Why Are There Rust Spots on My Tub's Stainless Threshold or Drain?

Rust spots on the tub threshold, or spotting on the chrome and stainless trim, are usually surface deposits rather than the metal itself failing, and the first thing to check is what is left sitting on those surfaces after a bath. Epsom salts and bath salts are the most common culprit: salt water that dries on chrome or stainless leaves spots that look very much like rust. Wiping the chrome and stainless dry after every salt soak prevents it, and mild soap and water lifts most of what is already there. If the spots wipe away, you are done. If they do not, photograph them and send them in, because the finish is something the team wants to see. The care routine is in cleaning glass screens, doors and chrome.

Likely Causes

• Epsom salts or bath salts left to dry on the threshold, drain or chrome after a soak.
• Hard water minerals drying on the metal and leaving spots behind.
• Abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that have worn the plated finish, which then spots more easily.
• A finish defect on the part itself, which the team confirms from photos.

What to Check, in Order

1. Wipe the spotted area with mild soap and water on a soft cloth, then dry it. Do not use anything abrasive on stainless or chrome.
2. If the spots lift, they were deposits. Keep the surface dry after each bath, and wipe chrome and stainless right after any salt soak.
3. If spots remain, do not scrub harder. Take close photos of the threshold, drain or trim in good light.
4. Check what cleaners have been used on the tub. Anything not on the approved list, or any powder or pad, can mark plated finishes; the everyday answers are in maintenance common questions.
5. Look at the drain from above and, if you have access, from below. A drain that is truly corroded rather than spotted needs the team's eyes on it.

When to Open a Ticket

If the spots do not wipe away with mild soap and water, or the drain or trim looks pitted or corroded, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a request at ellasbubbles.com/support. Include your model and serial number, close photos of the affected metal, and a note on what bath products and cleaners have been used. The shell, frame, finish and plated finishes carry the Lifetime Limited Warranty for defects, and photos are how the team confirms what they are looking at.

Related Guides

• Why Is the Water From My Walk-In Tub Rusty or Brown?
• Is Bubble Bath, Bath Bombs or Bath Oil OK in a Jetted Walk-In Tub? What the Jets Can and Cannot Handle
• Chrome Jet Trim or Drain Plugs Corroding Despite Regular Cleaning: Causes and Replacements
• Can Epsom Salt Damage a Walk-In Tub, Its Jets or Its Chrome?

Common Questions