The Sneaky Culprit Behind Why Your Shower Curtain Is Turning Pink

You step into the shower and open the curtain to contain the overspray. However, instead of cute flowers gracing your sightline, you notice that the material is undergoing an unexpected transformation — it's turning pink. What could this mean? Pink staining on a shower curtain is typically caused by a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. It thrives in damp environments where fatty deposits from soap and other products build up over time. Your water's high metal content might also discolor the fabric, but this is far less likely.

You can typically tell the difference between pink staining caused by this microorganism and metallic water pretty easily. Serratia marcescens has a slime-like consistency and ranges from pink to red in color. Under such circumstances, clean your shower curtain thoroughly to stop the spread of the bacteria. Check other areas of your bathroom for any additional growth you may not have noticed. Get rid of pink mold promptly to avoid the associated health risks, such as urinary tract and wound infections. On the other hand, if your neighbors are facing the same predicament, then your water's metal content might be turning your curtains pink. As such, contact your supplier to resolve the issue.

While cleaning your shower curtain will help eliminate Serratia marcescens, the process will vary depending on the material it's made from. To remove the bacteria from a fabric shower curtain, start by creating a solution of one part bleach and one part water, and add it to a spray bottle. Next, spray the pink stains on the curtain and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. Put on a pair of gloves and remove the curtain from the rod once done. Place it in your washing machine and add a small amount of detergent and bleach (you can skip this if you want) to the corresponding compartments. Set the machine to a normal cycle.

Don't place the curtain in the dryer when the washer is done running. Instead, hang it outside or in a dry area with lots of air flow. This way, you won't additional moisture to your bathroom, which will inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold. You should repeat the same procedure to clean a plastic shower curtain liner, but set the machine on a delicate cycle. Moreover, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the washer with a few cleaning rags or old towels to help balance the load. To remove Serratia marcescens from other areas of your bathroom, protect your hands with gloves and mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Use a disposable cloth or sponge to scrub the stains away so you can toss the cleaning tool when done. Keep your bathroom dry to keep the bacteria away.