Pink mold is an overgrowth of a common airborne bacteria, Serratia marcescens. This bacteria consumes fats and minerals in bath soap and shampoo residue, mineral deposits from hard water, and bodily waste particles in the shower or toilet.
Put a bucket of vinegar, dawn, & water solution in the tub, and dip the curtain in the bucket. You can take it off the hooks or leave it on, either works but leaving it on is the easiest way. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight and then rinse and wipe with a cloth if need be.
Fortunately, pink mold is not considered hazardous to humans or animals. So, there are no concerns with this type of mold. The best way to remove and prevent regrowth of the mold is to use a mixture of bleach and warm water.
Follow these steps to tackle pink mold: Put on protective gear (gloves, mask, and safety glasses). Mix two tablespoons of dish soap with half a cup of baking soda. Apply the mixture to affected areas with a nylon bristle brush.
Make a paste of four parts baking soda to one part liquid dish soap. Use your nylon scrub brush and the baking soda paste to scrub the areas with mold. Rinse away the baking soda residue and mold with your shower sprayer. Mix one part water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle.
To effectively eliminate pink mold, you can create a mixture of bleach and water in a 1 to 1 ratio. This solution works well for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces affected by mold, including pink mold commonly found in showers and on tiles.
Pink Mold Causes
The bacterial colony thrives on wet surfaces, like tile grout, silicone seals, shower tile walls, and shower curtains. The sticky stuff also likes organic matter that offers nutrients to help the bacteria thrive, like soap scum, shampoo residue, dead skin cells, and body oils.
To get rid of pink mold in your shower, spray a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar on the area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and kill the bacteria, then scrub thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel to prevent moisture buildup. Repeat as necessary.
To control Serratia marcescens in toilets
Also add 1/4 cup of bleach to the toilet tank. Let the bleach stand for 15 – 20 minutes. The bleach should not be left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods; it will damage the rubber valves and seals inside.
Baking soda or vinegar: For tough stains, mold, or mildew, use baking soda or vinegar. Make a paste using baking soda and water, or mix equal parts vinegar and water. Apply the mix to the affected areas, scrub, and then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing the solution.
As long as it doesn't enter the body, contact with Serratia marcescens during washing or cleaning is generally safe for healthy people (be careful not to touch the eyes or open cuts with contaminated hands).
Like all molds, pink mold carries certain health risks with long-term exposure. The most common health problems are eye, nail and skin infection or rash.
Preventive Measures: Keeping the Pink Stain at Bay
Regular cleaning can significantly hinder the buildup of Serratia marcescens. Adequate Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation within your bathroom by employing exhaust fans or opening windows when possible.
While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.
Many experts agree that the bacteria that causes these pink stains is most likely Serratia marcescens, a bacteria which is found naturally in soil, food, and in animals. Serratia, which produce a characteristic red pigment, thrive on moisture, dust, and phosphates and need almost nothing to survive.
Apply a mold stain remover, such as household soap, white vinegar, or bleach, and use a toothbrush to brush off the surface mold. Be gentle and try not to damage the fabric in the process.
Serratia marcescens infections can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening conditions. For example, the bacterium in neonatal units can cause meningitis, septicemia, and respiratory infections. Serratia marcescens is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections in patients and healthcare workers.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a reusable spray bottle. For more stubborn pink mold growth, consider using undiluted vinegar instead. Spray the affected area well and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, scrub the mold off using an old toothbrush.
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.
Bleach. Bleach can be used for mold and Serratia marcescens. If you opt for this course of action, make sure you have good ventilation in the room, and never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia as it can cause toxic fumes.
Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight, though this isn't necessary as it usually takes effect after an hour. However, you can't use any type of vinegar, for mould removal you must use distilled white vinegar.
Why does pink mold keep coming back after I've gotten rid of it? Pink mold thrives in a damp, moist environment. If you aren't drying the shower walls after each shower, it can create an ideal breeding ground for it.
However, the real cause is typically a type of airborne bacteria known as Serratia marcescens. These bacteria thrive in damp environments, leading many to wonder 'why is my toilet seat turning pink?' along with noticing similar stains on other bathroom surfaces.
Distilled white vinegar is an effective solution to clean mold from the shower. You can dilute it to clean the shower tiles or use it directly on the showerhead. Remember that even though vinegar is an excellent way to remove mold, keep in mind that undiluted white vinegar might have a very unpleasant odor.
Pink mould is not as dangerous as some other types of mould, but it can still cause health problems especially if it is inhaled or ingested regularly. It can also lead to urinary tract infections, digestive problems and in some rare cases we're seeing cases of pneumonia.