How To Get Rid Of Red Mold In Shower? Step-By-Step Guide

The grout in your bathroom may have turned red, pink, or orange sherbet-colored. Remove red mold from the shower with these steps.

The good news is that it isn’t a toxic variety of mold. Bacteria are to blame, which is a bummer.

If you’d like to know what’s forming in your shower, keep reading. You should also check out these helpful hints on how to remove mold from stainless steel.

What is red mold?

This fungus can thrive both indoors and out. Because it prefers warm, damp environments, you’ll frequently find it around water leaks. Besides food, drywall, and fabric, it can be found in the environment as well.

One myth is that red mold is a distinct mold species because of its color. There are many different types of red mold. Simply put, the name refers to the way it looks.

Any mold can turn red at some point, as it’s not rare for mold to change color. As a result, red mold might turn black, green, or even white over time.

Certain varieties of mold are more likely to turn red than others, even though red mold is not a distinct species of mold. Aspergillus, for example, is commonly found in bathrooms and thrives on materials that have been harmed by water. Foodborne pathogens such as Neurospora can also be found on plants and soil.

Pink mold and red mold are phrases that are sometimes used interchangeably. Pink mold, on the other hand, is not the same as red mold, despite their similar look.

In contrast to red mold, which is a fungus, pink mold is a water-borne bacterium that is widespread in restrooms.

What causes red mold?

Mold can seem reddish for a variety of reasons. Mold can change color due to changes in humidity or exposure to light. Mold’s color can also be influenced by its food supply.

Red mold, like any other type of mold, can have a variety of different causes. There are a number of places where mold can grow if there is a water leak: around pipes, in walls, and under carpet.

Everywhere you look, there’s mold. While the air is filled with mold spores, they must come into touch with a damp surface for it to thrive. Mold might begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours in this situation.

What is red mold and how does it affect you?

In the shower, what is the red or pink mold that you’ve noticed? It may look like mold, but it’s actually a biofilm formed by the bacteria Serratia marcescens.

As an airborne pathogen that thrives in damp settings, germs on your shower walls are a great breeding ground. Soap scum is a food source for germs, which can exacerbate the problem.

This type of biofilm is reddish in color, despite the fact that it is frequently referred to as “pink.” Light pink to dark red, and even orange, are all possible shades of the color.

These easy-to-follow instructions on how to remove mold from a washer gasket are sure to come in handy.

Is red mold a health risk?

If you’re healthy, red mold is generally safe. Showering with it won’t be a problem for you.

But if it enters your body through your eyes or wounds, especially in persons with weaker immune systems, it can cause health issues. Infections of the urinary tract, bladder, and lungs are all possibilities.

Another issue is the gradual loss of appearance value. Shower and other bathroom surfaces might become permanently discolored if the pink slime is not cleared. Your bathroom will remain unclean no matter how much you scrub and wipe.

Is red mold dangerous?

Even though red mold is unattractive, the mold itself is usually harmless – if you’re healthy enough to withstand it.

Exposure to mold might induce respiratory distress if you are sensitive to or allergic to it. Exposed skin and other organs are also susceptible to infection.

Those at risk of problems include:

• babies
• a young child
• elderly people
• Immune systems that have been weakened or compromised

Symptoms of mold sensitivity

Mold sensitivity can manifest in a variety of ways, including the following signs and symptoms:

• sneezing
• congestion in the nose
• Itchy and runny noses
• a rash on the skin
• itching
• Irritated eyes
• asthma
• pressure in the chest
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headache
• breathlessness

It’s not just mold in the air that causes problems; it’s also mold in the food we eat. Because of this, it’s important to throw away any food that has red mold on it. Even if swallowing red mold by accident isn’t harmful, it’s better to be cautious than sorry.

If you’ve been exposed to red mold and begin to experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, consult a doctor very once.

Red Mold Removal Techniques

Generally, common cleaners or household goods can be used to remove reddish mold.

Using chlorine bleach cleaners in the shower as a first step can help get rid of the reddish-pink muck. After applying the cleanser, let it stay for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Remove the biofilm with a scrub brush, but be careful not to use anything too abrasive, since it could leave small scratches that allow germs to spread to new areas.

Refusing to employ professional cleaners? Make a paste of one part dish detergent and four parts baking soda instead. After cleaning with the paste, be sure to fully rinse.

Step #4: After letting the vinegar and water solution to soak for a few minutes, you can scrub with it. This step is optional.

Step #5: Thoroughly rinse your hands after removing all microorganisms.

Step #6: It’s a good idea to wash your shower curtain if it’s washable. To clean the vinyl shower curtain, apply the cleanser and scrub it like you would the wall.

Red Mold Prevention

This has been accomplished: the red stains in the showers have been eliminated.

