Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's

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

Veronica Sparks
By

Having a sparkling clean bathroom relaxes the souls of clean freaks like us, but sometimes we fall behind in our bathroom cleaning schedule. Particularly in the shower, you may occasionally see that weird orange-colored or pink mold start 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 in to what that pink mold is and how it got there.

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.

And it’s slimy and gross to look at, so you definitely want it out of your shower.

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.

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks
Contributor
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
The 2 secret ingredients your laundry routine is missing
Using baking soda and vinegar in laundry can up your clothes game
Wicker laundry basket with multi-colored towels in laundry room

They're no longer just products in your kitchen pantry! Vinegar and baking soda have become staples in the green-cleaning movement and for good reason. From brilliant cleaning hacks for deodorizing your home to deep cleaning your bathroom, these simple products have so many practical cleaning uses. Plus, since they're toxin-free and all-natural ingredients, they give you some peace of mind when you're cleaning your home.

Did you know, though, that vinegar and baking soda can also be staples in your laundry room? Both products act as boosters to your laundry detergent and work to get both your clothes and your machine sparkling clean. Here's how to use baking soda and vinegar in laundry routines for game-changing results.
Benefits of using vinegar in laundry
One big advantage to adding vinegar to your laundry is that it helps clean your washing machine. It's mildly acidic, so if you have hard water or a lot of residue buildup from laundry detergent, it can break up those particles and get your washing machine squeaky clean. One common problem with washing machines is that they eventually start to stink over the years. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so it can neutralize those foul washing machine odors.
Does vinegar help smelly laundry?
Not only does vinegar get those bad odors out of the washing machine, but it also deodorizes those gross smells that linger in your laundry. It's perfect for combating smelly work clothes, activewear, and those grimy socks.

Read more
Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom
Hanging eucalyptus in your shower has a ton of benefits. Here's how to plant it for months of use
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Are you looking to create a spa-like experience in your luxurious bathroom? Eucalyptus in your shower can create a relaxing ambiance and add a refreshing and invigorating aroma to your daily routine. If you're curious about the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, how to grow eucalyptus indoors, and the proper techniques for harvesting and using it in your shower, you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through how to grow this fantastic plant indoors and why you need it in your shower today.
Benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower
Eucalyptus is a fantastic choice for your next shower plant. Its aromatic leaves are not only known for their pleasant fragrance, but this plant also sits at the top of many lists of medicinal herbs due to its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower.
Spa-like fragrance
Imagine stepping into your shower and having a soothing and refreshing scent reminiscent of a luxurious spa greet you. Eucalyptus emits a delightful fragrance when exposed to steam and warm water, turning your daily shower into a revitalizing experience. The aromatic oils released by eucalyptus can invigorate your senses and awaken your mind for the day ahead.
Reduces stress
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation is essential. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, as its fragrance has calming properties. When the steam from your shower activates the eucalyptus leaves, it releases essential oils that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Breathing in the fragrant vapor creates a serene atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and melt away the tensions of the day.
Soothes respiratory issues
If you're battling respiratory issues like congestion or allergies, eucalyptus can offer relief. The aromatic compounds in eucalyptus leaves are actually known to have natural decongestant properties. When infused with steam, the eucalyptus vapor can help clear your nasal passages and soothe irritated airways. Breathing in this therapeutic mist can provide a comforting sensation, making your shower a sanctuary for respiratory wellness.

How to grow eucalyptus indoors
If you're sold on the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on some of this amazing plant. Instead of searching for pricey sprigs of eucalyptus online or in stores, try your hand at growing it on your own as a beneficial indoor plant. Here's how to grow and nurture eucalyptus plants.
Step 1: Choose the right eucalyptus variety
Before embarking on your eucalyptus-growing journey, it's essential to select the right eucalyptus variety to thrive indoors. Some eucalyptus species are better suited for indoor cultivation due to their compact size and adaptability to container gardening. Consider varieties like Eucalyptus gunnii or Eucalyptus globulus, which are commonly grown indoors for their aromatic leaves and manageable growth habits.
Step 2: Create the ideal growing conditions
This aromatic plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so find a well-lit spot near a window where your eucalyptus can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the room temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as the plant prefers moderate warmth. Adequate humidity is also crucial for its growth, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture levels. Of course, growing it as a bathroom plant ensures wonderful levels of humidity that your eucalyptus will love.
Step 3: Plant and care for eucalyptus properly
When planting and caring for eucalyptus, make sure to use the following techniques to guarantee excellent growth and a healthy plant:

Read more
Say goodbye to dirt and odor: Learn how to wash pillows like a pro
Most people's pillows aren't even close to clean. Here's how to wash pillows and ensure they're fresh
Woman hugs pillows

Even if you succeed in choosing the right pillows for your maximum comfort and rest, you may not have considered the cleaning steps you'll need to take later to maintain their wonderful fluff and freshness. It may be the last thing anyone wants to think about, but the pillows where we place our heads at night are basically breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms.

The average person spends one-third of their life asleep. During that time (it’s gross, but all too true), our skin and saliva can, shall we say, free themselves from the body, promoting the growth of bacteria inside our pillows and pillowcases in the process.

Read more