Ever noticed a pink substance creeping around your shower and wondered if your bathroom’s trying out a new look? Unfortunately, that rosy stain isn’t a style upgrade—it’s pink mould. It thrives in damp places like bathrooms and kitchens.
Actually, it’s a common sight in Aussie homes. While it might look harmless, it can pose health issues. Want to know how to clean pink mould properly? You’re not alone. Pink mildew removal is a common headache, especially when it keeps coming back no matter how often you scrub.
Let’s talk about pink mould, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent it.
What is pink mould?
Despite the name, pink mould isn’t really a mould—it’s actually a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This airborne germ thrives in warm, damp places and loves feeding on things like soap scum, shampoo residue, and even toothpaste, which is why it shows up so often in bathrooms and kitchens.
Visually, pink mould appears as a slimy film that ranges in colour from light pink to reddish-orange. Sometimes it even leans toward bright red. You’ll usually spot it clinging to shower tiles, bathtubs, sink drains, and around toilet bowls. It can also show up in kitchens, especially around taps, drain holes, and in dish racks. Laundry areas and basements aren’t off-limits either, particularly if there’s excess moisture and poor ventilation.
So, why does it keep coming back? Serratia marcescens spreads through the air and quickly settles on wet surfaces. Once it finds a moist, slightly grimy environment, it forms a biofilm—a protective layer that helps it cling to surfaces and resist removal. Without regular cleaning and proper airflow, pink mould can return just days after being scrubbed away.
Is pink mould dangerous?
Pink mould isn’t a big deal for healthy people. It’s more of an annoyance than a hazard. After all, Serratia marcescens, the bacteria behind pink mould, is surprisingly common and often already present in our homes.
However, things change if the bacteria enter the eyes, lungs, or open wounds. That’s when it can become a real concern. People with weakened immune systems, respiratory issues, who are young, or who are recovering from an illness are most vulnerable. In these cases, there are some health risks associated with mould, such as:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory infections (like pneumonia)
- Eye infections (including conjunctivitis or tear duct infections)
- Skin irritation or reactions in sensitive individuals
Even healthy people can experience allergy symptoms from pink mould, such as sneezing, congestion, dry or itchy skin, coughing, or worsening of asthma.
So, while pink mould isn’t as dangerous as black mould, it still deserves attention. Cleaning it up quickly keeps your house hygienic and your family healthy.
Cleaning solutions to fight pink mould
Before tackling pink mould, make sure you’re geared up with the right cleaning supplies for mould. This isn’t just about making your tiles sparkle. It’s about protecting your health, too.
Necessary tools and materials
- Microfiber towel
- Bristle brush
- Respirator mask
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses
- Shower curtain liner
- Spray bottle
Mild dish soap and water
This is a good first step for light mould growth on non-porous surfaces such as shower doors (glass or plastic), tiles, and sealed countertops. It lifts and removes the initial biofilm and some bacteria or yeast colonies.
1. Grab your gear – Put on gloves to protect your skin, especially if you’ll be scrubbing for a while.
Mix your solution – Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bucket or spray bottle filled with warm water.
Apply to the area – Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply the soapy solution to the pink mould-affected surface.
2. Scrub gently – Focus on the slimy spots. A soft-bristled brush or toothbrush can help with textured surfaces or grout lines.
3. Rinse thoroughly – Wash the area clean with fresh water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry completely – Wipe the area dry with a towel to help prevent mould from returning.
White vinegar and baking soda
White vinegar is a handy, mild disinfectant that works well against many types of bacteria and mould. It’s natural, easy to find, and gentler than a lot of chemical cleaners. It’s especially good for tackling mild to moderate growth on non-porous surfaces like shower walls, taps, and sinks. Thanks to its acidity, it can kill the bacteria behind that pink colour. And yes—if you’ve ever wondered, does vinegar kill mould?—it sure does, especially pink mildew.
1. Suit up safely – Pop on a pair of gloves and a face mask. That way, you will protect yourself from contact with mould spores.
2. Mix your cleaner – Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use full-strength vinegar if you’ve got tougher pink mould.
3. Spray generously – Cover the affected area. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes. This will break down the buildup. If the stain’s stubborn, sprinkle baking soda on it before spraying vinegar.
4. Scrub it off – Use an old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush.
5. Rinse and dry – Rinse the area thoroughly with water. Wipe it dry to prevent moisture from lingering.
6. Bonus tip – Once the area is dry, add a few drops of tea tree oil. You can either apply it via spray or wipe it on the cleared area. It’ll help prevent future mould.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective disinfectant and a good alternative to bleach. It produces less harsh fumes compared to bleach. Besides, it breaks down into water and oxygen.
Generally, it’s safe for non-porous surfaces like grout and plastic. It’s particularly useful for tackling more established pink growth.
1. Protect yourself – Chuck on some gloves, crack a window, and throw on the mask if you’ve got one. Mould spores aren’t exactly something you want in your lungs.
2. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide – Pour it into a spray bottle without diluting it.
