Why and How To Get Rid of Pink Grime In Your Bathroom

If you think that black and green mold in the bathroom is the only growths that you need to be seriously concerned about, you may want to think again. Pink grime is also common in areas like the shower basin, the tile surround in the tub, and even on showerheads and other fixtures. It may start out looking like a film, but it can become visibly fuzzy if it is allowed to grow. While this is a common problem, it is one that you need to take seriously. Understanding what pink mold is and learning how it can affect you are important.

• What Is Pink Mold?

While this substance is commonly referred to as pink mold, it is actually a bacterial growth. Specifically, it is Serratia marcescens, which a special type of bacteria that thrives in wet environments. In addition to having a pink hue, it may also have a rusty, red, or orange tint. The best time to address this growth is as soon as you notice it. Because of how common it is, it can easily start growing in between cleaning sessions if you do not clean the bathroom on a weekly basis.

• How Does Pink Mold Affect Your Health?

This type of bacteria can have a wide range of effects on your home and on your health. The growth can rapidly spread, and it can cause staining and deterioration on all surfaces that it grows. When you or a family member comes in contact with it, you could expect to suffer from respiratory distress, skin infections on open wounds, nausea and other gastrointestinal issues, endocarditis, meningitis, bladder or urinary tract infections, septicemia, and osteomyelitis. Keep in mind that pets are also susceptible to getting sick from exposure to pink mold.

• How Do You Get Rid of Pink Mold?

Getting rid of pink mold growth in your home promptly is essential. It can be a messy and potentially dangerous job, so you should take steps to avoid unnecessary exposure. Specifically, you should wear rubber cleaning gloves, protective goggles, and a facemask before you start scrubbing the affected areas. Simply spraying the area with a bleach-based cleaning product can lighten the stain and kill the bacteria, but this simplified approach is not enough to properly deal with the problem.

After spraying the contaminated areas with a bleach-based cleaning product and rinsing the area after the bleach has worked its magic, prepare a homemade concoction that will break down the biofilm. The bacteria will feed on the biofilm, which is often created by an accumulation of soap scum and other elements. By removing the biofilm, you are reducing the likelihood that the growth will quickly return.

The homemade concoction is comprised of a tablespoon of liquid dish soap, a half-cup of baking soda, and a small amount of water. Once you have created a thin paste, you can apply it to all of the affected areas. Use a scrub brush to fully remove the biofilm. Rinse the area thoroughly, and follow this up by drying the area with a squeegee or a towel.

• Have you noticed this pink growth in your toilet?

Cleaning your toilet as you normally do will generally remove the film, but you should clean it as soon as you discover the grime to prevent permanent staining. As is the case with the biofilm growth in your shower and tub areas, the biofilm in the toilet will require special attention. Flush the toilet to clear away the first cleaning product that you used. Then, apply an antimicrobial cleaning product to the area. Scrub the toilet bowl using the brush cleaner. After you flush the toilet again, you will need to pour a cup of bleach into the toilet. Allow the bleach to remain in the toilet bowl for approximately 20 to 30 minutes before you flush the toilet again.

• How Can You Prevent Pink Mold?

Thoroughly cleaning your filthy areas and removing the biofilm will prevent the growth from returning as quickly. However, as the biofilm builds up again, the area becomes more hospitable for new bacterial growth. This is a potentially dangerous and damaging substance that you understandably want to keep out of your house. You can reduce the chance of dealing with pink mold again in the future by thoroughly cleaning your entire bathroom on a weekly basis. You also should wipe down wet surfaces after you shower or bathe, run the exhaust fan and launder the shower curtain regularly.

Keeping up with your home cleaning chores is not always easy to do. However, cleaning the bathrooms and other critical areas in the home is essential for the health of everyone in the home. If you are not able to clean your home thoroughly as frequently as recommended, it is time to schedule a professional cleaning service. Our Cleanzen Philadelphia team is happy to provide you with a competitive, customized quote for the cleaning services that you need.