Slime in the bathroom should only come from body wash, shampoo, or toothpaste. But the pink slime in question is far from harmless and has nothing to do with hygiene products. Instead, it thrives in damp. Poorly ventilated areas and can pose potential health risks.

Dr. Karan Raj addressed the issue after responding to a TikTok video featuring a man in a hospital bed joking about neglecting to clean his bathroom. He explained that the pink slime is not mold but a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which can spread across bathroom surfaces.

“If you’ve seen this pink slime lurking in your bathroom, it’s not mold—it’s bacteria,” Dr. Raj warned. “Specifically, Serratia marcescens, which thrives in damp environments and feeds on fatty deposits found in soaps and shampoos.”

While the bacteria is generally harmless to touch, Dr. Raj cautioned against allowing it to come into contact with eyes or open wounds, as it could lead to infections. The real danger, however, lies in its impact on those who are immunocompromised—potentially causing infections in the gut, respiratory system, or urinary tract.

Beyond the pink slime, its presence suggests that other harmful organisms could also be thriving in your bathroom. If left unchecked, black mold, which poses severe risks to respiratory health, could also begin to develop.

To prevent this, Dr. Raj advises regular bathroom cleaning and proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup. Keeping the space dry and sanitized can help stop pink slime—and more dangerous threats—from taking hold.