What is this black stuff that appeared on my drain after cleaning with a bleach-based cleaner and how do I clean it?

Question

Recently, I had problems with a pinkish/orange-colored bacteria (Serratia marcescens) in my bathroom. The bacteria would show up in my shower and sink, specifically near or around the drains. To counter the bacteria, I bought some mold and mildew remover which contains bleach.

This seems to have soundly defeated the bacteria, but has unexpectedly led to a new problem. Unfortunately, some form of black mold has appeared around my shower drain.

Now there is black stuff around my shower drain.

I thought this would be a good challenge for the mold and mildew remover. After spraying and letting it sit, when I tried to wipe away the mold, it left black streaks across the shower floor which were very hard to clean off.

I wanted to make sure this black stuff (whatever it is) was gone for good, so I sprayed an excessive amount of the mold and mildew remover and let it sit without wiping away. To my surprise, the black stuff came back stronger than ever (the picture above).

I think it is unlikely that I have found some sort of super mold that feeds off of bleach, which leads me to believe that letting a bleach-based cleaner sit on my drain has somehow caused it to corrode.

If it is corrosion, how should I go about cleaning it and treating my drain so it doesn't happen in the future? If it is something else, what are my options for taking care of it?

Ed Beal · Accepted Answer

This may not be mold but the chrome plating having pin holes and the cleaners / moisture eating the base metals have created a new problem. I would try to dry the area and use a quality fingernail polish to seal them. If this works it may last for quite a while but with plated fixtures once moisture gets under the plateing it is hard to stop the damage.

Correct answer by Ed Beal on March 10, 2021

Tanya Tousant · Answer

I had the same exact problem after I pour bleach in my tub. The solution I used was hydrogen peroxide. Try that before you replace drain. It was a lifesaver. I could not believe the black stuff and erosion just disappeared.

Answered by Tanya Tousant on March 10, 2021

Marie · Answer

Spray with vinegar after bleach.... I use apple cider vinegar and the black comes right off

Kevin · Answer

I used bleach in my tub drain (fiberglass tub) and let the bleach sit around the metal drain with the drain closed overnight. The tub was black around the drain and I could not scrub it off. I thought the tub was ruined.
I used hydrogen peroxide and immediately it turned back to white!

What is this black stuff that appeared on my drain after cleaning with a bleach-based cleaner and how do I clean it?

4 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question