Pink Mold

When you think of mold in your home, something called pink mold doesn’t come to mind. But don’t count this dainty-sounding common household name for mold out just yet.

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Where is Pink Mold?

This mold (bacterial growth) is commonly found growing on damp surfaces, such as bathtubs and showers, and even in your grout.

There are many places pink mold can be found. It may also be located on wallpaper, carpet, bathroom cabinets, and behind mirrors.

It is advised not to use carpet in your bathrooms since the moisture can seep into the carpet and be the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you use a rug in the bathroom, wash it regularly and make sure it always dries completely before placing it back in the bathroom.

What is Pink Mold?

In the mold world, pink mold is known as Aureobasidium and can be found indoors and outdoors. Just like all mold, pink mold comes with its fair share of health problems. Pink mold can cause respiratory problems, inflammation and infections in the lungs, bleeding in the lungs, allergic reactions, and hives and rashes, just to name a few.

Anyone can be affected by pink mold, but infants and the elderly are more likely to experience more severe symptoms. Additionally, your pets can become sick by ingesting or being exposed to pink mold. It is important to locate the problem quickly and have it taken care of in a timely manner. The longer you or your loved ones are exposed to mold, the more severe the long-term damage can be.

How to Remove It

It is pretty difficult to completely wipe out this bacterial growth, but applying a disinfectant with bleach may be helpful. Removing the mold from tile or the rub really should not be that involved. However, the more porous surfaces like drywall and wallpaper are pretty difficult to clean up.

If you decide to tackle the mold removal by yourself, remember to avoid direct contact with the mold. Make sure you wear gloves, goggles, and a mold-approved mask. After you clean up the mold, sanitize the area with something called biocide. If there are any remaining spores left over, this will ensure that they do not spread.

Preventing Pink Mold

In order to keep the pink mold from reappearing, there are some helpful tips you can use to prevent its return. You can leave the door or window open for at least 15 minutes to let the moisture out. Also, use your bathroom’s fan or purchase one to help dry out any liquid. This will prevent moisture from accumulating on other surfaces.

Also, wipe down your shower since pink mold thrives on leftover soap and shampoo. They act as food for the bacteria. One thing you should always do is be diligent about checking for broken leaking pipes or any accumulating water. This goes for any location in your house. Keeping the air moving and getting rid of stagnant water is the best way to prevent pink mold.

No Quick Fix

It is important to be vigil about checking for mold in common areas in your home, such as your bathroom. As mentioned previously, mold can present itself suddenly, and sometimes it is too late for a quick fix. You may need to call in a professional that can clean up the problem quickly and efficiently.

If any of the insulation is affected by the mold, it needs to be removed and replaced immediately. Pink mold can be cleaned and contained, but you can never guarantee that it won’t return again. By following the precautions listed above, you can help prevent pink mold in your home or business.