“Most people are aware of black mould and its potential risks,” explained bathroom expert Brenna Ryan from Victorian Plumbing. “But pink mould seems to be much less known.” You might have noticed pink mould in certain parts of your bathroom, but not know exactly what it was.
In small amounts, pink mould almost looks like a salmon-coloured slime and you may have seen it in the corners of your shower floor or possibly on the bottom of your shower curtain.
While it might not look as grim as black mould, according to the expert, it does carry potential risks if left untreated.
“Pink mould is reportedly less dangerous than black mould, but still poses health risks,” Brenna explained. “Namely, experts suggest that it can lead to breathing problems and even UTIs.”
However, pink mould is not the same as black mould. Brenna continued: “Pink mould and black mould are inherently different. Pink mould isn’t technically mould, despite its name. It’s actually a form of bacteria whereas black mould is a form of fungus.
“Pink mould is typically found in the bath and shower, because this type of bacteria thrives in damp conditions and actually feeds off the remnants of your shampoo and soap.”
To prevent pink mould from forming in your bathroom, it’s important you regularly clean your bath, shower and any surrounding areas where soap and shampoo residue may collect. Ventilation is also important, as bacteria thrive in areas of your home with persistent moisture.
However, Brenna has a purse-friendly trick up her sleeve that she says can clear up a pink mould problem in a flash. All you need is bicarbonate of soda, otherwise known as baking soda.
You can pick up a pot of baking soda from ASDA for as little as 65p at the time of writing.
How to clean pink mould from your bathroom using bicarbonate of soda
Make sure to wear protective gloves and a mask before cleaning the pink mould, and open windows to improve ventilation.
Then, mix bicarbonate soda with a few drops of water to create a paste and apply to the areas containing the pink mould.After around 10 to 15 minutes, scrub off the paste with a brush or sponge. Ensure all of the paste is removed and rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.“Pink mould thrives in damp environments, so make sure you dry the area properly after cleaning,” added Brenna.
Why does bicarbonate of soda work to clean pink mould?
Baking soda is great for cleaning as it works well to dissolve organic compounds such as dirt and bacteria.
The mineral structure also acts as a gentle abrasive to clean without leaving scratches.
