The Mysterious Pink Mold

You may have noticed a rosy intruder lurking in your kitchen or bathroom - pink mold! Though not as widespread as other types of mold, this fungus is making people take notice with its potential health risks.

From bathrooms and basements, this unwelcome guest can frequently show up unannounced with its unmistakable hue. Pink mold loves damp places and loves to grow on organic materials like wood, paper, and cloth.

So what's the deal?

Pink Mold: What Is It?

Pink mold is just a type of bacteria called "Serratia marcescens", which can cause respiratory troubles in people with weak immune systems. It typically grows in moist and damp places such as tubs, showers, sinks, faucets, and toilets - basically, any place where water accumulates.

Where Does Pink Mold Appear?

Pink mold may look more like something you'd find in a cartoon scientist's laboratory than your average household, but it's actually quite common in moist, warm climates.

Pink mold is both abundant, gleefully growing on cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables. Although it appears to be slightly exotic with its bubblegum colors and fuzzy texture, pink mold makes it presence known with an unmistakably pungent smell akin to stagnant water or sour milk. So next time you encounter something seemingly out of this world in the produce aisle of your local grocery store or the walls of your tiled shower - rest assured that it is just some pink mold.

How Does Pink Mold Grow?

Its strange texture and color have many curious as to just how it grows, even more so, when it shows promise of surviving for months on end. In reality, pink mold behaves the same way as many species of blue and green mold do. It flourishes in damp conditions with access to organic material such as wood, paper, fabric, or food. Once the fungal spores lands in an environment that has enough water, they begin to germinate and quickly spread. Before you know it, the familiar shade of pink will be everywhere.

What Are the Dangers of Pink Mold?

Fortunately, pink mold in most cases is harmless. Most healthy people are not at risk, it does not cause serious health problems in otherwise healthy individuals. However, people who are immunocompromised may be more susceptible to infections caused by these bacteria, if they come into contact with it. For this reason, it's important to take steps to prevent the spread of pink mold in your home as much as possible.

Pink mold may look pretty in pictures, but it is nothing short of dangerous. For sufferers of allergies or those with weak immunity, pink mold exposure can trigger both uncomfortable and even serious reactions. While it might seem like a harmless fungus, if you have a weakened immune system it's important to take extra steps to avoid possible infection.

How Do I Know If I Have Pink Mold?

Figuring out if your home has pink mold can be tricky - it often blends in with the walls, like a little burglar in the night. The best way to pinpoint any unwelcome visitors is to look for subtle signs that there may be something else hiding behind the wallpaper.

A musty smell or patches of discoloration are good indicators that pink mold might have snuck its way into your home. To start your investigation, check around window frames and near air conditioning units first - that's usually where the telltale signs like rust spots and soft greenish-pink stains appear.

Unless you're a mold expert, chances are you can't spot mold lurking in the nooks and crannies of your home. But don't worry, this mystery can easily be solved by ordering mold testing and inspection. You'll get to the bottom of what's lurking around, allowing you to put mold worries out of your mind and get back to living a mold-free life.

What Are Some Tips for Preventing Pink Mold?

1. Let's face it, if your house is messy and you ignore tidying up around the house then pink mold will be all too happy to take advantage of your carefree lifestyle - so keep things clean before this questionable "roommate" has a chance to move in!
2. Keep your home dry! Prevent nasty mold from invading by drying any damp areas quickly. Your walls (and nose) will thank you later.
3. Prevent pink mold from taking over your home with a dehumidifier! The dry air will make it virtually impossible for the colorful fungus to thrive - so crank up that humidity meter and say goodbye to those rosy infestations.
4. When it comes to your precious plants, winning the moisture battle is key. Avoid a pink-mold takeover and water only what's necessary - then trust in Mother Nature by providing proper drainage, so everything can flow away harmlessly.
5. Don't let pink mold be the party crasher of your bathroom. Keep it clean and breezy after a shower, mop up any extra moisture, and hang those damp towels out to dry to keep mold from making itself at home.
6. Cooking? Keep your kitchen fresh and dry with an exhaust fan! Don't forget - air you can breathe is the secret ingredient to avoid mold.
7. Don't let pesky leaks ruin your home's reputation. Make sure you patch them up or else face the wrath of pink mold that can quickly demolish every corner. If water spots are playing peek-a-boo on any walls, don't wait to tackle this issue - act swiftly and protect your house.
8. If you want to keep your belongings mold-free, don't just shove them under the bed and forget about it! Opt for airtight containers or a more aerated locale - places where pink molds won't be able to sneak in unnoticed.

How Do I Get Rid of Pink Mold?

If one type of mold has taken up residence in your home then there is no telling what other types might lurk in the hidden corners. Don't worry - our mold removal professionals at Mold KO know exactly how to sniff out mold and get rid of it completely. Rather than let mold multiply menacingly under the covers - literally! - make sure to contact our experts and get the results you need 888-253-4551!