What Causes the Pink Stains in the Bathroom?
If you’ve noticed a pink or reddish film around your toilet waterline, on shower walls, or near sink drains, the culprit is usually Serratia marcescens bacteria. A common environmental bacterium that loves damp, soapy places. What is Serratia marcescens ? Serratia marcescens bacteria are found in soil, water, and dust. In homes, it produces a reddish-pink pigment called prodigiosin . When moisture, warmth, and soap residue are present, this pigment shows up as a nasty pink film or slimy layer in toilets, showers, and bathroom sinks. Why Does It Grow in Bathrooms? Moisture: Showers, sinks, and toilets stay damp. Soap scum & organic film: Residues provide easy nutrients. Warmth & humidity: Bathrooms often have ideal temperatures. Stagnation: Standing water and low use let colonies form. Temporary Fixes: Cleaning & Prevention Scrub regularly: Use a brush and a cleaner with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Disinfect dwell time: Spra...
