Cleaning specialists are warning households about the potential dangers of an unusual ‘pink mould’ often found in bathroom showers. Unlike the typical black and green moulds we associate with dampness, bathrooms can also harbour pink and orange moulds due to a combination of factors such as warm water, shampoo and soap residue, and inadequate ventilation.
Home and bathroom experts at Vidalux.co.uk advised that rinsing showers after use and improving ventilation can help tackle this issue. The pink mould commonly seen in showers is a type of bacteria that flourishes in warm environments like bathrooms and feeds on shampoo and soap residue.
It can also be found in sinks, grout lines, shower curtains, toilets, and window sills, and its growth can be exacerbated in poorly ventilated bathrooms. While it’s not as harmful as black mould, pink mould can still cause problems if regularly inhaled.
It can also stain tiles and is generally unsightly. If you spot pink mould in your bathroom, the recommended cleaning solution is a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly, reports the Express. The experts also suggest that Brits should rinse their showers, baths, and sinks after use to remove any soap residue and prevent the growth of pink mould.
A spokesperson for Vidalux.co.uk commented on the importance of tackling pink mould in the bathroom, highlighting that it can be not only unsightly but also potentially problematic if inhaled regularly. They said: “Pink mould in the bathroom can be really unsightly and can cause problems if inhaled regularly which is why it’s so important to get on top of the problem as soon as you spot it.”
For those who encounter pink mould, the spokesperson recommended taking immediate action with a thorough cleaning, saying: “If you do notice pink mould in your bathroom then give it a good clean by using a solution made up of water and white vinegar to disinfect the area.
“After that you’ll want to focus on preventative measures so that it doesn’t come back.”
Understanding the conditions that foster pink mould growth is key, as the spokesperson said: “It’s important to remember that pink mould thrives off of warm and damp environments as well as soap and shampoo residue.
“Before finishing in the bathroom remember to rinse down showers and sinks to clear up any product residue that could cause pink mould to return.”
Additionally, improving air circulation plays a crucial role, as the spokesperson advised: “To improve ventilation you should also consider installing or upgrading the exhaust fan in your bathroom and turn it on before you shower.
“Open the windows and don’t forget to wipe down wet tiles, shower walls and screens after showering.”