If you notice red stains on the surfaces while taking a shower, this is a clear sign that red mold has appeared in the bathroom. The common bacteria that cause it are Serratia marcescens and Aureobasidium pullulans and since they love humid environments like bathrooms, this is a common problem for many people. We explain how to remove red mold and prevent it in the future to ensure a healthy bathroom for your family.
Red mold in the bathroom: why does it occur and how to prevent it?
Red mold is actually not real mold but rather bacteria that grow in the similar conditions. While not as toxic as black mold, it is also unsightly and can be a health hazard.
Is red mold dangerous?
Like all other molds, red mold can be dangerous to health as the common fungi that cause it lead to allergies and serious infections in people with weaker immune systems.
If you have red mold in your bathroom, be careful to avoid direct contact. Wear gloves when disposing of it and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Since its spores can cause breathing problems, make sure you don’t inhale them.
If you have specific symptoms that indicate a mold infestation, contact your doctor.
What is causing it?
The most common cause of red mold in the bathroom is the higher humidity and lack of ventilation, which leads to frequent formation of condensation. You can find it in all damp areas where the mold spores settle and form colonies undisturbed. It usually finds its breeding ground in the shower and on the joints.
The shower area, bathtub, sink, tiles, including tile joints, all provide ideal terrain for mold. Spores are everywhere and mold has ample access to moisture and thrives.
Red mold in the bathroom: Remove with home remedies
If the damaged areas are not much, you can remove the red mold yourself with some home remedies. Just make sure you wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself.
- To treat the shower walls with white vinegar: Vinegar is known to be an effective cleaning agent for eliminating mold. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use the spray on the walls in the shower area. Leave the solution on for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. You can also soak a cloth in the solution and use it to scrub off the mold.
- Clean the tile joints: Tiles and grout can be cleaned using the same method as shower walls. However, since the red mold can penetrate deep into the porous surface of the grout, you can make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. With this mixture, the joints regain their original white color. Apply the mixture to the grout and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Then scrub them off with an old toothbrush. Work on the mold spots until you can no longer see any stains. Repeat this process several times if the soiling is too heavy. Use warm water to rinse the tiles and grout.
- Remove the red mold from the shower curtain: If red mold is forming on your shower process, you can treat it with the following two methods. Remove the curtain from the shower area, get rid of the shower rings and toss the fabric in the washing machine. Add some vinegar and let the washing machine remove the mold. Allow the shower curtain to air dry completely before placing it back in the shower area. Wash it every two weeks to prevent red mold from growing in the fibers. The second method is to place the shower curtain in the bathtub and add 2L of water and 4 tablespoons of non-chlorine bleach. Leave the solution on for an hour, then scrub the shower curtain with a brush and rinse with warm water.
How to prevent red mold in the bathroom?
The best protection against red mold is to keep your bathroom clean, dry, and well-ventilated as often as possible. To make it less attractive to mold, take the following actions.
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan whenever someone is bathing and run it for at least 30 minutes after bathing. You can also leave the bathroom door open for 30 minutes after showering.
- Rinse the walls of your shower with hot water after each use to remove the soap residue.
- Wipe the walls with a squeegee or towel.
- Discard the bath rug if it is not quick drying and does not have antibacterial properties.
- Keep the humidity in your home below 50%.