Expert reveals top tips to protect your home from pink mould and how to stop it from coming back
PINK mold is responsible for around 5,000 cases of asthma and 8,500 respiratory infections in the UK.
Experts have revealed top tips on how to battle the unwanted guest in your home.
Pink mould is a waterborne bacterium that thrives in warm areas with poor insulation, like bathrooms.
Around 20 per cent of homes in the UK are poorly insulated, creating a breeding ground for the bacteria.
Property expert Robert Quinton from Construction Megastore Building told The Sun: “Pink mould is actually a type of bacteria known as Serratia marcescens.
“This bacterium is commonly found in damp areas of the home, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
“You’ll often see it in places where soap and moisture build up, specifically around the shower.
He explained that the mould feeds on the fats and minerals in soaps and shampoos, which is why these areas are prone to its appearance.
“It thrives in warm, humid conditions, so you might notice it more during the spring and summer months when hot weather and humidity are more common.”
One way to get rid of pink mould is to combine one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate, one teaspoon of washing-up liquid, and two cups of water.
Remove all shower accessories before scrubbing the affected areas.
Robert said: “Focus on the areas with visible pink mould by dipping a nylon-bristle brush into your homemade cleaning paste and start scrubbing.
“Work from the top down to help stop bacteria from spreading to areas you’ve already cleaned. Rinse everything thoroughly using the shower head.”
After scrubbing, create a simple cleaning solution made from equal parts warm water and bleach in a spray bottle and spray generously over cleaned surfaces.
Leave the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub more with a fresh brush.
Robert added: “When that’s done, rinse the area well and dry it completely.
“You can use a towel or squeegee to remove any leftover moisture and help prevent the mould from coming back.”
There are ways to prevent pink mould in your home, including making sure that grout is properly sealed to stop water from soaking into tiles.
Other preventative measures are keeping your bathroom well ventilated and clean.
Signs of pink mould in the home
- Pink or Reddish Marks in Damp Areas: “One of the most common signs of pink mould is the appearance of pink or reddish marks in damp places such as showers and bathtubs. These patches can look either slimy or slightly fuzzy, and they often darken if not cleaned promptly.”
- Stains That Return After Cleaning: “If you’ve cleaned away pink stains and they reappear soon after, pink mould is likely the cause. This type of mould thrives in moisture and can be difficult to get rid of unless the source of dampness is also dealt with.”
- Musty or Sweet Smell: “Pink mould doesn’t always produce a strong smell, but you might notice a faint musty or slightly sweet scent, particularly in areas with poor ventilation, such as bathrooms or under sinks.”
- Slimy Coating on Bathroom Items: “Pink mould can leave a slippery pink coating on everyday bathroom items, particularly shampoo bottles. If you spot an unusual film on these objects, it could indicate the presence of mould.”
- Unexplained Skin or Breathing Problems: “Pink mould can cause skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or urinary infections, especially in people with lower immunity. If symptoms like these seem worse when you’re at home, mould could be playing a role.”