3. Spray generously – Apply it directly onto the pink mould. Make sure the area is fully saturated.
4. Let it sit – Leave it for about 10–15 minutes.
5. Scrub the area – Lift the mould with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
6. Rinse well – Wipe down the area with clean water to remove any residue.
7. Dry the surface – Prevent mould from coming back by drying the area thoroughly.
Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite)
Bleach packs a punch! It’s best saved for stubborn or widespread pink mould. It works great on non-porous surfaces like glazed tiles and bathroom fixtures, where it not only kills bacteria but also helps lift stains and discolouration. Just be sure to use it with care—it’s strong stuff!
1. Gear up – Put on gloves and a face mask to protect your skin and lungs while cleaning.
2. Mix your solution – Combine 1/3 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a well-ventilated area.
3. Apply to affected areas – Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution generously to the pink mould.
4. Let it work – Allow the bleach solution to sit on the surface for 10 minutes to kill the bacteria and lift stains.
5. Rinse thoroughly – Wipe down the area with clean water and allow it to air-dry completely.
Commercial bathroom cleaners with disinfectant
Grab a commercial cleaner if pink mould keeps showing up or you’re tackling a stubborn patch in damp spots. Most are designed to kill bacteria and break down grime and stains all in one go. Most contain disinfecting agents that target bacteria while also removing grime and staining.
1. Protect yourself – Put on gloves and a mask before you begin to avoid skin or respiratory irritation.
2. Apply the cleaner – Spray the mould and mildew remover directly onto the pink mould-affected area.
3. Let it sit
– On non-porous surfaces (like ceramic tile or porcelain), let it sit for 5 minutes.
– On porous surfaces (like grout), allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
4. Wipe it away – Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
5. Rinse and dry – Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air-dry fully.
Pink mould trouble spots
Bathroom (showers, tiles, toilets)
Pink mould in the bathroom is incredibly common, especially in the shower area. It’s like a favourite playground for it, which is why many people refer to it as “pink shower mould.”
Pink mould in the shower
Moisture and warmth make showers the best place to grow pink mould. You’ll often find it around the drain, on silicone seals, between tiles, or even on the shower head. Common problem areas:
- Silicone seals – Pink mould loves these because of their porous texture and frequent water contact.
- Drain areas – Water tends to pool here, making it a hotspot for mould buildup.
- Shower heads – It’s especially likely to grow inside or around the shower head in rarely-used bathrooms.
- Tile corners and edges – The spots don’t dry fast and can trap moisture, which breeds pink mould.
Best cleaning solutions:
- Bleach and water solution
- Baking soda paste
- White vinegar spray (for regular maintenance)
- Specialised pink mould remover products for tough or recurring cases
Pink mould on walls & shower doors
- Glass surfaces – Smooth surfaces and moisture make shower glass doors prone to pink mould. In places where water sits, mould grows.
- Plastic surfaces – In older or cheaper showers, plastic can trap water, attracting mould.
- Glazed tile – They might look resistant to mould, but grout lines between tiles are especially vulnerable.
- Shower curtains & liners – A common target for pink mould is the bottom, where moisture lingers.
Best cleaning solutions:
- Baking soda paste
- Bleach and water solution
- Colour-safe commercial cleaner (like OxiClean for coloured fabrics)
Pink mould on tile & grout
- Ceramic tile – In showers and wet areas, ceramic tiles can get pink mould in the grout line or on the surface.
- Natural stone (with caution) – Stone tiles look great, but their porosity lets mould grow faster. Use bleach with caution as it can damage the stone.
- Grout lines – Their porous structure makes them perfect for breeding pink mould.
Best cleaning solutions:
- Baking soda paste
- Bleach and water solution
- pH-neutral cleaner for natural stone
Pink mould in the toilet
Pink mould can appear in:
- Inside the bowl – The most common place for pink mould to grow.
- Inside the cistern – Standing water can also cause pink mould to grow in the toilet tank or cistern.
- On the seat, lid, and flush handle – They’re hotspots for bacteria buildup, including pink mould.
Best cleaning solutions:
- Bleach
- Bleach-based disinfectant wipes
Kitchen (sink, fridge seals, counter edges, dishwasher)
- Pink mould on sink (stainless steel, ceramic, composite) – Pink mould often forms around the drain, tap base, and in the seams between the sink and countertop. Water and leftover food particles make the sink area ideal for bacteria.
- Pink mould on fridge seals (rubber gaskets) – The rubber seals around fridge and freezer doors can trap moisture and crumbs. Often closed and dark, this area creates the perfect conditions for pink mould to flourish.
- Pink mould on countertop edges & backsplash (laminate, stone, tile) – Crumbs and water can collect at the seams between counters and walls or around sink cutouts, especially if caulking is old or cracked. These neglected edges are a common hiding spot for pink mould.
- Pink mould in dishwasher (interior, door seals, filter) – After every cycle, dishwashers stay warm and damp. Pink mould loves that. It typically appears around the door seals, inside the filter, and in hard-to-reach areas of the interior.
