What Is a Brown Film in a Whirlpool Bath?

Mineral Content

• Many homes have water that is high in iron and other minerals. High iron content can leave a brown film on the inside of dishwashers, showers, toilets, washing machines and even whirlpool tubs. This is also known as hard water. Contact your local water company and ask about the mineral content in your local water to find out if you have hard water and consider adding a household water filter if the water is high in iron or other minerals.

Mold

• Whirlpool tubs should be cleaned on a regular basis and dried as well to prevent the development of microbes that may form a brown, moldy substance on the surface of the tub. Do not use the whirlpool tub until the tub is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

Cleaning

• Clean the whirlpool tub to remove the brown film by filling the entire tub with hot water until water reaches at least 2 inches above the top jets. Pour in 2 tsp. low sudsing automatic dishwasher detergent and 4 oz. liquid household bleach. Turn on the jets and let the jets run for 10 minutes, then turn the jets off and drain the tub. Close the drain again and refill the tub with cold water above the top jets. Run the jets for five minutes, then turn off the jets and drain the tub.

Tips

• Prevent the development of mold or hard water scale by wiping down the whirlpool tub with a mild, non-abrasive household cleaner after every tub use. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleaning residue and then dry with a towel.