Pink mould in bathroom poses 'serious health risks' - Get rid of it using expert's advice

If you've ever seen an unexplained pink substance around your bath or shower and wondered what it is, you're not alone.

Victorian Plumbing told Express.co.uk about how they discovered that hundreds of Brits have searched for "what is the pink stuff in my shower" over the past year.

This substance, known as pink mould, can be harmful to your health, and fortunately, you can remove it for as little as 65p using a common household item.

Brenna Ryan, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, said: “Although it’s not as dangerous as black mould, pink mould poses serious health risks including UTIs and respiratory issues.”

“Worryingly, many people aren’t aware of what pink mould is or its risks. In fact, we’ve seen hundreds of Brits searching for “what is the pink stuff in my shower” in the past year alone.”

“Despite its name, pink mould isn’t actually a form of mould - it’s a form of bacteria, unlike black mould which is a form of fungus. It’s also less likely to be found anywhere other than the bathroom, because it thrives in wet conditions and feeds off the residue from shampoo and soap.

“Thankfully, pink mould is very easy and cheap to get rid of. Using bicarbonate of soda, it can cost as little as 65p.”

How to clean pink mould from your bathroom using bicarbonate of soda

1. First, ensure that safety procedures are put in place before cleaning pink mould in the bathroom. Open the windows to improve ventilation, and wear protective gloves and a mask before beginning the process.

2.  Create a paste to clean the area by mixing bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of water. Once created, apply to the areas of your bathroom where pink mould has formed.

3. Leave the paste on the pink mould for about 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub off the paste with a brush or sponge. Ensure all of the paste is removed and rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.

4. Spend time to ensure the area is completely dry after washing off the paste. We know that pink mould is formed in damp areas, so failing to dry the area properly may encourage pink mould to appear again.

Pink mould is also commonly found on shower curtains. If you notice a pink tinge on your shower curtains, it likely indicates the presence of pink mould.

The expert shared: “Fortunately, removing pink mould from your shower curtain is straightforward. First, check if your shower curtain is machine washable.

“If it is, wash it on a gentle, warm cycle. Then, air dry it on a warm day, ensuring it is completely dry before rehanging it in the bathroom.”