An expert has issued a warning about pink and orange slime forming on your showerhead. If left to fester, it could make you ill. This common problem is a bacterial biofilm that could cause serious health problems for anyone who uses the shower.
Plumbing expert Peter Jones from ADI Leak Detection, explains: “Many people think it’s just mould or soap scum and keep scrubbing it away, but that pink residue is actually a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens. If left untreated, it can lead to respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and even wound infections in some cases.”
Peter shares that Serratia marcescens is usually found in soil but also loves warm and humid places, and the bathroom fits the bill perfectly. It will typically grow on showerheads, shower curtains, toilet bowls, sinks, and tile grout.
Those who live in hard water areas are more likely to have this bacteria present in their bathrooms, as the mineral content gives the bacteria more to feed on.
Peter said: “When you take a hot shower, the water spray can aerosolise the bacteria, meaning you could breathe it in without realising.
“For most healthy people, this might not cause immediate problems, but repeated exposure can lead to respiratory issues.”
While there are ways to clean this bacteria from your bathroom and prevent it from returning, standard bathroom cleaners are usually not quite strong enough.
Instead, Peter said: “You need something with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Mix one part bleach with ten parts water in a spray bottle, spray it on affected areas, wait 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.”
He further recommends drying your bathroom fully after taking a shower, by wiping down surfaces and using a squeegee on glass doors and tiles.
You should also ensure that you are turning on your extractor fan during and after showers, or opening a window to reduce humidity.
You should also be deep-cleaning your shower regularly. For this, Peter says: “Every month, remove your showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight.
“For fixed showerheads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and leave it overnight.”
He also advises installing a water filtration system if you have recurring problems with pink or orange slime, as these can help reduce the minerals that feed the bacteria.
Peter’s final tip is to regularly replace shower curtains and bath mats, as he says: “Fabric that stays damp is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Wash fabric shower curtains monthly and replace plastic ones every six months.”