What is the pink on 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.

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

If you're cleaning by hand

With the curtain still attached to the rod, spray any areas with visible mildew spots or pink mold using a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove the curtain and place it in a tub or bucket large enough to hold the curtain.

Is pink mold harmful?

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.

What is this pink stuff in my shower?

What Is the Pink Mold in Your Shower? The “pink mold” creating slimy buildup in your bathroom is not actually mold at all: it's a bacteria. The two most common bacteria causing pink shower mold are called Serratia marcescens and Aureobasidium pullulans.

Is pink mold mildew?

Although this gunk is commonly called either “pink mold” or “pink mildew,” it is actually a type of water-borne bacteria, Serratia marcescens. And it's not always exactly pink, either. Its color — caused by a red pigment produced at room temperature — is often closer to orange.

Pink Mold - How Dangerous

Is Serratia marcescens harmful to humans?

In rare cases, Serratia marcescens can be deadly.

Along with other bacteria, Serratia marcescens is a source of hospital-acquired infections, which can happen if a patient's immune system is severely compromised or if the bacterium enters the body with a catheter, respirator or other medical device.

What kills pink mold?

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills off all sorts of pesky mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold.

Why does the water leave a pink residue?

What Causes Pink Residue. Pink residue is generally not a problem with water quality. In fact, pink residue is likely a result of airborne bacteria which produce a pinkish or dark gray film on regularly moist surfaces. Such surfaces include toilet bowls, shower heads, sink drains, and tiles.

How do you prevent pink mold?

How do you get rid of Serratia marcescens?

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.

What happens if I touch pink mold?

Beware of the following pink mold symptoms and illnesses:

Allergic reactions like coughing, sneezing, eye irritations and skin rash. Pneumonia and bronchitis due to prolonged lung inflammation. Bladder infections and urinary tract infections (UTI) Respiratory tract infection.

Is pink mold contagious?

Humidifier lung is not contagious and therefore makes it easy to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. If this happens to you, it is imperative that you remove all traces of the pink mold from your portable humidifier.

What does pink Mould mean?

Pink mold is a common name for the water-borne bacteria Serratia marcescens. This mold type can be pink in color — hence the name — but this is not always the case. Sometimes, pink mold can look more orange than pink. This is because room temperatures can cause the mold to develop a red pigment.

What causes pink mildew in 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.

Where does pink bacteria come from?

The pink colour is due to a pigment secreted by a species of bacteria known as Serratia marcescens, found naturally in soil, air and water. They can cause infections, but that generally happens in hospitals and affects people with compromised immune systems.

Is Serratia marcescens airborne?

Serratia is an airborne bacteria and can not survive in your chlorinated water supply. These airborne bacteria can come from any number of naturally occurring sources and the condition can be aggravated if you remove chlorine using an activated carbon filter.

How long does it take for pink mold to grow?

Under ideal conditions (optimal temperature and level of humidity), it takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Typically, the spores begin to colonize in 3 to 12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days.

How did I get Serratia marcescens?

The bacteria will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, and soap and food residues in pet water dishes.

Can Serratia marcescens go away on its own?

Although extremely rare, it can also cause pneumonia and meningitis. Once s. marcescens has established itself on a surface, completely eliminating it can be very difficult. Total eradication of the bacteria can be only accomplished with a bleach-based disinfectant or cleaner.

What bacteria looks pink?

About the Bacteria

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.

How do you remove pink mould from silicone?

Rub a paste of white vinegar and baking soda into mouldy areas. Scrub at heavy stains with a stiff-bristled brush or reapply the paste. Rinse with a cold, wet sponge and dry with a microfibre cloth. Spray any mould on bathroom sealant with bleach and water to kill mould spores.

Can you get sick from mold in shower?

“There's probably little likelihood that your shower or shower curtain will make you sick.” According to Dr. Brown, all kinds of bacteria and mold form on shower curtains and liners, but the most common type is the kind that causes body odor.

What are the signs of mold toxicity?

How can you tell if you have mold poisoning?

How can you tell if you have pink mold?

Pink Mold. You might find a discolored, pink film on your shower curtain or bathtub if they have gone unwashed for a while—this is known as “pink mold.” Calling it a mold, though, is a misnomer because it's actually a bacterium called Serratia marcescens that thrives on soap residues.