You just simply entered the bathroom, but now, you are consulting online articles on how to get rid of pink mold. It is no secret that molds usually appear in similar shapes but they actually differ in terms of color.
The Basics Of Pink Mold
Is pink mold basically what its name says? That grout or caulking in your bathroom that is gradually turning into pink or other shades such as orange sherbet may be automatically labeled as mold. However, this is not the actual case.
This pink stretch of grout spreading across your home is not mold but a water-borne bacteria. Scientifically, it is otherwise known as Serratia marcescens. However, like mold, it also thrives in environments with humidity and moisture.
It can also look fuzzy or slimy. The color is caused by the room temperature; thus the reason why it sometimes appears as not only pinkish but also light red or light orange.
Like the example scenario given above, it usually grows in bathrooms. It can even grow in plastics and fabrics like your shower curtains. If you are worried about having one, check this article about how to prevent molds on shower curtains.
If you are already experiencing such a situation, you do not have to worry as this guide on how to get rid of mildew on shower curtains may ease that crease on your forehead.
This growth is not merely attributed to the warm and moist environment but also because of the poor hygiene. The improper handling of body fluids such as urine and feces eventually creates a breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
If you spot pink molds growing in your bathroom, do not shrug them off. Their colony has the potential to pose health risks especially to those with open wounds, urinary tract and bladder infections, and respiratory issues.
Pink molds could also negatively affect those household members with compromised immune systems like babies and old aged people. This is one of the reasons why you should get rid of that pink mold in an instant!
How To Remove Pink Mold
When you are a homeowner or a renter or just someone who cares for her health, you need to know how to remove pink mold, whether it can be seen in plain sight or lurking on the farthest corners of your house.
Step #1. Clad yourself in safety gears
You have to remember that all throughout the cleanup, you will be dealing with a dangerous home villain. Since you will be in contact with molds, you need to take safety precautions by wearing gloves, goggles, and masks or respiratory protections.
You can also don a protective eyewear to further secure your eyes from any possible mold spores circulating in the air. If you have an open wound, you should make sure to cover them to avoid any mold contamination.
Step #2. Prepare a solution
Of course, it is not a complete mold remediation without a mix of cleaning solution. Do not worry; you do not need to spend a fortune on this because you can simply grab them from your kitchen cupboards or laundry area.
In a small bowl, put a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner. Mix your chosen cleaning agent with a half-cup of baking soda.
Upon mixing, you will have a runny cleaning paste. If it happens that this is not enough for the surface area, just produce another batch.
Step #3. Scrub and rinse
To make your cleaning process effective, drench your scrub brush in the cleaning solution you created previously. Since the solution is mainly made of baking soda, this will soften up the bacteria, thus making it easier to remove.
When you are done scrubbing, you can rinse the cleaning residues off the affected surfaces with a hand-held shower spray. If you are dealing with hard surfaces, you can use a wet towel to wipe off the area.
Step #4. Produce a disinfectant solution
Since you are not only dealing with molds here but with harmful bacterias, you need to upgrade your cleanup with a disinfectant solution. To make your own, mix a 50:50 solution of warm water and chlorine bleach in a spray bottle.
Give a few sprays to the infested area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The penetration will make sure that no bacteria nor mold are left lingering on the surface area. Pair this with a clean scrub brush to thoroughly clean the surfaces.
When all is done, rinse the area well and dry it using a squeegee or towels to remove the moisture brought by the cleaning solution. Now, pink molds are finally nowhere to be found!
However, your task does not simply end here. You need to make sure that your cleaning efforts will not go to waste by learning some prevention tips. You can dig information on how to do so in this helpful article.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get rid of pink mold is surely not an easy task but it does not have to be an additional woe either. Learn how to do so and you will be surprised that your home is not only mold-free but also a healthy environment.