Wondering about that pink or red goo building up on your shower or tub walls?

Experts detail how to remove it.

Marty Baldwin

Ever notice a slimy pink or reddish film on your shower walls andgrout lines?

bathroom with walk-in shower with white tile and blue floor tiles

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Eliana Coca is the owner ofE.C.

House Cleaning

Nick Valentino is the VP of market operations atBellhop Atlanta Movers.

What Is Pink Mold?

The substance is a combination of unsightly microbes.

Its a pop in of waterborne bacteria calledSerratia marcescens, says Eliana Coca, owner of E.C.

Pink mold is unlikely to harm most healthy people.

However, it could cause an infection if it gets into the eyes or an open wound.

This is a particular concern for small children and people who are immunocompromised.

So while pink mold is not generally harmful, its good practice to tackle it early and often.

After creating the cleaning solution, scrub the surface with a scrub brush, sponge, or scrubbing pad.

Removing a well-established colony of pink mold is a matter of being thorough and persistent, says Valentino.

Be sure to rinse the area when youre finished.

How to Prevent Pink Mold

Prevention is not just about a thorough one-time clean.

Proper ventilation keeps dampness and moisture levels under control.

Open windows and doors after your shower or bath to ensure any moisture dissipates.

Theres no need for alarm.

It is typically harmless and easily treatable with a goodmold removeror household cleaner and some elbow grease.