Skip to main content

This is what that gross pink mold in your shower is and how to get rid of it

Say goodbye to that yucky buildup in your shower with these helpful tips

Bathroom with white tile and shower
WichitS / Shutterstock

Having a sparkling clean bathroom relaxes the souls of neat freaks like us, but sometimes we fall behind in our bathroom cleaning schedule. Particularly in the shower, you might see that weird orange- or pink-colored mold forming on your shower walls, tiles, or shower curtain. Sometimes it even forms around your toilet. We’re going to discuss how to get rid of this gross substance, but first, we’ll dive into what that pink mold is and how it got there.

shower head
Ake1150 / Adobe Stock

What is that pink mold in your shower?

You may be surprised to learn that this pink, slimy substance in your shower isn’t actually mold. It’s a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This bacteria is airborne, so it can travel virtually anywhere, but it thrives in the moist, humid environment your bathroom provides. It likes to feed off of minerals and fats often found in the shampoo deposits and soap scum that builds up in your shower.

Recommended Videos

Is Serratia marcescens dangerous?

The bacteria isn’t harmful when touched in the shower or breathed in from the air. However, it has been known to cause eye infections, particularly when it contaminates contact lenses and urinary tract infections when the tub is not cleaned before a bath. Plus, it’s just slimy and gross to look at, so you definitely want it out of your shower.

Bathroom with shower curtain
Francesca Tosalina / Unsplash

Cleaning pink mold off of the shower curtain and liner

To thoroughly clean your shower curtain and liner and rid it of that pink bacteria, there are a few steps you should take.

  1. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and bleach. If your shower curtain or liner aren’t white, you can use a color-safe bleach like OxiClean.
  2. Spray the mixture on the shower curtain and liner, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes so that it effectively kills the bacteria in the pink slime.
  3. Wipe off the mixture with a clean rag and then rinse with hot water.
  4. If your curtain and liner are machine washable, it’s a good idea to pull them down and throw them in the washing machine with both laundry detergent and some standard or color-safe bleach. Make sure to follow the care instructions for both the curtain and the liner when washing in the machine.
Luxury oversized marble shower
Matus Labanc / Shutterstock

Ridding your shower’s walls and doors of pink mold

  1. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dish soap to form a paste.
  2. Apply the pasty mixture to the walls and doors using a soft-bristled brush, scrubbing off the pink mold.
  3. Rinse the walls and door with hot water.
  4. Since the shower will need to be disinfected to prevent the pink stuff from coming back, spray the bleach and water solution on the walls and the door, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse and dry the walls and door thoroughly.
Black mold
Pumbastyle / Shutterstock

Does pink mold turn into black mold?

No, pink mold will not turn into black mold. The two are completely different. Still, some pink molds may turn brown or black on their edges. This is no cause for alarm because pink mold is not as dangerous as black mold, although it can still cause some health problems. If you have a sore or open wound that comes in contact with pink mold, this could lead to infection. It has also caused respiratory issues in some people. So although your pink mold will not turn into a toxic black mold, it is still best to remove it from your bathroom.

hand scrubbing tile
Алина Битта / Adobe Stock

How to get rid of pink mold in your tile and grout

Your tile and grout can be cleaned with the same baking soda paste and bleach mixture you used for the shower walls and door. If your tiles are natural stone, however, you shouldn’t use bleach very often, as it will eventually damage the stone. Once the stone is cleaned, make sure you get it sealed as often as possible, and keep the tiles clean and dry when you can.

Bathroom cleaning
VH-studio / Shutterstock

Keeping your bathroom free of Serratia marcescens

If you’re looking for a magic cleaning solution or ingredient that will keep this slimy pink bacteria at bay, you’ll be disappointed. The only real way to keep Serratia marcescens at bay is with regular bathroom cleaning. Some extra tips beyond regular cleaning are:

  • Keep your shower curtain closed so that it dries easily after showering.
  • Keep surfaces dry as often as possible to discourage the presence of bacteria.
  • Scrub soap scum away every week if possible.
  • Clean up soap and shampoo spills in the shower right away.

Your bathroom doesn’t have to be gross — it can actually be one of the most glamorous rooms in your home! That slimy bacteria, or “pink mold,” is common, but it’s incredibly preventable with diligent bathroom cleaning habits. If you’re struggling to get the pink slime under control, these methods will get rid of it, and upping your cleaning game will keep it away for good.

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
How to paint a room: Here’s your step-by-step guide
Get a professional-looking finish with our go-to painting guide
Woman painting interior wall

Painting is one of the easiest ways to transform a dull space, like your basement or other room that needs it, giving it a fresh new look and feel without a massive budget. But if you’ve ever wondered how to paint a room properly, you’re not alone. It’s not just about slapping layers on the walls — preparation and technique are key to achieving professional-looking results. That's why we've put together this step-by-step guide to make your next painting project a breeze.
Make a plan

Before diving into your painting project, take a moment to create a solid plan. For example, choosing the right paint color is critical — consider the room’s purpose, lighting, and existing decor. You should also test some paint samples on your wall to see how they look at different times of the day.

Read more
How to insulate your garage door for winter (Your heating bill will thank us)
Sometimes overlooked, garage doors also need to be prepped for winter
Unfocused shot of snow falling on driveway with garage in the background

If you’ve ever stood by an old single-pane window on a cold day, you may have noticed that the cold passes right through it. That’s because glass is a poor insulator, allowing virtually free heat exchange. Similarly, your wood or metal garage door becomes like a wall of ice on freezing cold days, and that cold transfers into the rest of the house. Additionally, your home’s heat escapes through the uninsulated garage door. So, how do you insulate a garage door?

To make your garage more comfortable and save money on your energy bills, you can block out the cold. Follow along as we walk you through the process.
Choose the best garage door insulation

Read more
How to clean a pizza stone and keep it spotless
You can enjoy perfect pies for years to come with the right care
Arugula pizza on a pizza stone with handles

Want to make some amazing family dinners but don't want to worry about the stress on your favorite kitchen tool? If you're wondering how to clean a pizza stone properly, you've come to the right place. With the right care, your pizza stone can last for years, helping you achieve the perfect crispy crust every time. And we're going to show you exactly how to keep your pizza stone spotless and ready to use.
Benefits of a pizza stone for your kitchen

Pizza stones are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a way to cook pizza that’s much closer to the traditional brick oven experience. The primary benefit of a pizza stone is its ability to distribute heat evenly, which ensures a perfectly crispy crust. These stones also absorb excess moisture from the dough, creating a texture that’s hard to match with other cooking methods. Plus, they’re versatile — great for baking cookies, bread, or even roasting vegetables.
How to clean a pizza stone the right way

Read more