Pink Mold in Humidifier
Pink Mold in Humidifier- Pink mold in humidifiers can be a warning sign that your humidifier isn’t being properly maintained. TIf you find pink mold in your humidifier, you should clean it immediately and make sure to regularly maintain your humidifier going forward to prevent further outbreaks of pink mold. To identify which type of pink mold you have and how to get rid of it, here are the three main types of pink mold and how to clean them.
3 Important Types of Pink Mold
Fusarium, Spirulina, Acremonium species. They are common in many humidifiers which store water for a long time. All these molds can appear as pinkish colonies with variable growth forms on non-nutrient agar plates. Fusarium spp. are mostly found in medical equipment such as incubators, nebulizers and humidifiers; they are relatively resistant to most antifungal agents.
Pink Mold in Humidifier- These types of pink mold do not produce mycotoxins. Spirulina is commonly found in hot tubs that have been infrequently used or where maintenance has been neglected over some time.
Humidifiers are used year-round. That means mold can grow in humidifiers even if you’re not using them all that often. If you notice pink mold growing in your humidifier, it means that it isn’t being properly maintained. It is therefore vital to your health and well-being that you regularly clean your humidifier.
Why does My Humidifier have Pink Mold?
Before you panic about pink mold in your humidifier, there are a few different possibilities for why it’s growing. If it’s only visible on top of your water tank, then you likely have a calcium or lime deposit. This is more common if you live in an area with hard water. The good news is that all you need to do to remove these deposits is a vinegar soak or some lemon juice.
Pink Mold in Humidifier- All that needs to be done is add 1/2 cup of either into a cup of water and put it into your humidifier overnight; rinse off in the morning before using again. It’s also important that you clean out or replace your humidifier pad every three months for best results and maximum performance.
The First Type: Pink Slime Molds:
Pink Mold in Humidifier- The first type of pink mold is known as a slime mold or plasmodial slime mold. They are typically found in low-moisture areas such as attics or cellars, although they can also grow indoors in humidifiers and other appliances.
A slime mold must have high humidity levels present to stay alive, so if your humidifier isn’t being properly maintained then you could be susceptible to infection from these types of pink molds. If you notice slime growing inside your humidifier on any sort of filter mechanism, it may mean that there is too much moisture in your air supply.
Dangers of Pink Mold:
How to Prevent Pink Mold?
Pink Mold in Humidifier- Pink mold, or algae as it is more commonly known, can affect your home in many ways. By maintaining a healthy environment in your home, you are less likely to notice signs of pink mold because it won’t have a chance to grow.
Pink Mold in Humidifier- However, if you do see pink mold in your humidifier or anywhere else in your home, it’s time for a deep clean. Pink mold can appear on window sills and floorboards after periods of excessive moisture exposure. First, remove all debris from these areas that might contribute moisture by using a mop or broom; then wipe down surfaces with distilled vinegar.
What are the Effects of Pink Mold?
Pink mold, or water mold as it is also known, can have several negative effects on your health. For example, exposure can lead to a runny nose, eye irritation, skin allergies and asthma.
It’s therefore important that you get rid of any mold as soon as possible. However, cleaning pink mold from a humidifier isn’t easy. First, you must identify what type of pink mold you are dealing with before cleaning it up effectively. The three main types are Penicillium rubrum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Absidia corymbifera.
Maintenance of a Clean Humidifier:
- A clean humidifier can remove up to 99% of bacteria in your home, so you must keep yours well maintained.
- To maintain a clean humidifier, simply perform routine maintenance (following your manufacturer’s instructions) every 2-4 weeks.
- Some common maintenance activities include: removing visible particles, cleaning or replacing filters, cleaning or replacing tank components, and/or rinsing out the tank.
- For pink mold on humidifiers, check for signs of mildew on all parts if cleaning does not improve conditions: replace any parts that are stained with mildew and repeat the cleaning process until mold is gone.
- Never submerge your humidifier in water – doing so can cause permanent damage and void your warranty!