Tip #1: Encourage frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom, to prevent the spread of Serratia marcescens germs to other surfaces.

You can keep bacteria from growing again by disinfecting the surfaces of your shower. Ten minutes after sprinkling the solution (a mixture of bleach and water) on the walls, allow it to dry.

Rinse and thoroughly clean the surfaces.

The second tip is to keep the environment dry at all times. Serratia marcescens need moisture to develop and spread, so allow the shower walls to dry between uses.

To get the task done quickly, you can use squeegee or a cloth.

Keeping shower areas as dry as possible can also help prevent the growth of pink or red mold, as bacteria thrive in moist conditions. Squeegee or wipe off the walls after each and every use.

Shower curtains should be closed and straightened to speed up drying time. Curtains and liners should be washed once a month.

Tip #4: At the very least, remove soap scum on a weekly basis. Mold and germs love the oil in soap scum because it is a food source for them.

Remove any soap scum or residue from soap and shampoo to prevent bacteria from growing on it.. A damp paper towel can be used to remove any fresh residue.

Tip #5: Wipe off the walls and floor of the shower or tub after each use to remove any drippings of liquid soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

If soap scum persists, use a shower cleaner or a solution of warm water, vinegar, and a tiny quantity of detergent to scrub the walls on a regular basis.

You may lower your home’s humidity level by using exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and fixing faulty plumbing. To lessen the humidity in the bathroom, it is recommended that you use the exhaust fan both during and after your shower.

What’s the best way to get rid of red mold?

Many at-home products are capable of removing the red mold in your home. Protect yourself from mold by wearing a mask and gloves before cleaning surfaces. Always use goggles, gloves, and a dust mask when working in hazardous environments. Before you begin cleaning, open a window to allow for better air circulation.

Commercial cleaning products like bleach can be used to remove red mold from hard surfaces (such as bathroom showers, walls, and floors).

Bleach and water should be mixed together with one part each. After that, use a wet cloth to apply the bleach solution to the affected area. Scrub and rinse with warm water after an hour of soaking the solution.

Removing red mold from hard surfaces

White vinegar can also be used to get rid of mold from hard surfaces. Make sure the vinegar is in a container of some sort. Apply the white vinegar to the affected area using a cloth. After an hour, use a scrub brush and warm water to remove the residue.

Removing red mold from grout

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle to eradicate red mold from grout. Allow the grout to dry for about five minutes after applying the solution. To clean the grout, use a toothbrush and some mild soap and water. Warm water can be used to remove any remaining residue.

Mix some baking soda with the vinegar and you’ll get a paste. Apply the grout paste. Wait five minutes before serving. Rinse with warm water after using a toothbrush to scrub the surface.

Removing red mold from shower curtains

If your shower curtain becomes infected with red mold, soak it in the bathtub until the mold is gone. Add 2 gallons of water and 4 tablespoons of non-chlorine bleach to the mixture and mix well. After an hour, scrub and rinse the shower curtain with warm water.

In a spray bottle, combine one part water with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Lay the shower curtain out on the floor and fold it in half. For 30 minutes, spray the curtain with the mixture of peroxide and water, and then let it dry. Rinse with warm water after scrubbing.

Removing red mold from drywall

In order to get rid of mold from drywall or any other type of building material, you should hire a mold remediation specialist.

Solved! How to Get Rid of Pink Mold in the Shower for Good

In the guest bathroom, I recently discovered pink mold in the shower grout, which frightened me. What’s the difference between this and the toxin-rich black variety? How can I get rid of it if that’s the case?

Unlike common green molds like Cladosporium or the notorious lethal black mold Stachybotrys chartarum, the pink “mold” in your shower isn’t actually mold. This discolouration is caused by a Serratia marcescens biofilm, which is a bacterial colony. Mineral deposits found in soap scum and fatty deposits found in soap and shampoo residue are the primary sources of food for the airborne bacterial species.

While it’s safe for most healthy people to come into contact with the pink mold in a small shower, it can cause numerous illnesses (such as urinary tract or bladder infections) if it gets into the eyes or open wounds. Those who suffer from weakened immune systems are more susceptible to illness of greater intensity and diversity. Remove the biofilm as soon as possible to prevent the germs from growing and increasing your risk of infection.

Suit up and scrub the biofilm off of hard shower surfaces with baking soda.

Serratia marcescens’ tenacious biofilm can only be broken up with agitation and a little elbow grease. To begin, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap to make a slightly runny paste. To minimize your exposure to the germs, wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator (see an example on Amazon). Then, use a soft-bristle scrub brush to vigorously wipe down any visible patches of biofilm on shower surfaces (e.g. countertops, shower chairs, doors, and tile and grout lines on walls and floors). The biofilm should be dislodged and lifted by this procedure.

