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Original poster

Pink (mould?) stuff on bathroom tiles - what do I need?

24 replies

woowoo22 · 27/03/2015 16:25

Just noticed pink stuff on the grouting of my tiles in my lovely bathroom Sad Have a new build and want to get this nipped in the bud as old flat ended up minging and need scrubbed with a toothbrush to get rid of it.

So is there a get rid of it thing and a prevent it coming back thing?

OP posts:
ItsAllKickingOffPru · 27/03/2015 16:44

Air the bathroom well to prevent it returning and use something like Dettol Mould And Mildew periodically to discourage it.

Neat bleach and bicarb made into a paste and slathered on the grouting is a good way to get rid of it. Paste on, leave, then rinse away after an hour or two.

Discounted · 27/03/2015 16:58

Every once in a while I run the spout of the bleach bottle along the grout and leave it without rinsing. It deals with anything that's already growing and seems to stop it coming back for a while.

Discounted · 27/03/2015 16:59

Every once in a while I run the spout of the bleach bottle along the grout and leave it without rinsing. It deals with anything that's already growing and seems to stop it coming back for a while.

didireallysaythat · 27/03/2015 21:36

HG mould spray smells truly evil but works. You can get it in supermarkets, Homebase etc. Spray and 5 mins later it's gone. Works magic on that black dotty stuff you get in the mastik

justcallmethefixer · 27/03/2015 21:45

Cilit bang mould spray worked for me where the detol equivalent didn't

Original poster
woowoo22 · 28/03/2015 07:01

Thanks - have ordered some stuff to tackle it today - yuck! Smile

OP posts:
RulerLenska · 28/03/2015 23:00

You need to dry your tiles after you use the bath/shower so that this doesn't happen again. The "pink" you are seeing is actually bacteria or mould growing.

Original poster
woowoo22 · 29/03/2015 16:48

Thanks Ruler - without sounding daft, what do I dry them with? A towel specifically for this I assume?

Need to get more hooks for the bathroom door, I only have an undersink cupboard to keep stuff in and hate hating too much stuff out on show.

OP posts:
CycleChic · 29/03/2015 19:20

we use the Keratcher window vac for this Grin very satisfying. My dad uses an ordinary squeegie, but I never could be arsed with that; the machine and watching the chamber fill up does it for me, though :)

n.b. I do rinse out the thing and leave it to air dry EVERY time I use it, as I'd be so embarassed if it were to go mouldy s well! we've also only had it few weeks, also.

Original poster
woowoo22 · 29/03/2015 20:45

OOH I want one!!! Is £27 a good price? How much work is it?

OP posts:
CycleChic · 29/03/2015 22:19

Not much work at all, the worst is pulling off the rubber seal to empty the chamber.
And yes, that's a very good price Envy

ZingEasteryName · 29/03/2015 22:31

we have it too

thekitchenfairy · 29/03/2015 22:34

Gah! I hate the red-pink mould. Where have you seen a Karcher for £27 WooWoo?

iamusuallybeingunreasonable · 29/03/2015 22:37

Get a squeegee for getting the moisture off when you get out, no need to dry

cuddybridge · 04/04/2015 11:45

I use Flash with bleach, it comes out foamy so sticks to the grout for a while before I scrub it and the pink gunk off with a toothbrush(old).

PigletJohn · 04/04/2015 19:14

I think the pink happens when it grows on a crust of limescale. Try a descaling bathroom spray.

What sort of extractor have you got, and how long does it run after a shower?

Original poster
woowoo22 · 04/04/2015 19:30

Thanks everyone Smile

The 27.99 came up under "Karcher outlet" when I googled it, under the bit at the top where it shows the different shops and prices.

I think my extractor is just turned on by the light and so switches off when I leave the shower, should I be leaving it on?? Left the window open this week a wee bit.

OP posts:
TelephoneEggGnawingMachine · 04/04/2015 19:35

Slightly odd question. OP - do you live in an area where there are peat moors? I do & I get this problem.

BackforGood · 04/04/2015 19:42

Aha! This is interesting. My lino has turned pink in two patches - one by the base of the shower and one near the toilet. I never realised it was mould, but have been wondering what the dc have spilled there Angry

Can I use the suggestions for OP's tile, on my lino ?

PigletJohn · 04/04/2015 19:50

as long as it is not lino, but vinyl flooring, yes.

FatimaLovesBread · 04/04/2015 19:54

The pink hue tends to be S marcescens, a bacteria that likes to grow in showers when they're damp. Agree with wiping down after a shower. A bleach spray should get it off

SwedishEdith · 04/04/2015 19:54

I think it's bacteria that's specific to soap. If you use hard bars of soap, they can go pink/orange if not used very often. We're in a soft water area so no (little) limescale so don't think it's that

LBDD · 04/04/2015 19:57

I have got rid of the pink stuff in my shower cubicle with a hand held steam cleaner. I just literally steamed it away with no chemicals and after several months it hasn't come back yet so it's definitely worth a try.

BackforGood · 04/04/2015 23:07

Thank you PigletJohn - yes, I think you are right, it's vinyl flooring Blush
Thanks to all for advice

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