Banish shower heads from turning orange 'for good' in 10 minutes - no bleach

If there is pink or orange slime cropping up in your around the taps and showerhead - it's not just . In fact, this strange slime can havea negative impact on your health. This common bathroom problem, which appears in millions of British homes, is a bacterial biofilm called Serratia marcescens that can pose serious health risks to you and your family.

Peter Jones from ADI Leak Detection said: "If left untreated, it can lead to respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and even wound infections in some cases." This bacteria is found naturally in soil and water but it thrives in the warm humidity of bathrooms - and if you live in an area with hard water it's more likely to grow.

The pink colour comes from a pigment produced by the bacteria called prodigiosin.

"If you have hard water in your area, you're even more likely to see this pink slime because the mineral content gives the bacteria more to feed on," Peter adds.

It loves to grow in showers, taps, toilets and the grouting of tiles - anywhere that takes a while to dry out.

While it looks harmless, it can be dangerous for young children, the elderly or anyone with weakened immune systems. In a hot shower the water can aerosolise the bacteria so you can breathe it in.

Peter said: "For most healthy people, this might not cause immediate problems, but repeated exposure can lead to respiratory issues."

The health risks associated with Serratia marcescens include: respiratory infections, UTIs, eye infections like conjunctivitis or wound infections.

To get rid of it for good, you need a strict cleaning regime. Use the right products - something with bleach or hydrogen peroxide which will kill the bacteria.

Peter said: "Mix one part bleach with ten parts water in a spray bottle, spray it on affected areas, wait 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly."

You also need to keep your bathroom dry. Wipe down all surfaces after a shower and use a squeegee on glass doors and tiles. Turn on your extractor fan during and after showers, or open a window to reduce humidity.

On top of this, once a month you need to remove your showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight.

For fixed showerheads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and leave it overnight.

Make sure you replace your bathroom shower curtains and mats regularly.

Peter said: "Fabric that stays damp is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Wash fabric shower curtains monthly and replace plastic ones every six months."