout
The same technique used to clean shower walls and doors can also be used to clean tile and grout. Scrub the surface with baking soda paste and disinfect using a bleach combination. If you are using natural stone tile, bear in mind that while bleach is generally acceptable to utilize on natural stone tile, bleach can harm natural stone gradually because of its high pH level. To avoid using bleach too frequently, seal your stone tile on a regular basis and maintain it as dry and clean as you can.
Shower Curtain
Spray all pink stains on the shower curtain as well as the liner using bleach and water mixed in a 1:1 ratio. If your curtain is colored, choose a color-safe solution instead. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then take out all the shower curtains and the liner, and put them in your washing machine for a cycle. Utilize your usual laundry soap along with one more tablespoon of bleach for white curtains. Hang them and let them dry thoroughly before returning them to the bathroom.