Homeowner horrifies internet after shower ‘loofah’ turns out to be something much more terrifying

An at-home science experiment took a turn for the worst after one homeowner let a fungus sprout in the bathroom.

The anonymous Reddit user initially spotted the fuzzy shower décor – which looked like a large chicken tender or loofah – but decided to leave it in the shower to see how it would grow.

‘I was interested and wanted to see what it would look like or end up doing,’ the user wrote in the original post, shared in the MoldlyInteresting thread.

She added: ‘It was really interesting to watch for a while but I’m glad I got it fixed because it’s not healthy.’

The Reddit user explained to Newsweek that the fungus started off looking like a loofah which then ‘turned into’ a small mushroom. 

‘It would change very quickly,’ she added.

The curious amateur scientist admitted that they moved the sponge around to see if it would continued growing.

‘I left it to see what it would do even though I know it’s bad,’ she admitted. ‘I just really was so interested.’

After a while, a large mushroom with a brown top and white stem sprouted from the fuzzy fungal sponge. 

‘First pic I was like “woah, they either don’t shower or they left for a month, there’s a mushroom growing out of their loofah” and then I realized it wasn’t a loofah…’ one mystified user wrote. 

‘This is diabolical. I can’t tell if your bathtub is attempting to whip up a new drug or form a coral reef,’ joked someone else.

Others warned the woman that they may want to check in other spaces of the house which are hidden.

‘”Shower has been fixed now” = pulled out mushroom and caulked the edge,’ one user wrote.

They continued: ‘If you thought it was fun to watch that grow in your shower, you’ll have a real treat when you look behind the walls.’

According to Rescue Clean 911, mushrooms grow in the shower because they are attracted to the warm and excess moisture environment. 

Their website reads: ‘The spores of these fungi need water to germinate. 

‘A bathroom is typically a humid place. In addition, the lack of light in many bathrooms creates ideal conditions for mushrooms to grow,’ it continued.

Professionals say its vital to make sure a mushroom is not poisonous before attempting to remove, and to seek the help of professionals if they think it may be.

‘Once the mushroom is removed, take steps to prevent future growth. Mushrooms thrive in damp and dark environments. Use a spray bottle to remove the remaining mushroom spores,’ the website reads.

‘Be sure to keep your shower area well-ventilated and clean,’ they urged. ‘Use a mild disinfectant on all surfaces to kill any remaining spores. Keep bathroom floors clean and dry all the time.’ 

Mold is a major problem in homes in the US, with growths found in more than 70 percent and 45 million houses have unhealthy levels of mold, as well as schools — with 30 percent having roof problems that could lead to mold in buildings.

While the fungus can pose a health risk anywhere it is found, experts warned it was particularly concerning if it is found in an air conditioning unit because this can blow mold spores into the air, allowing them to spread further.