When you’re done scrubbing, turn on the shower and unhook the shower head to flush the slime down the drain and remove any dislodged biofilm in the shower.

Disinfect these same shower surfaces where you had seen the pink mold.

Scrubbing only removes the color; disinfecting the surface is required to eradicate any germs that may have survived and to keep the color from returning. Bleach is your best bet because it kills the remaining bacteria and removes stubborn stains. To make a 12-ounce spray bottle, combine six ounces of chlorine bleach powder with warm water, then cap the bottle and shake it gently. For best results, use a spray bottle to apply the solution directly to the shower’s hard surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes. After that, lightly scrub the sprayed areas with a new soft-bristle scrub brush, then re-rinse and dry the shower surfaces with a clean towel or squeege.

Throw shower curtains in the washing machine to sanitize.

As a result of their frequent use and accumulation of soap and shampoo buildup, shower curtains are a favorite breeding ground for pink mold. To properly eliminate Serratia marcescens bacteria and any related stains, run a moderate wash cycle with warm water through your pink-tinged curtain’s washing machine. Ensure that your shower curtain can be machine-washed first, and then let it air dry in the sun before rehanging it in the shower.

Keep biofilm at bay.

Even after you’ve followed these steps to remove pink mold from hard and soft shower surfaces, the biofilm often resurfaces. Prevent new biofilm from growing in the bathroom by following these guidelines:

• To prevent the spread of Serratia marcescens, make sure the hard surfaces of your shower are completely dry after each use by squeegeeing or toweling them off.
• Every time you take a shower, use a wet paper towel to remove any soap or shampoo residue that may have accumulated. Make a second pass with a dry paper towel over these areas.
• Remove hard shower surface soap scum every two weeks. a 50/50 vinegar/warm water solution including one spoonful of dish soap should be sprayed over soap scum-ridden shower areas. The solution should be allowed to sit for 15 minutes. After that, use a soft-bristle brush to clean up the sprayed areas. Towel-dry or squeegee all wet surfaces, and rinse away anything you’ve loosened from the tile and glass.
• If you have shower curtains, run a moderate cycle with warm water and wash them once a month.
• Repair any leaking shower heads or faucets that may be causing the shower to become too moist.
• Use your bathroom’s exhaust fan to help dry up the air before and after you shower, then turn it off after 20 minutes. Moisture in the air makes it easier for the pink substance to spread.
• When you’re taking a shower, keep the bathroom door closed. Serratia marcescens, as an airborne bacterial species, can enter your bathroom from the outside.

FAQs

What causes red mold in the shower?

Who knows what kind of mold it is that’s growing in your shower? In reality, it’s a biofilm formed by the bacteria Serratia marcescens that gives the biofilm its mold-like appearance. Shower walls are an ideal place for this form of airborne bacteria, which thrives in damp environments.

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

Baking soda and dish soap can be mixed together to form a cleaning paste. Apply paste to the germs and scrub away the pink coating with a soft bristle brush. Rinse. You’ll need to sanitize the area when the pink has faded.

How do I get rid of red algae in my shower?

Commercial cleaning products like bleach can be used to remove red mold from hard surfaces (such as bathroom showers, walls, and floors). Bleach and water should be mixed together with one part each. In order to remove the stains, soak a cloth in the bleach solution and wipe the surface clean.

Can pink mold in shower make you sick?

Pink mold can be found all throughout the bathroom, including the shower, tub, and even the toilet. Even though pink mold isn’t as dangerous to your health as black mold and other fungi, it can still cause infections in the urinary tract, digestive issues, and even pneumonia in certain rare situations.

Is pink mold harmful?

Pink molds, unlike black mold, do not offer an immediate, major threat to your health. However, they can still cause you harm. Mold can cause respiratory and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, and even cardiac problems if it is present in your home..

How do you stop orange stains in the shower?

Both types of orange buildup on your shower walls can be prevented by keeping your shower clean and dry in between uses. Dish soap and vinegar mixed in a 1:1 ratio should be used to clean your shower at least once each week.

Conclusion

Since the bacteria generate a light pink to dark red pigment, it’s easy to see and remove from surfaces including shower walls, floors, counters, and curtain liners. If you follow the steps outlined here, you may remove pink mold from hard and soft shower surfaces, as well as prevent it from returning.

Killing bacteria that aren’t readily visible and preventing their regrowth are two of the many benefits of disinfecting the surfaces of your shower. It’s best to let the solution soak for around 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Brush the surfaces and thoroughly rinse them to remove any residue. How to remove red mold from a shower is now complete.

You should now have a better idea of what to do if you find yourself dealing with red mold.