What is the red stuff in my bathtub?

It is bacteria known as Serratia marcescens, according to Roxanne Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension Service water quality associate. You may find this bacterium in moist areas such as toilet bowls, sinks, tiles, shower stalls, bathtub enclosures and even your pet's water dish.

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.

How do you get red stains out of a bathtub?

For Red or Black Stains, Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide. Use the brightening power of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove tough red or black stains. Do not use this method on an acrylic tub—it may scratch the surface. Mix two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.

Why does my water leave a red residue?

The most likely cause of red stains is a high concentration of iron in the water. Iron makes up a large percentage of the earth's crust. So, it's no surprise that as water flows through the earth, it collects a lot of iron.

What is the pink stuff in my bathtub?

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.

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Is pink mold harmful?

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 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 is that pink stuff in my 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.

What causes pink residue in shower?

The pink colour is from a pigment (prodigiosin) produced by Serratia marcescens under the right growing conditions. Serratia marcescens is commonly referred to as “pink mold” or “pink mildew” but it is bacteria causing those irritating pink stains in the bathtub and on your shower head.

Are high levels of iron in water harmful?

Effects on Your Health

Although a low level of iron cannot harm your health, it contains bacteria. In addition to this, high iron in water content leads to an overload which can cause diabetes, hemochromatosis, stomach problems, and nausea. It can also damage the liver, pancreas, and heart.

Can bleach damage a bathtub?

Back to the question, “can bleach damage a bathtub?” Yes, it can. Bleach can add stains to your bathtub is misused. Remember, it is a massive chemical that, if not used correctly, can cause more harm than good.

How do you get rid of orange build up in the shower?

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

You can start by creating a solution that's two parts white vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle, then spraying all the orange stains. Allow that to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

How do you remove orange iron from shower?

Use Distilled White Vinegar

While food-grade distilled white vinegar can be used, cleaning vinegar with a higher acidity is better for tough rust stains. For weekly cleaning of sinks, tubs, and shower walls, spray the vinegar on the rust stains. Use a scrub brush to clean the area and then rinse well.

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 disinfectant kills Serratia marcescens?

Though Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water, the bacteria can grow in toilets where water is left standing long enough for the chlorine to dissipate. To kill the bacteria, clean affected surfaces with a strong chlorine bleach solution.

How do you get rid of red mold?

To clean red mold from hard surfaces (bathroom showers, walls, and floors), you can use a commercial cleaning product like bleach. Combine one-part bleach with three parts water. Next, soak a cloth in the bleach solution and apply it over the surface.

How do I get rid of red bacteria in my shower?

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.

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.

How do I get rid of pink slime in my bathroom?

What causes red mold?

Red Mold. You may spot red mold on building materials such as particleboards or drywall that have been subjected to water damage. Red is usually not a consistent color for mold to be, and it usually will change colors over time.

How do you prevent pink mold?

Is Serratia marcescens a mold?

Although Serratia marcescens isn't a mold, it can sometimes be confused with other types of fungus, including orange mold. Unlike black or green mold, orange mold isn't a fungus; it's a slime mold, but it can be found with other types of fungus.

How does Serratia marcescens affect the body?

S. marcescens has been shown to cause a wide range of infectious diseases, including urinary, respiratory, and biliary tract infections, peritonitis, wound infections, and intravenous catheter-related infections, which can also lead to life-threatening bacteremia.

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.