Mold Resources

What is Pink Mold?

Pink mold in a home could be a species such as Aureobasidium pullulans. It could also be bacteria, such as Serratia Marcescens, the most common culprit. These species require lots of moisture to survive and thrive, so they pop up in areas with prolonged high humidity and water sources. 

How Dangerous is Pink Mold?

Mold and bacteria colonies release microscopic particles into the air, including fragments, spores, endotoxins, and exotoxins. Some species of mold also release microscopic toxins called mycotoxins when threatened. The longer the growth goes on, the more particles it will release. This lowers the indoor air quality and can cause unwanted exposure as those particles enter the body through inhalation. 

Exposure triggers a multi-systemic immune response, so symptoms can span the entire body. Some common symptoms include headaches, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, rashes, mood swings, digestive issues, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and more. Everyone responds differently to mold exposure for a variety of factors. While one person may have no symptoms, another may develop over a dozen. That’s why all microbial growth, including pink mold (or bacteria), should be handled quickly and correctly.

What Causes Pink Mold?

Pink mold or bacteria require lots of moisture to survive. That means they pop up in areas with prolonged high humidity, condensation, standing water, and damp surfaces.

Popular locations for pink mold include:

• Shower curtains

• Shower walls

• Bathtubs

• Grout and caulk

• Humidifiers

• Dishwashers

• Toilets

• Showerheads

• Sink faucets

How to Get Rid of Pink Mold

All mold, regardless of color, should be treated the same way.

1. The source that led to the issue should be fixed.

2. Correct engineering, PPE, and remediation protocols should be utilized to reduce exposure and the risk of cross-contamination in unaffected areas.

3. The microbial growth should be removed, including roots, dead particles, fragments, etc.

4. All contamination, including mycotoxins and bacteria, should be eliminated.

5. The room’s interior should be cleaned to eliminate any particles released by the microbial growth.

How to Prevent Pink Mold

• Focus on creating airflow in highly humid rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms, so that the humidity level remains between 35-50%

• Address leaks and structural issues that allow for moisture intrusion immediately 

• Routinely clean all appliances and machines like humidifiers and dishwashers

• Make sure machines like dehumidifiers, humidifiers, dishwashers, etc., are dried thoroughly when not in use

• Remove wet clothes from the laundry immediately and leave the door open so that the interior can dry

• Use botanical cleaning products with surfactants, a HEPA vacuum cleaner, and microfiber towels to clean

• Clean all machine-washable items with a laundry additive like EC3 to remove microscopic particles

• Separate the shower curtain and liner after use

• Squeegee the shower after use

• Clean the home regularly

• Hang up bath mats, towels, wash rags, loofahs, and any other wet items to dry after use

• Clean and maintain toothbrushes and their holders

• Clean the showerhead once a month

• Invest in air purification

• Upgrade to the highest-rated MERV filter the HVAC unit can handle and change them on time