What Is The Pink Stuff In The Shower

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?

What is pink mold? 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?

Shower Walls & Doors 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 is the pink stuff on the bottom of my shower curtain?

This pink mold you’ve found growing on your shower curtain, or in your toilet is not actually mold at all; in fact, it’s a Gram-negative bacteria that is scientifically known as Serratia marcescens. The pink colour is from a pigment (prodigiosin) produced by Serratia marcescens under the right growing conditions.

Is Serratia marcescens harmful?

Today, Serratia marcescens is considered a harmful human pathogen which has been known to cause urinary tract infections, wound infections, and pneumonia. Serratia bacteria also have many antibiotic resistance properties which may become important if the incidence of Serratia infections dramatically increases.

Why is my shower grout 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.

How do you get rid of Serratia marcescens in the shower?

Throw shower curtains in the washing machine to sanitize. 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.

Is pink mold worse than black mold?

While no type of pink mold poses an immediate, serious threat to your health the way black mold does, pink molds can still harm you. Mold in your house can lead to respiratory and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal trouble, and even heart problems.

How do you prevent pink bacteria in the shower?

Pink Mold Prevention Rinse the walls of your shower with hot water after each use to minimize soap residue. Wipe down the shower and bathroom walls with a squeegee or towel after bathing. Keep the bathroom door open when you bathe (when possible). Repair any leaks from toilets, shower faucets, and sinks.

How do you get pink mold out of a marble shower?

If wiping down marble with natural-stone shower cleaner fails to remove mold spots, you’ll need to mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water, then spray or pour the mixture onto the surface of the stone and scrub it, which should only be done with a non-scratch bristle brush or nylon brush.

What causes pink mold in toilet?

The film is usually found as a ring that accumulates at the water line in the toilet bowl or on shower doors, sink drains, and bathtubs. The bacteria that causes these pink stains is Serratia Marcescens, which is found naturally in the environment. The airborne bacteria thrive on moisture, dust, and phosphates.

How do you clean grout in shower pink?

Tiles & grout Use an old toothbrush to scrub it into the grout. From bathroom tiles to flooring, use The Pink Stuff to achieve amazing results. Apply to the tiles and use an old toothbrush to work it into the grout. It will remove dark staining, mould, and discolouration.

Is Serratia marcescens curable?

Serratia marcescens is a rare agent causing peritonitis, and few cases of Serratia marcescens peritonitis in previous reports were successfully cured without removing the peritoneal catheter.

How do you get a Serratia infection?

The major factors that are involved in the development of the Serratia infection include contamination of the respiratory equipment and poor catheterization techniques. Most of the outbreaks have been reported from the paediatrics ward.

Is Serratia contagious?

Nosocomial transmission may occur by hand contact from hospital personnel and other patients. Fomites may also spread Serratia. INCUBATION PERIOD: Unknown. COMMUNICABILITY: Serratia may be directly transmitted from person-to-person, but rates are unknown ³.

Does bleach get rid of pink mold?

Pink mold is relatively easy to remove with cleaners you already have or with household supplies. Cleaners with chlorine bleach in them can help remove the pink stuff in the shower. Spray on the cleaner and allow it to sit for a while.

Will scrubbing bubbles get rid of pink mold?

Few things gloom up a bathroom like mold stains and mildew stains. Thankfully, Scrubby helps you say adios to those nasty twins with Scrubbing Bubbles^® Foaming Bleach Bathroom Cleaner. Just spray on the foam and watch the bleaching power go to work.

Can Serratia marcescens make you sick?

More recently, Serratia marcescens has been found to be pathogenic to a small percentage of people, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and pneumonia in hospital environments.