Although we don’t typically spend time in our own kitchens, we still 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 stuck there. The first thing that struck me as strange was the appearance of dried-up candy. Was that a shrivelled prawn? 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.” Perhaps there is an extraterrestrial presence.
“Mould, 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. Perhaps he would bring a mask. A scraper. A torch. 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:
1. 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 in strange shapes or colours over time due to air and dust.
2. Adhesive sealants or old caulk
Certain sealing materials or adhesives may break down in peculiar ways, particularly when exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations. The moisture or adhesive may have re-emerged through a screw hole or crack after separating from the wall.
3. Fungi or mould (possible, but unlikely).
Although most moulds 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.
4. 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
Finding something on your wall can be alarming, especially if you don’t know if it’s structural, biological, or dangerous. 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.
Look for any cracks, holes, or leaks.
Examine the impacted region from above and below. Something might have seeped through a wall gap, an old pipe, or a screw hole.
Consult your landlord or maintenance.
Don’t be timid. They are there for that reason. Allow them to examine it. If they clean it up and the problem reappears, follow up until they resolve it.
If you’re worried, check for mould or toxins.
Home test kits for mould and certain toxins are inexpensive and easy to use. A fast test can provide peace of mind if you believe caulking or insulation is degrading, especially in older homes.
Pay Attention to the Odd Things Your House Is Trying to Tell You
Like people, homes age. They occasionally attempt to communicate with us in whispers, whether it’s through a groaning floorboard, a dripping tap or, yes, an odd pink blob on the kitchen wall.
Even though my situation was probably unharmful, it served as a reminder to pay attention—something we all occasionally forget. Don’t ignore strange things. There are many materials and systems in your home that can surprise you when they age, change, or malfunction.
Sometimes, a seemingly haunting mystery turns out to be nothing more than an improperly sealed 1993 repair job.
Still, I snapped a picture. I kept it. And just in case, I’ll be watching that corner.