Best cleaning solutions:
- White vinegar solution
- Baking soda paste
- Bleach and water solution
- pH-neutral cleaner (for natural stone counters)
Laundry room (washing machines, tubs)
- Pink mould in washing machines (front-load and top-load) – It often appears around the rubber door gaskets, detergent drawers, and inside the drum, especially in front-load washers. The damp, soapy environment, combined with warm temperatures, creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Poor ventilation and keeping the door shut between washes make it worse.
- Pink mould in laundry tubs or sinks (ceramic, plastic, stainless steel) – These utility sinks are frequently exposed to dirty laundry water, detergent residue, and general grime. Pink mould may show up around the tap base, drain, or at the splashback if left damp or uncleaned.
Best cleaning solutions:
- White vinegar solution
- Baking soda paste
- Bleach and water solution (for inside the machine)
- pH-neutral cleaner (for tubs made of natural stone)
Other mould-susceptible spots (windowsills, humidifiers, pet bowls)
- Pink mould on windowsills (wood, PVC, aluminium) – These areas often collect condensation, especially in cooler months or poorly ventilated rooms. Buildup of dust and moisture makes pink mould thrive. It typically appears in corners, tracks, or around seals where water tends to sit.
- Pink mould in humidifiers (plastic, metal components) – As these devices continuously produce moisture, which, if not cleaned regularly, can become a pink mould haven. The water tank, base tray, and mist outlets are all high-risk zones. Left unchecked, pink mould can become airborne and affect indoor air quality.
- Pink mould in pet bowls (plastic, ceramic, stainless steel) – Water bowls, in particular, are prone to pink slime if they aren’t cleaned daily. A biofilm forms around the rim and base, where moisture and food residue linger.
Best cleaning solutions:
- White vinegar solution
- Mild dish soap (for windowsills, humidifiers, pet bowls)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for humidifier parts and crevices)
- Bleach (for non-porous windowsills or particularly stubborn spots)
- pH-neutral cleaner (for tubs made of natural stone)
Prevention tips
In terms of pink mould, prevention is key. Keeping your bathroom dry, clean, and well-ventilated goes a long way toward stopping Serratia marcescens from setting up camp. Get rid of pink mould with these tips.
Daily habits
Keep moisture in check with these easy daily actions:
- Wipe down wet surfaces – Use a squeegee or towel to dry shower walls, tiles, and glass after each use.
- Close the shower curtain – After showering, fully extend it so it dries properly without trapping moisture.
- Ventilate – Turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers. Alternatively, crack open a window to keep humidity levels low.
Weekly maintenance
A little effort once a week helps keep pink mould at bay:
- Remove soap scum – Clean tiles and surfaces with a mix of white vinegar and dish soap to cut through grime.
- Wash shower curtains and bath mats – Toss them in the washing machine or replace if needed. These items love to collect moisture.
- Scrub grout and corners – These areas can harbour residue and bacteria if left unchecked.
Long-term strategies
For lasting protection against pink mould, try these preventative moves:
- Fix leaks fast – Mould and bacteria love dripping taps and hidden plumbing leaks.
- Use ventilation wisely – Use your exhaust fans regularly in the bathroom and kitchen to keep humidity levels down. It really helps stop moisture from building up.
- Seal grout annually – Apply a quick coat of grout sealer each year to keep water out of the tiny spaces between your tiles.
- Try antimicrobial products – Consider using antimicrobial shower curtain liners or cleaners for an extra layer of defence.
When to call a professional
In most cases, pink mould is something you can tackle yourself. You will need a bit of elbow grease and right cleaning products. However, there are situations where calling in a professional is the safer and more effective option.
Call a mould removal expert if:
- The growth is extensive – Get a pro if pink mould covers a large area (usually more than 5 square feet) or spreads deep into grout, walls, or behind fixtures.
- It keeps coming back – If pink mould shows up again soon after you’ve cleaned it, there’s likely a deeper issue. It could be bad ventilation or hidden moisture.
- You’re experiencing health issues – If cleaning kicks off symptoms like sneezing or irritation, take it seriously. People with asthma, allergies, or low immunity should avoid the risk and get professional help.
- You’re not sure what you’re dealing with – Mould comes in many shades—literally. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, don’t guess. Black mould, in particular, can be dangerous, so better safe than sorry. Hiring a cleaner who specialises in mould removal can be a stress-free way to get your home back in shape.
- You suspect mould in hidden areas – Mould in HVAC systems or musty smells without a visible source mean you need professional mould testing.
Professionals can properly assess the moisture issues causing the mould—like persistent bathroom condensation and use industry-grade treatments that go beyond surface cleaning. They’ll also help pinpoint the root cause, which is half the battle when learning how to get rid of mould for good.
Takeaways
- Pink mould is actually bacteria (Serratia marcescens), not mould, that thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- While it might look harmless, it can cause problems for people with weaker immune systems.
- The good news? It’s not invincible. You can tackle it with everyday cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or even bleach. Just pick the right one for the surface you’re cleaning.
- But the best approach is to stop it before it starts. Keep those areas dry, clean them often, and make sure there’s good ventilation—pink mould hates that.
