You probably have this gross stuff growing in your bathroom — it’s not mold but can make you sick

Word to the wise: If you notice pink slime in your bathroom, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get scrubbing. 

Often mistaken for mold, this gross gunk is actually a bacteria called Serratia marcescens — and it can trigger major health problems if left to thrive.

“This bacteria loves moist places and enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos, hence why it likes to hang out in your steamy bathroom,” Dr. Karan Rajan, a UK surgeon, explained in a recent TikTok. 

A red flag for your health

For most people, Rajan said exposure to Serratia marcescens is “pretty harmless,” but he stressed that it’s a good idea to avoid getting the pink slime in your eyes or open wounds.

Why? Because it can cause a range of nasty infections, including conjunctivitis, which results in severe itching, burning and pus in the eyes.

Rajan said that the bacteria poses the greatest risk for people with compromised immune systems, including young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses and those on medications like chemotherapy for cancer.

For these vulnerable people, exposure to Serratia marcescens can lead to serious infections in various parts of the body, including the chest, gut, and urinary tract. Notably, the bacteria is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making it tough to treat.

The danger escalates even further when the bacteria enters the bloodstream, potentially causing life-threatening complications like sepsis. The mortality rate for bloodstream infections caused by Serratia marcescens ranges from 25% to 58%, with the risk of death significantly higher for those who are immunocompromised.

Pink slime prevention 101

“The first rule of Pink Slime Club is to keep the bacteria [from] forming in the first place,” said Rajan, who boasts over 5.3 million followers on TikTok.

Once it’s established, Serratia marcescens can be stubborn — it’s resistant to many disinfectants and can form biofilms that make it even harder to get rid of.

To stop it before it starts, “keep your shower dry and well ventilated,” Rajan advised. “Put on an exhaust fan or open a window after showing to keep humidity levels low.” 

Regularly clean or replace your shower curtain and liner, even if you don’t see any pink growth. Also, make sure to address any plumbing leaks to prevent water accumulation in hidden spots.

Rajan also recommends regularly cleaning your bathroom surfaces to wipe out soap scum and body oils, which feed the bacteria. “It’s filthier than you think,” he said.

If the pink sludge has already crept into your bathroom, don’t panic — just stay on top of your cleaning and wear rubber gloves while scrubbing. Though it’s tough to completely get rid of Serratia marcescens, bleach-based disinfectants are your best bet to keep it in check.

And be warned: “If your home is damp enough for pink slime to consistently develop, you could actually be growing other things as well,” Rajan said. 

That includes real household molds, which can lead to a host of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies and skin irritation.