What is that black slimy stuff on my faucets and shower head?
This black residue is a naturally occurring mold or fungi. It is present in moist leaves, soil and mulch. The spores enter your home through open doors and windows. Even you and your pet can bring the spores in on clothing and fur.
Much like the Serratia marcescens bacteria that causes the pink ring in your toilet, this mold thrives in moist, dark environments where there is little air flow and constant dampness. The mold appears on shower heads and faucets, shower curtains and reusable water bottles.
You might also see it under the flushing rim of the toilet. It can easily be controlled by taking the following steps:
- Pour 1 cup of bleach into the toilet tank.
- Flush the toilet.
This chlorinates the inside of the ring where the toilet scrubbing brush can’t reach. This mold will not survive in our water and is not present in our drinking water.