Have you noticed a pink substance in your shower, sink or toilet bowl? This red or pink colored airborne bacterium can be found in moist environments like bathing areas, toilets, and pet dishes. It's most commonly reported after remodeling activity, or during seasons when windows are left open. Let's learn about how to manage this issue below!
Good to Know
- The naturally occurring pink airborne bacterium, Serratia marcescens, won't survive in chlorinated drinking water. It can become present if chlorine is removed by carbon filters.
- It may also be seen in areas like guest bathrooms, where water is left standing long enough for chlorine to dissolve.
How can I stop this residue from returning?
The best way to stay on top of the bacteria is to clean the surfaces where you notice it, on a regular basis.
Pet Dishes, Bathrooms & Kitchen Surfaces
Be careful to avoid scratching fixtures, because that can make the surface more susceptible to bacteria growth.
- Scrub the surfaces that harbor the bacteria with a brush and a household cleanser.
- After cleaning, use a strong bleach disinfectant to the applicable surfaces. Leave your disinfectant on the surfaces for 10-20 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with clean water.
Toilets
Cleaning and flushing won't eliminate the bacteria problem, but will help control it. Using a cleaning solution that contains chlorine regularly will help slow the onset of bacteria.
- Clean the toilet bowl and spray chlorine bleach into the bowl and under the rim.
- Add an additional ¼ cup bleach to the toilet tank and let the bleach stand for 10-20 minutes.
- Flush the tank a few times to rinse the disinfectant out of both the bowl and tank. This step is important! If you leave the bleach in the tank or bowl, that can damage the rubber seal and valves inside.
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