Though not usually in our own kitchens, we anticipate surprises in life.
Weeks later, I’m still baffled by what I saw early one morning—a peculiar pink growth lodged in the corner of my kitchen wall—before I’d even poured my first cup of coffee.
It didn’t move. There was no fragrance. However, it appeared to be unlike anything I had ever seen. And I genuinely pondered for a moment: Is my house safe? Is this a minor quirk in house repair or something much more concerning?
Here’s the whole story, along with some takeaways in case your house ever experiences something similarly odd.
The Morning Mysteries: A “Creature” of Pink Foam on the Wall
Still bleary-eyed and waiting for the coffee maker to finish brewing, I had just trudged into the kitchen when I noticed it: a tiny, crooked, and rather crusty-looking pink blob squeezed against the corner where the cupboard and wall meet.
It measured roughly three inches in length. pale, somewhat pastel in hue. It seems to have been adhered there. The first thing that came to me was strange: dried-up candy? A shrimp that has gone shriveled? It was early. I hadn’t consumed any coffee. I wasn’t feeling my best.
However, I was aware that it wasn’t supposed to be there.
No water leak was present. No harm. There’s no path to it. All it did was sit there. Like a strange little visitor who had crept in while I was asleep.
Ask the Internet When In Doubt
I did what many people would do in a moment of bewilderment, and maybe a little panic: I took a picture and uploaded it to the internet.
The comments began pouring in within minutes. And the hypotheses were everywhere, as you may imagine:
“It is unquestionably spray foam insulation!”
“It appears that old caulking has gone rogue.”
“Bug eggs.” Something extraterrestrial, perhaps.
“Mold, or worse.”
A few of the recommendations were beneficial. Some were… imaginative. However, the majority concurred on one point: Don’t touch it.
And to be honest, I didn’t plan on doing so.
Presenting the Landlord: Self-Assured and Unconcerned
I gave my landlord a call that afternoon. Within an hour, he arrived with just one disinfection wipe in hand.
At the very least, gloves were what I anticipated. A mask, perhaps. A scraper. A flashlight. Instead, he approached the pink spot, took a quick look at it, and wiped it off the wall.
Crunch. Wipe. Delete.
He shrugged and remarked, “That’s probably just some old sealing foam.” “Please notify me if it recurs.”
The riddle was suddenly resolved.
Or was it?
What Might Have Happened?
I don’t tend to overreact, but I also don’t forget a mysterious growth in the kitchen that is bright pink and strangely textured.
The most likely offenders are as follows:
Foam insulation that expands
The most plausible theory is this one. Excess foam may occasionally leak out of walls that have been patched or sealed years later, particularly if it wasn’t adequately covered or trimmed. It can solidify into strange shapes or hues over time due to air and dust.
Adhesive sealants or old caulk
Certain sealing materials or adhesives may break down in peculiar ways, particularly when exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations. It can have come back through a screw hole or crack after separating from the wall.
Fungi or mold (possible, but unlikely)
Although most types of mold are dark, certain species can be pink or light. It’s better to have it tested if you come across anything similar and it has a fuzzy surface or a musty scent.
Animal or Insect-Related
Some insect casings or abandoned nests can have a foam-like appearance. Although uncommon, insects have been known to build their nests behind walls or appliances and leave strange materials behind.
How to Proceed If You Discover Something Comparable
It can be unsettling to discover an unexpected material on your wall, particularly if you are not sure if it is structural, biological, or hazardous. This is what I discovered: Avoid Using Your Bare Hands on It
Don’t make contact until you know what it is, even if it seems innocuous. Certain compounds have the potential to cause skin irritation or spore release. Before cleaning, take pictures.
You will need proof for your landlord, a repairman, or (if necessary) pest control if it changes or disappears later.
