A CLEANING whizz has issued an urgent warning about the pink mould in your bathroom – claiming it’s not actually mould.
Showers and bathtubs – one of the hardest places to keep clean, especially given how damp they get on a daily basis.
According to one whizz, the pink stains have got nothing to do with mould[/caption]
However, no matter how on-top you may be when it comes to keeping the bathroom spotless, a professional cleaning has urged to look out for one thing in particular.
Cleanfluencer Kacie Stephens posted a video on Instagram where she explained that there’s a nasty type of mould that can easily lead infections – and it’s easy to spot because it’s pink.
The reason why it’s so dangerous is that it’s not actually mould, despite what so many of us may assume.
Kacie, from Melbourne, Australia, explained in the caption: “Pink mould is not actually mould at all, it’s bacteria.
”The build-up of it on your shower can cause infections, so make sure you’re washing it away regularly.”
In the clip, the Aussie was seen scrubbing away at pink slime in the shower.
“FACTS,” she said, adding: “This pink mould? It’s not mould at all. It’s a bacteria called Serratia Marcescens.”
According to a 2013 paper published in the National Library of Medicine, Serratia Marcescens is an ‘’opportunistic, gram-negative, nosocomial pathogen’’ which belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae.
It was first discovered by Italian pharmacist Bartolomeo Bizio in 1819, when he identified it as a ‘’cause of the bloody discolouration on cornmeal mush’’.
Many social media users were stunned to find out what the pink matter really was, having assumed the discolouration was down to something else.
“I always thought it was soap scum,” one person said.
Another added: “I always thought it must be maybe makeup build-up!!!!”
Someone else remarked: “Eww is this the pinky-red s**t that builds up around sink drains?”
A fourth user wrote: “Thank you for sharing this information! I noticed this pink liquid in my dehumidifier which totally puzzled me because it didn’t come from a water source.
”It was in the air. Regardless, I wasn’t comfortable with that and tried to rinse my dehumidifier frequently after emptying.”
Sharing how to deal with it, another user advised: “Serratia is an incredibly resilient bacteria and can grow in most any moist environment.
”Eradicating it totally is hard, but a 10 per cent bleach solution and keeping your shower as dry as possible between use helps.”
To make a 10 per cent bleach solution, you can mix one part bleach with nine parts water. For example, you can mix 1/4 cup of bleach with two 1/4 cups of water.
Cleaning fans can snap up bleach from most supermarkets, including Aldi where it sells for just 65p.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
