What is the black gooey stuff in my shower?

Author: Jayde Lynch  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Black Fungus/Slime A black fungus or mold is thought to be the cause of the black slime. These types of fungi are common inhabitants of our environment and can be found in many places, including human and animal feces, dust, soil, and in surface water.

How to get rid of black gunk in shower?

Use bleach to kill black mold. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and will kill black mold on contact. To use bleach, mix one teaspoon of bleach per cup of water in a spray bottle and spritz the moldy area. Let the bleach solution sit for several minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush or sponge.

How do I get rid of black sludge in my shower drain?

Use a Natural Cleaner

Begin by pouring up to a whole box of baking soda down the drain, depending on the severity of the slime. Then pour in the vinegar, up to half a bottle. You should hear or see the fizzing. Let it react for about five minutes, then slowly pour the boiling water down the drain.

Is black mold in showers toxic?

Black mold needs warm temperatures and moisture to grow and spread. It commonly appears in damp or water-damaged areas of your home, such as basements, showers and windows. For most people, black mold won't make you very sick or kill you.

What causes black slime in shower?

Aside from manganese bacteria, rubber seals in your water heater and corroded pipes can also cause black gunk on your fixtures. There's also a slight chance you're seeing mold, though this is rarely the case. Mold typically grows in dark, damp places with little water movement.

What Causes This BLACK GUNK on Aerators and Faucets?

Is black slime mold harmful?

Slime mold looks ugly in the garden but does no harm.

What is the best drain cleaner for black sludge?

You can safely use a conventional drain cleaner such as Drano Max Build Up Remover, Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, Liquid Plumr Clog Remover, and Zep Clog Attack. These are all recommended for small drains and are safe for drains and minor clogs.

What spray kills black mold?

Treat the Area. For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

How do I prevent black mold in my shower drain?

What Are Some Ways To Prevent Mold In Pipes And Drains?
  1. Clean The Pipes And Sink Drains. Start by boiling water and pouring it down the drain. ...
  2. Open Doors And Windows. A bathroom pipe and drain are common spots for mold to grow. ...
  3. Invest In Dehumidifiers.

What does black shower mold look like?

While it's very dark, it's not a single color, as the name implies. Instead, black mold is actually very dark green, brown, or black and is wet, shiny, and slimy. Black mold often looks fuzzy. It tends to form clusters of circular spots that may have fuzzy white edges and when wiped, leaves a green stain behind.

How do you prevent black sludge in drain pipes?

DIY Drain Maintenance
  1. Keep large food scraps and hair out of your drain pipes by installing a screen over your drain.
  2. Once a week, run hot, boiling water down the drain for several minutes to flush out films.
  3. Never rinse grease down the drain.
  4. Regularly clean your drain and sink stopper.
  5. Plunge your drain when needed.

Can you pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve hair in the drain?

Thanks to its strong oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide can effectively break down organic materials such as hair. This makes it a powerful option for clearing hair clogs in your drains.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

What can I spray in the shower to prevent mold?

directions. In a 1/2 gallon power sprayer (see picture) pour in 1/2 cup of clorox, fill with water to the 1/2 gallon mark.

How do I get rid of black silicone in my shower?

Mix a fine paste using 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar. Use your cleaning cloth to gather up a small amount of your paste. Rub the paste into the sealant, ensuring that you build a nice, thick layer over the places where the mould is most dense. Leave the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes.

What is the best cleaner for black mold in the shower?

Use hydrogen peroxide, diluted chlorine bleach, or a commercial tile cleaner and the nylon brush to remove any remaining stains.

Is it safe to shower in a shower with black mold?

When black mold grows in your shower, it can release spores into the air. These spores can then be inhaled by you and your family members, leading to respiratory problems. In some cases, black mold exposure can even lead to death.

What is best for unclogging a shower drain?

First, if you have metal pipes, pour boiling water down the drain. Then remove hair from the drain. If that doesn't work, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. If the clog persists, use a plunger, plumber's snake or chemical drain opener.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How to remove mold from shower caulking?

Bleach Solution: Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a spray bottle. Vinegar Solution: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Hydrogen Peroxide: Use undiluted hydrogen peroxide for stubborn mold stains.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.

What do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.

What is black slime in the drain?

In the bathroom, it's a mix of soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, phlegm, hair, and dirt. In the kitchen, it ranges from food matter to grease. When this debris is left inside the pipes for too long, bacteria forms and the black sludge will appear in the drains.

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