Have you noticed a pink mould on your shower or bathroom tiles? Ever wondered what it is and how to get rid of it? Here is how to clean pink mould and stop it from coming back.
What is Pink Mould
Pink mould isn’t actually mould. It’s bacteria. The reddish, pink mould is known as Serratia marcescens and it’s a waterborne bacteria.
Is Serratia marcescens Dangerous?
Pink mould isn’t usually harmful to healthy individuals. But it can be dangerous to people who have a compromised immune system. Long term exposure can lead to infections. So it’s definitely a good idea to get rid of it.
How to Get Rid of Pink Mould in the Shower
The most common place for pink mould to grow is in your shower. Regular cleaning products won’t kill the bacteria. I’ve found that vinegar and baking soda are also not effective products. While I love to use Koh Cleaner for wiping down surfaces, unfortunately it’s not powerful enough to get rid of pink mould.
The most effective way to get rid of Pink Mould is to use a product containing bleach. Bleach will kill the bacteria.
Ajax Professional Mould
If you’re looking for a spray product available in Australia that is effecting at removing pink mould, I’ve found that Ajax Professional Mould works well. It contains bleach as well as Sodium Hydroxide which is also effective at killing bacteria. It also contains a number of cleaning agents (to help remove soap scum) and anti-corrosion agents to offset the harsh cleaning agents. I’ve tried a bunch of different cleaning products and I’ve found that Ajax mould seems to work best.
I’ve found that Ajax mould is able to remove Pink Mould without any scrubbing but I always use a brush to make sure it gets into the grout. I spray Ajax mould on, leave for a few minutes, scrub over the surface lightly and then rinse it off.
Remember when using any product like this, it’s important not to mix it with any other cleaning products. Doing so create dangerous gasses.
What Causes Pink Mould?
Serratia marcescens bacteria needs two things to grow – water and a source of food. The bacteria lives off the fatty substances found in most shower products like shampoo as well as bodily waste.
How to Prevent Pink Mould
The best way to prevent pink mould from growing is to make sure your shower isn’t constantly wet. In winter, this means running the extraction fan long enough to get rid of moisture. You might also need to use a squeegee to wipe down tiled surfaces. Cleaning your shower weekly to get rid of soap scum will also stop the pink mould from coming back.
If you spill any soap or other shower products, make sure you wipe them up and don’t leave them sitting in the shower. The excess soap creates a breeding ground for the bacteria.
Let me know in the comments how you clean pink mould. What has worked for you?
