What Is Pink Mould in Shower and How to Remove It

Noticed strange pink stains on your shower tiles or curtain? That’s “pink mould.” It looks soft and harmless, but it isn’t. It can be bad for your health. You’ll often see it in damp spots, on soap scum, and anywhere water sits. The good news: you can remove pink mould in the shower with simple steps and a little routine care. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes it, how to clean it safely step by step, and how to keep it from coming back. Let’s get started.

What Is the Pink Mould in the Shower and What Causes It?

Despite the name, pink mould in the shower is actually a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This germ in the air grows best in warm, damp places. It lives on by eating soap scum, shampoo residue, and even toothpaste. This makes your bathroom the ideal place for it to grow. Pink mould looks like a slimy film that is light pink to reddish-orange or even deep red in some cases. You can often find it near toilet bowls, drains, shower tiles, and baths. You can also find it in other places where there is not enough airflow and moisture, like in the kitchen and laundry rooms.

Common Causes of Pink Mould

Multiple factors could cause pink mould. Let's have a quick look at a few main ones.

What Will You Need to Remove Pink Mould?

Pink mould is easy to clean if you’re ready for it. You just need a few things that most people already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need. Tools & Equipment

1. Nylon-bristle scrub brush
2. Spray bottle
3. Small bowl
4. Rubber gloves
5. Protective eyewear
6. Face mask (preferably N95)
7. Clean towel

Cleaning Materials

1. ½ cup baking soda
2. 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner
3. Chlorine bleach
4. Laundry detergent

How Do You Remove Pink Mould? (Step by Step)

Now, let's move towards the main part: how to remove pink mould? It might feel like a big task, but it's not that difficult. With the right information and tools, you can remove pink mould in the shower, kitchen, or laundry room in an hour. Just follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Put On Protective Gear

First, put on rubber gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid direct contact or inhalation. Pink mould can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.

Step 2: Mix a Cleaning Solution

Mix ½ cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dish soap (or an all-purpose cleaner) in a small bowl. The paste should not be too thick. If you need to clean up a big area, you can make more batches.

Step 3: Scrub Away the Mould

Put the baking soda solution on the nylon-bristle brush and scrub from the top down. As a gentle abrasive, baking soda helps get the bacteria off the surface. And, if you’ve got hydrogen peroxide, it works as a gentle alternative cleaner too.

Step 4: Rinse the Area

Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse it all down with a hand-held shower head. Make sure there’s no residue left on the tiles or walls.

Step 5: Prepare a Disinfectant Solution

After wiping away the mould, you need to kill what’s left. Pink mould grows back fast if you miss any. Mix equal parts of warm water and bleach to make a disinfecting solution. Note: Do not mix bleach with other cleaners like vinegar or ammonia, as the fumes can be very dangerous.

Step 6: Disinfect and Scrub Again

Spray the mix over the cleaned area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then scrub again with a clean brush or sponge. Pay close attention to corners, grout, and around taps where mould likes to hide. This extra step helps stop it from coming back.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the surface again. Now dry the surfaces fully with a squeegee or towel. Drying helps keep mould from growing again.

Step 8: Wash the Shower Curtain and Liner

If there’s mould on your shower curtain or liner, wash it right away. Use warm water, detergent, and one cup of white vinegar in the washing machine. Add a few towels for a better clean. Let everything air dry completely before hanging it back up.

Is Pink Mould Harmful and Who Is at Risk?

Pink mould might look harmless, but it’s not something you want to ignore. It’s a type of bacteria that can bother your skin, eyes, and lungs. Most healthy people might only get a bit of itching or redness, but it can be worse for others. People with asthma, weak immune systems, or breathing problems are more likely to feel sick from it. If the bacteria get into small cuts or you breathe it in, it can cause infections. The best way to stay safe is to clean it as soon as you see it and keep your bathroom dry so it doesn’t come back.

How Do You Prevent Pink Mould from Returning?

Now we have cleaned the pink mould already, but it will keep returning without preventive measures. So we need to look at some tips to prevent pink mould from returning.

1. Keeping your bathroom dry and clean is the best way to stop pink mould from coming back. When water doesn’t drain well or your showerhead is old, moisture can build up and make mould grow faster. Try switching to a better showerhead and waste system that improves water flow and drainage. These small changes can help keep your bathroom fresh and free from mould.
2. Turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers, or crack open a window to help moisture escape.
3. Clean regularly. Spray down your shower walls and tub weekly with a mild cleaner or vinegar-water solution to prevent residue build-up.
4. Wash shower curtains and mats often, as pink mould loves to cling to fabric and plastic.
5. Fix leaks right away. Even small drips can keep the area damp enough for mould to grow back.
6. Use a daily shower spray. A no-rinse, anti-bacterial spray can create a protective barrier that discourages new growth.

When to Call a Professional?

If the pink mould keeps coming back, no matter how often you clean, it may indicate a more serious problem behind your tiles or plumbing. In these cases, it's wise to call in a professional. Experts can thoroughly inspect hidden areas, completely remove biofilm, and identify any moisture issues that might be causing the mould to return. Also, take action if you observe black or green mould patches or if anyone in your home has allergy or asthma problems. A professional cleaner or plumber can safely fix the source, keeping your bathroom clean, fresh, and mould-free.

Conclusion

Pink mould in your shower might look harmless, but leaving it alone can cause health and hygiene problems. Cleaning it early is the best way to stop it from spreading. Keep your bathroom dry, clean, and well-ventilated to stop it from coming back. If the mould continues to come back despite your efforts, consider having a professional check for hidden moisture or plumbing problems. Taking a little time to care for your bathroom now can help prevent ongoing clean-ups in the future.