Everyone knows about the dangers of black mould, but what about its pal, pink mould?

The pinkish-reddish-toned bacteria – yes, bacteria, not technically mould – loves the moist, damp conditions of an English winter. And while you may have spotted it and decided it’s an issue for another day, one doctor is warning that it’s actually a ‘now problem’.

Taking to TikTok, Dr Karan Raj warned his 5.3 million followers that if not dealt with correctly, the slime, also known as serratia marcescens, can have some pretty icky side effects for humans.

Explaining why you’re most likely to find it in and around your shower, he said: ‘It enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos, hence why it likes to hang out in the bathroom.’

And although it is mostly harmless, the doctor noted that it’s best to get rid of it as soon as you spy it, so you don’t accidentally get it in ‘your eyes or open wounds’.

This is because any contact with your eyes can result in an eye infection, including conjunctivitis, which the NHS describes as an inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelid, causing redness, itchiness and sometimes pus.

Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor echoes Dr Raj, saying this slimy substance can cause ‘opportunistic infections’ if not dealt with.

‘Skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and conjunctivitis have been linked to serratia marcescens, especially in hospital settings,’ she tells Metro. ‘Inhaling or coming into frequent contact with the bacteria may also contribute to mild respiratory irritation in some people.’

Thankfully, for the majority of people, these risks are short-term and mostly limited to skin or respiratory irritation. However, Dr Wylie warns if you or someone in your home with pink mould is immunocompromised, you’ll want to take your pink mould situation more seriously.

‘In vulnerable individuals, prolonged exposure or infection could lead to more serious complications, such as persistent respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, or, in rare cases, bloodstream infections,’ she explains, adding that in some cases, it has even been linked to hospital-acquired sepsis.

With this in mind, people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients or people with chronic illnesses like diabetes should be extra cautious around the bacteria, and have it removed as soon as they notice it.

Elderly people, infants and young children, as well as people with respiratory conditions, should also follow these guidelines.

Everything to know about ‘pink mould’

What is pink mould?

Pink ‘mould’ isn’t actually mould, rather a bacteria called serratia marcescens.

Where is pink mould found?

The bacteria thrives in warm and damp areas, so it’s most commonly found in bathrooms, particularly showers, baths, benches, sinks, and toilets.

What are the effects of pink mould?

The bacteria’s side effects aren’t typically too worrisome. However, if it ends up in your eye or an open wound, it can cause an infection.

If you are immunocompromised, elderly or suffer from respiratory conditions, it could also result in chest and gut infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sometimes pneumonia, a lung infection, or sepsis.

So now that we know all about the bacteria itself, how does one go about getting rid of it?

Multiple cleaning products are on shelves that can help, but if you’re not up for a trip to the shops, this home remedy is just as effective.

The experts at Rubber Duck Bathrooms suggest mixing a slightly runny paste of washing-up liquid and baking soda in a bowl and using it with a scrubbing brush to remove the build-up of pink bacteria.

Alternatively, Dr Wylie advises using a ‘non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, white vinegar, or a diluted bleach solution’ and a damp cloth while wearing gloves and a mask to down the surface.

Once it’s gone, you can also do things to prevent its return, like regularly washing shower curtains.

Or, after every shower or bath, wipe down those surfaces and tiles in your bathroom with a towel or squeegee.

It’s also recommended to improve ventilation, which can be as simple as opening your bathroom window for 10 to 20 minutes after a hot shower or bath to let the damp air out.

And of course, you should regularly clean your bathroom and any other room with conditions that encourage the growth of pink mould.

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