Why There’s Pink Mold in Your Shower and How to Get Rid of It

If you’ve noticed pink stains on your bathroom wall and floor recently, it’s most likely pink mold. You might have also seen it hanging from the bottom of your shower curtain or near the water line of your toilet.

But why is there pink mold in your shower and how do you get rid of it? 

In this article, we’ll explain the different causes of pink mold in your bathroom shower and how to get rid of it. We’ll also give you tips on how to prevent it from recurring.

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What causes pink mold in bathroom showers

Pink mold (AKA pink mildew) isn’t actually a mold at all. It’s a species of bacteria known as “Serratia Marcescens” that thrives in bathroom showers because of high humidity, poor ventilation, or organic materials like soap scum, hair, and skin cells.

These reasons explain why pink mold is seen most often in showers, toilet bowls, tubs, or the grout between bathroom tiles. 

Serratia Marcescens isn’t as toxic as black mold, but it can still lead to health issues if it enters your body through an open wound or the eyes. Therefore, it's crucial to routinely clean your bathroom and ensure it's well-ventilated to stop the development of pink mold and other bacteria.

How to get rid of pink mold in your shower

To get rid of pink mold in your shower, spray a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar on the area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and kill the bacteria, then scrub thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel to prevent moisture buildup. Repeat as necessary.

At Homeaglow, white vinegar is our go-to for many household cleaning projects. It’s a natural home cleaner with built-in antimicrobial properties. Moreover, it’s safer to use than bleach which can damage your shower tiles and gives out harmful fumes.

After you get rid of the pink mold in your shower, you can also use white vinegar to clean and disinfect everything from sink drains to glass shower doors and bathtubs. 

Cleaning materials you’ll need

• Rubber gloves
• Soft-bristled brush
• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Squeegee or towel

Cleaning pink mold in your shower

A pro tip for cleaning pink mold in your shower is to let a 1:1 vinegar solution sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing. This helps to disinfect the area and kill the bacteria cells causing the pink mold.

Step 1: Wear protective gear

Put on rubber gloves, safety glasses, and face masks to protect yourself from the cleaning solution and exposure to the mold bacteria.

Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution

Next, mix one-part white vinegar and one-part water to make a solution in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine and spray generously over the pink mold in the shower. 

Let the cleaning solution sit for at least 15 minutes, allowing the vinegar to penetrate and kill the pink mold.

Step 3: Scrub away the mold

After the vinegar has time to work, scrub the mold with a soft-bristled brush. Apply firm pressure beginning at the top, then work your way down to ensure all the mold is removed.

Step 4: Rinse and dry the area

Rinse the area with warm water to remove any vinegar residue and mold particles, then use a clean towel or squeegee to wipe the area dry.

If the pink mold persists, repeat the process until all the mold is removed.

Is pink mold in the shower dangerous?

Pink mold in the shower is dangerous as it can cause eye, respiratory, and urinary tract infections, especially in older adults, children, pets, and people with pre-existing respiratory problems like asthma.

Pink mold can also cause:

• Blood poisoning (Septicemia)
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Infection of sores or open wounds
• Meningitis
• Endocarditis
• Pneumonia
• Bone infection (Osteomyelitis)
• UTIs and bladder infections

How to prevent pink mold in your shower

You can prevent pink mold by cleaning your shower regularly. After every shower, use a squeegee to dry the curtains and walls. Clean any spilled soap or shampoo. Fix leaky shower heads and faucets as they offer a steady supply of moisture that is ideal for bacterial growth.

Tackle your pink mold sooner than later

As the saying goes, “the earlier, the better.” Getting rid of the pink mold in your house as soon as you notice it reduces the chances of spreading and transmitting different allergies and bacterial infections.

Fortunately, you can prevent pink mold or any other type of mold from growing in your shower by using this article's methods and a little elbow strength.

Need help keeping on top of your house cleaning tasks? With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.

Pink mold in shower FAQ

Now that you understand more about cleaning pink mold, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pink mold in the shower. 

Why is there pink mold in my shower?

The pink mold in your shower is brought on by moisture, warmth, and humidity. In addition, the presence of soap scum from your bath soap and shampoo, mineral deposits from hard water, and human waste serve as food for the pink mold bacteria growth.

Why do I keep getting pink mold in my shower?

The pink mold in your shower keeps returning because you have favorable growing conditions for the Serratia Marcescens bacteria. Some of the conditions include constant dampness, poor ventilation, mineral deposits from hard water, warmth, high humidity, and soap scum.

How do I get rid of pink mold in my shower?

Follow these steps to get rid of pink mold in your shower:

1. Mix one-part vinegar with one-part water.
2. Spray mixture on the pink mold and leave for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry with a squeegee or towel.

Vinegar helps disinfect the area and get rid of the pink mold bacteria.

What does pink mold indicate?

Pink mold is a sign that Serratia Marcescens bacteria is growing in your shower under the right conditions. Unfortunately, it could also mean your bathroom has excessive humidity, inadequate ventilation, soap scum, hair, skin cells, leaky faucets, showerheads, or a broken toilet.

Can pink mold in shower make you sick?

Yes, pink mold in your shower can make you sick, especially if you’re very young, elderly, have a respiratory disease like asthma, or have a generally weak immune system.