How To Get Rid of Pink Mold in the Shower

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Pink mold in the shower can be unsightly and concerning. Fortunately, despite its name, pink mold isn’t actually a mold but a bacterial biofilm. We’ll help you understand what causes this pinkish residue and how to remove it from your shower.

What Is Pink Mold?

Pink mold can actually appear in shades of pink, orange, or red. This slimy residue isn’t a true mold but a bacterial colony—Serratia marcescens—a common microorganism that can easily make its way into homes. When it lands on moist surfaces in the bathroom, it colonizes and forms a visible biofilm.

Pink mold thrives in environments like bathrooms that are:

Exposed to soap scum and mineral deposits
Poorly ventilated
Rich in moisture
Warm and humid

Is Pink Shower Mold Harmful?

Pink mold is not as dangerous as some mold types, but you should still address it promptly to maintain a hygienic bathroom. It can pose health risks for individuals with compromised immune systems and can also make you sick if it comes in contact with your eyes or an open wound.

Exposure to pink mold may lead to the following:

Eye infections if the bacteria come into contact with the eyes
Respiratory issues in some cases
Skin irritation for sensitive individuals
Urinary tract infections

Identifying Pink Mold in Your Shower

Recognizing pink mold is the first step in addressing the problem. Its distinctive color makes it relatively easy to spot, but you need to know where to look and how to distinguish it from other bathroom growths.

Common Areas of Infestation

Pink mold typically appears in areas that remain damp for extended periods, like the following:

Around drain openings
Around showerheads and faucets
In grout lines between tiles
On shower curtains and liners
Shower corners and crevices

Regularly inspecting these areas can help you catch pink mold growth early.

How to Distinguish Pink Mold from Other Bathroom Growths

While pink mold is distinctive, it’s possible to confuse it with other bathroom issues. Use this guide:

Hard water stains tend to be white or yellowish.
Soap scum is usually white or grayish.
True molds are typically green, black, or gray.

Pink mold’s slimy texture and pinkish hue set it apart from these other common bathroom problems.

Essential Tools and Products for Pink Mold Removal

Having the right tools on hand makes removing pink mold much easier and more effective. Here’s what you’ll need to tackle the job safely and thoroughly:

Note: Be sure to wear gloves, glasses, and a respirator. We also recommend running your bathroom’s exhaust fan during cleaning.

Effective Removal Techniques for Pink Mold

The right approach and materials will help you effectively eliminate pink mold and restore your shower’s cleanliness.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

Several household items can be effective against pink mold. Try the following:

Baking soda paste
Bleach solution (use with caution and proper ventilation)
Dish soap
Hydrogen peroxide
White vinegar

These solutions are often as effective as commercial cleaners and are more budget-friendly.

Step-by-Step Removal Process

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.
Scrub thoroughly. Alternate scrubbing patterns from back and forth to up and down and circular to make sure the bristles reach any nooks and crannies.
Rinse loosened the biofilm down the drain.
Create a 1:1 solution of bleach and warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the cleaned areas and let sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub again and rinse thoroughly.
Dry all surfaces with a clean microfiber towel.

Addressing Pink Mold on Shower Curtains

We always recommend cleaning your shower curtain when you have pink mold, as bacteria can cling to the curtain and liner and reinfect your shower later:

Remove the curtain and liner from the rod.
Wash fabric curtains in the washing machine with antibacterial detergent according to the curtain’s instructions. (You can also toss in the microfiber towels you used to clean surfaces.)
Dispose of the plastic liner and put in a new one.
Hang curtains on a rack or line to dry completely before rehanging in the shower.

Removing Pink Mold From Shower Drains

Shower drains are prime spots for pink mold due to constant moisture and trapped organic matter. Follow these cleaning steps:

Remove any visible debris from the drain opening.
Pour a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain.
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Use a small brush and your dish soap solution to scrub around the drain opening.

Cleaning Pink Mold From Grout and Tiles

Grout lines are porous and can be particularly challenging to clean effectively. Here’s our recommendation:

Make a paste of baking soda and dish soap.
Apply the paste to affected grout lines and let sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse thoroughly.

Use a bleach solution for stubborn stains. Take care to protect surrounding surfaces when using bleach.

Professional Cleaning Options

Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for severe pink mold cases or if you’re uncomfortable handling the cleanup yourself. Make sure to explain the problem to the cleaners in advance. They have specialized equipment and stronger cleaning agents to tackle stubborn pink mold infestations.

Prevention Strategies To Keep Pink Mold at Bay

Preventing pink mold is easier than removing it. Implementing some simple habits and routines can significantly reduce the likelihood of pink mold taking hold in your shower.

Daily Habits To Reduce Moisture

Follow these tips daily:

Dry shower surfaces after each use with a squeegee or microfiber towel.
Fully close the shower curtain and liner after every shower so they can dry completely.
Run the bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers to remove humid air.

Weekly Cleaning Routines

Take these precautions weekly:

Clean soap scum from hard surfaces using a solution of one cup of white vinegar to one cup of water with 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
Wash shower curtains and bath mats regularly.
Scrub grout lines to prevent buildup of soap scum and minerals.

Long-Term Prevention Methods

Implement these strategies to help prevent pink mold growth in the long term:

Fix any leaky faucets or showerheads promptly.
Keep bathroom windows closed while the shower is wet to prevent airborne Serratia marcescens bacteria from entering the bathroom.
Install a small dehumidifier in particularly damp bathrooms.
Seal grout annually to reduce moisture penetration.

Our Conclusion

While not as hazardous as some other household molds, pink mold still requires prompt attention. Clean the affected areas thoroughly and remember that consistency is key to prevention. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and moisture control are your best defenses against this persistent bathroom invader.