What Is That Pink Slime In Your Bathroom And How Do You Get Rid Of It?

Have you ever stepped foot into a bathroom and noticed something strange? Something slimy growing in the bathroom sink or along the shower that appears to be pink? While it seems like a good reason to call the Ghostbusters, the reality is much less supernatural. That pink (or orange or red) slime or residue is most likely Serratia marcescens, and it's nothing to be scared of—well, most of the time. But this mold thrives in wet environments like the bathroom and does need to be taken care of. While not as dangerous as other molds and bacteria, it can cause health issues in individuals who are immunocompromised. Here's what causes pink mold in the bathroom, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent it.

What Is Pink Mold?

S. marcescens is an airborne bacterium that grows in the dampest places in your home, like shower stalls, bathtubs, bathroom tiles, toilets, sinks, toothbrush holders, and kitchen faucets. It is a natural bacteria that gets stirred up in the air, lands in wet areas, and starts building colonies of pink slime in your bathtub or somewhere worse.

How Often To Clean Areas Susceptible To Pink Mold

Areas that are susceptible to pink mold should be cleaned regularly to keep it from forming and spreading. Clean bathroom showers, sinks, and toilets every week to keep it from forming. You should also clean pink mold as soon as possible if you spot it.

Considerations Before Getting Started

Luckily, it is very easy to clean this kind of mold to keep your home healthy. Before you begin, turn on your exhaust fan and open windows or doors to provide ventilation. Make sure to use rubber gloves and a protective face mask to reduce contact with the bacteria.

What You Need

• Rubber gloves
• Protective face mask
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish soap
• Small bowl
• Disinfectant, such as one with bleach or designed for mold removal, or white vinegar
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Scrub brush
• Squeegee
• Clean cloths or towels

How To Clean Pink Mold With Baking Soda And Dish Soap

Step 1: Make A Cleaning Solution

In a small bowl, make a paste of four parts baking soda and one part liquid dish soap.

Step 2: Wear Protective Gear

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and any open wounds from the bacteria. A face mask is also good to prevent exposure to bacteria.

Step 3: Apply Paste

Starting at the top of the mold area and working down, use the scrub brush to apply the paste to the affected areas. Scrub the areas with the brush to remove the mold.

Step 4: Rinse

Rinse the solution away with warm water using the shower head or a cloth soaked in clean warm water.

Step 5: Disinfect

Spray the areas with disinfectant or a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to fully kill the bacteria. Let sit for 10 minutes. Go over the area with a clean scrub brush, then rinse.

Step 6: Dry The Surface

Pat the area dry with a clean cloth, towel, or squeegee to remove any moisture, and do your best to keep it dry and well-ventilated.

How To Clean Pink Mold On Shower Curtains

Even if there’s no visible mold on the shower curtain or liner, they should be cleaned.

1. Remove the curtain and liner and run washable items through the washing machine in hot water with laundry detergent. For curtains and liners that aren’t washable, spot treat with a mixture of equal parts bleach and water or a color-safe cleaner, such as OxiClean.
2. Check the care label for drying instructions.
3. Replace curtains or liners with more serious cases of mold.

How To Clean Pink Mold On Shower Heads

Don't overlook the shower head when cleaning your bathroom. Pink mold can build up there as well.

1. Fill a plastic bag with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.
2. Secure the bag over the shower head with a rubber band. Let the bag sit for several hours or overnight.
3. Carefully remove the bag and use a scrub brush to remove any buildup or residue.
4. Rinse the shower head with a cloth dipped in clean water or by turning the shower on.

Tips To Keep Pink Mold Away Longer

The most important point to keep pink mold from coming back is to make sure to keep surfaces dry. Here are three everyday tasks to follow:

• Use a squeegee or towel after showering to remove moisture from the walls and floor.
• Close the shower curtain to let it fully dry between uses, and turn on the exhaust fan while you shower. Open windows and doors after showering to allow moisture to escape.
• Give the shower or bathtub a weekly cleaning to remove soap scum and traces of shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap, which feed the bacteria and speed up their growth.