Pink Mold in Humidifier: Define, Detect, Defeat
For those who suffer from dry air and breathing difficulties, a humidifier is a must-have unit. However, what if you notice some pink residue in the water tank? Is it dangerous? Can you remove it? What nature does it have?
Don’t panic! This simple guide is here to help with your colorful trouble.
How to define pink mold?
Since you should know for sure what you are dealing with, your first goal is to find out the nature of that pink stuff in your humidifier.
What is pink mold?
You may be surprised but that thin layer of pink slime in the water tank can be not a mold at all! Despite the name, pink molds can include both mold and bacteria.
Generally, there are three types of pink mold that you can face:
- Aureobasidium pullulans
- Fusarium
- Serratia marcescens
Aureobasidium pullulans and Serratia marcescens are the most common types of pink mold. The first type of mold is an actual fungus, whereas the second one is a type of bacteria!
Why does pink mold appear in my humidifier?
Wetness and darkness – that’s what pink mold needs to thrive, so your humidifier is a perfect place for it to grow. Don’t think that a clean water tank is a sure way to prevent pink mold growth! A wet and dark zone, especially at night, is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. As a humidifier is a permanently damp place, you can find the growth of mold inside its parts.
Is pink mold dangerous?
Generally, pink mold is less harmful than black one, but it still carries such health risks as allergic reactions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. One of them is called “humidifier lung” which causes respiratory symptoms while your humidifier works. It is a sure sign of bacteria and mold growing in the unit.
How to detect pink mold?
As you already know, pink mold is prone to appear in dark and damp places. Besides, it prefers thriving in organic matter. Thus, such moldy spots are commonly found in such places as bathrooms, plant pots, and any other damp places.
Unplug the unit and detach all the removable parts. Then, check them apart from each other to detect any possible mold growing inside each part.
The riskiest parts where you can find the pink mold build-up are the water tank, nozzle (vapor spout), and filter. Reassemble and check the humidifier regularly.
How to defeat pink mold?
If you find any pink and slimy mold spots, it’s time to clean the humidifier properly.
Make sure that your humidifier is unplugged and disassembled completely, and let’s get started!
Cleaning methods
Method #1. A simple and effective way to clean pink mold is to use hydrogen peroxide. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1:5, then pour it into the water tank and let it work for no less than 30 minutes.
Take a brush and remove all the pink residue from the surfaces until they are clean. As soon as you are done, rinse the humidifier parts with warm water, wipe them thoroughly with a paper towel, and let them air-dry completely before reassembling the unit.
Method #2. If the slime spots are not severe, just wash the detached parts with mild soap and warm water. Rinse well to get rid of soap and shampoo residue, then wipe all the surfaces and let them air dry.
Method #3. One more simple way to dispose of pink slime is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water and fill the water tank with this mixture. Leave it to work for about 30 minutes, and remove the residue with a brush. Then, rinse and dry the unit well.
Extra anti-mold tips
The two main rules of thumb are to provide the proper maintenance and regular cleaning.
Keep in mind that mold is much less likely to appear in the properly maintained unit. So, don’t forget to regularly inspect the most risky parts and clean them thoroughly.
Here are several additional tips
- Clean the humidifier weekly to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Detach water reservoirs to scrub all the surfaces thoroughly with a brush.
- Refill your humidifier’s water tank daily to avoid any build-up and bacteria breeding inside it. Even if the water seems to be clean, it’s better to swap it regularly before the water becomes stale.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you clean your humidifier. Wrong cleaning tips can cause problems with the humidifier itself or create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
- Prevent mold growth by using only distilled water! It is a perfect option for humidifiers to avoid any molds, bacteria, mineral deposits, and other contaminants building up inside the unit. If you don’t feel like using distilled water, opt for at least well-filtered water instead. Remember that tap water has lots of contaminants that are prone to accumulate inside the humidifier.
- Say no to using commercial cleaners on the filter to prevent any extra issues. Reacting with the minerals in tap water, the disinfectants can even worsen the situation and boost the bacteria and mold growth.
- While keeping the water empty, never forget to wipe the remaining water dry with a clean paper towel.
- Thanks to its magical antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is a great helper in defeating fungi and bacteria in the humidifier. Use several drops of it to keep your humidifier clean and scented.
FAQs
Is pink mold harmful?
Although pink mold is considered relatively harmless, it is still not safe. In comparison to other types of fungi such as black mold, the pink mold is not so harmful. However, it bears a list of health risks:
– Difficulty breathing
– Gastrointestinal trouble
– Heart problems
– Respiratory infections
– Urinary tract infections
Generally, it is much better to clean pink mold than to neglect it as your humidifier mustn’t contain any extra substances.
How do you keep pink slime out of a humidifier?
The best way to prevent pink mold growth is to keep your humidifier clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your unit. Wrong maintenance tips can cause mold growth or worsen the current situation.
Be sure to refill your humidifier with fresh water to prevent any bacteria or mold from appearing inside it.
What kills pink mold?
You can opt for such remedies as white vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and chlorine detergents.
After cleaning, don’t forget to rinse and dry the humidifier parts completely to avoid any allergic reactions or new mold growth appearing on wet spots.
What does pink mold indicate?
A common mistake is to indicate pink mold as a type of fungi due to its name. Pink molds include 3 types of bacteria and fungi that look similar:
– Aureobasidium pullulans
– Fusarium
– Serratia marcescens
Is it OK to run vinegar through humidifier?
It is not a good idea. Running vinegar through your humidifier is not harmful to the device itself as it helps to clean and disinfect it. Besides, you can quickly end up with eye, nasal, and respiratory irritations.
Can you clean a moldy humidifier?
Yes, you can. Moldy humidifiers can be simply cleaned with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine solutions. To avoid severe issues, give your humidifier a good cleaning at least every 5-7 days.
Is there a humidifier that doesn’t get moldy?
Canopy humidifiers are equipped with special LED technology that prevents mold and bacteria growth inside the unit. Since it really works, this type of humidifier is a great option to have!
Final thoughts
Pink mold is not a nasty issue since it can be easily removed. Don’t forget that proper maintenance and regular cleaning of your humidifier can help you never face this problem again!
You might also like to read:
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Greetings, readers! I’m Sandra Wells, an air purification expert dedicated to helping you achieve a cleaner and fresher living space. Stay tuned for practical tips and insights to enhance your air quality. Click here to read more about our team.
