Pink Mold Removal Tips
Most people who’ve experienced pink mold believe it’s a fungus. However, it’s actually an airborne bacterium known as Serratia Marcescens. And because this type of bacteria contains mold it also prefers damp conditions and can be found in bathrooms (think tile grout).
So in order to remove this nasty substance, you can clean it just as you would when you’re dealing with bathroom mold. There are many different types of commercial products available on the market, but if you’re on a budget, you can try a few of these ideas.
Many people believe that bleach is the solution to every household-cleaning problem there is. While there are a lot of debates as to whether it can clean everything, it’s still number one on the list despite its dangerous vapors. If you still favor bleach you can try getting rid of mold by mixing one cup of regular household bleach with one gallon of water to use as a solution.
You should at least open all of the windows in or near your bathroom to at least minimize some of the irritation that this chemical can cause. Also be sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves to prevent skin irritations and other problems. Also you should invest in some scrubbing brushes and an old toothbrush that you can easily throw away.
You can then apply the bleach solution using a scrub brush to get down in those hard to reach areas. Once you’ve applied the bleach, let it set for at least 10 minutes and then rinse with clean water. If you find there is still some of the pinkish bacteria on your shower walls you may need to repeat the steps. After the final rinse, you’ll then want to dry the area with a clean rag.
If you prefer something that doesn’t involve the use of dangerous fumes, a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water can work just as well. You can use the same method as the bleach solution when applying it to the affected area.
Another solution that many people swear by is a boric acid solution. Spray the solution to the affected areas and let sit for at least 5 minutes. Next, scrub the area with a brush to really clean the hard to reach areas. Next, spray the solution again and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then, rinse the area with clean water and dry with a rag.
To prevent future pink mold in your bathroom or other areas of the home, remember all molds enjoy warm and wet places. Investing in a bathroom fan and opening the windows every time you bathe or shower can reduce mold growth. Also, drying off shower walls and the bathtub can help. Or for showers, you can even invest in a simple squeegee to wipe down walls and shower doors after every use.
Tags: bathroom mold, getting rid of mold, mold growth, mold removal, mold removal tips, pink mold, pink mold removal, pinkish bacteria, serratia marcescens
michael miller on 07 Feb 2010 at 2:17 pm #
I live in a senior apartment building and the bathroom has a ceiling fan that is unswitched and on 24/7 and still get pink bacteria. I frequently open the windows in the living room and bedroom but still get the stuff. Someof it has stained the sealant around the tub in places and I haven’t been able to get rid of it. What suggestions would you have.
Brett on 05 Mar 2010 at 6:07 pm #
Tilex Mold & Mildew or X-14 Mold & Mildew both work well for killing the pink mold. If you are not removing the humidity to low enough levels, you can not prevent the mold from returning, but can only maintain it. Do not let the pink mold stay on the sealant for too long or it will actually eat into the sealant and will need to be replaced. Be sure to rinse the area off if you use one of the suggested cleaners on acylic/fiberglass after 5 minutes to not harm the surface.