Did you find some black residue after the Epsom salt bath? Are they coming off your skin or is it something related to the salt itself?
You must have all these questions running in your head for now, which is why you chose to click on this article.
The good news is that the reasons behind your tub water turning black after an Epsom salt bath may not always be what you assumed. Sometimes it is just a natural reaction between different chemicals present in the Epsom salt and your tap water.
Care to know more about it? Dig it, peeps!
Reasons For Dirty Water After Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is a very popular ingredient in today’s world with so many people using it for different health purposes. It is made of both sulfate and magnesium, whereas common salt is made of sodium.
The benefits of Epson salt can begin with skin softening, working as a laxative, removing stress and muscle soreness, any other pain or migraines, and end with balancing magnesium in your body.
However, if the dirty water after the Epsom salt bath is bothering you, let me clarify what is actually going on.
- From the Sulfate Present in Epsom Salt
An Epsom salt bath is known to separate heavy metals and toxins from your body into the bathwater. You have to keep yourself immersed in the water for some time to let this process take place.
The sulfate in the Epsom salt literally pulls toxins out of your body and skin. This process has a name, and it is called ‘reverse osmosis’.
This is the reason your bathwater may get dirty after you just had an Epson salt bath.
- Because of the Reaction between Sulfate and Chlorine in Bath Water
Another reason for black residue forming in the water after an Epsom salt bath is the reaction that occurs between chlorine and sulfate. Your household tap water can contain chlorine because it goes through water treatment.
That chlorine reacts with the sulfate in the Epsom salt, and the presence of oxygen creates black residue at the bottom of the tub. It is especially dark if the water is hot and you have a long bath.
- From Iron and Sediment in the Tap Water
Are you sure the black residue is from Epsom salt? Because sometimes the color of your bath water can take a different shade when there is iron and sediment in the tap water.
Therefore, you may want to check your water filter connection to prevent unwanted sediments from forming in your tub.
- Because of Hard Water
When there is a lot of minerals present in the tap water, it is assumed that you have hard water. Hard water when heated can intensify the chemical reactions among the different compounds present in the bathwater.
As a result, you notice black residue forming.
How To Solve Dirty Water After Epsom Salt Bath Problem?
Let’s see how you can deal with common problems with Epsom bath salt:
- Solutions To Change The Color of Water after Epsom Salt Bath
Whether you want to change the color of the water after or before the Epsom salt bath is up to you.
If you were afraid that the discoloration of tub water is something to be concerned about, the answer is yes and no both.
For sure, Epsom salt is a healthy ingredient to use for a warm bath. However, other factors related to the tap water that you are using may be the culprit behind the darkening of the tub water.
So, here I have arranged a number of solutions that you can follow through in order to get rid of the black water.
- What To Do about the Sulfate Present in Epsom Salt
There is nothing you can do to get rid of the sulfate in the Epsom salt. The mineral is responsible for helping with de-stressing and detoxing your skin and body.
Besides, there are no negative effects of having sulfate in your Epsom salt bath.
In fact, most of the benefits that you derive from Epsom salt come from the magnesium sulfate present in it. The mineral is extremely effective for muscle aches, soreness, bruises, sprains, and any other types of pain.
- What To Do About The Reaction Between Sulfate And Chlorine In The Bath
You can remove chlorine from your bath water by adding sodium ascorbate powder. You just need to add 100 mg or ¼ tablespoon into the bathwater.
Since this powder is easily obtainable, it saves you a lot of trouble. Mix the bathwater after adding the powder, and wait for 5 minutes.
For your information, sodium ascorbate powder would not affect the pH level in your bathwater.
Ascorbic acid can also aid in neutralizing chlorine in the water system. You just need 2.5 parts of ascorbic acid for 1 part chlorine.
This acid is mildly acidic. Hence, the pH balance in the bathwater may be lower.
Furthermore, faucet filters can help to remove chlorine from tap water. Add one teaspoon of powdered vitamin C, one teaspoon of baking soda, and one teaspoon of citric acid powder to your bath water before adding Epsom salt.
Stir it well, and give 5 minutes for it to soak properly. Then, you can take your Epsom bath!
So, when you add Epsom salt for a relaxing evening, you would not find any black residue accumulating in the water.
- What to Do about Hard Water
Like chlorine, your tap water may consist of bromine, copper, chloramine, and other minerals that can eventually blacken the tub water after Epsom salt has been mixed.
You can check the compound level of these minerals.
You can easily tell if there is a high amount of bromine and chlorine in your bath water if it irritates your eyes.
During the testing process, any reading above 3 is an indicator of high mineral content in the water.
To neutralize chlorine and bromine in the tub water, add some sodium thiosulfate to break them down. It will quickly dissolve the two minerals so you can soak them without getting black residue.
Additionally, since most of the hard water is calcium, use regular or distilled vinegar to get rid of calcium build-ups in the bath fixture. Just cover the mouth of the fixture with a small plastic bag of vinegar. It is okay to just pour a cup of vinegar into the bag.
Tie it to the mouth of the tap with whatever you can find, and let it sit there for an hour. After an hour, remove the bag, and run the tap to clear the junk away.
Besides, lowering the water temperature also helps with minimizing mineral formation in the sanitary system. Instead of using really hot water for the Epsom salt bath, use warm water.
Troubleshooting Other Epsom Salt Bath Problems
In addition to dealing with annoying black residue, some other questions and concerns can arise when using Epsom salts:
What if I Use Too Much?
Using extremely excessive amounts of Epsom salts like 5-10 cups per bath could potentially cause health issues. Magnesium sulfate acts as a laxative in very high doses. Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness, and electrolyte imbalances are possible.
However, as long as you stick to the recommended usage of about 1-2 cups per bath, it is very unlikely you would experience any adverse effects beyond potential residue staining.
Why Is There a Slimy Residue?
An oily or slippery film left after an Epsom salt soak is usually nothing to worry about. This is caused by a small amount of the salt failing to fully dissolve and leaving a slimy magnesium residue. Slightly warmer bath water and stirring the salts vigorously helps them dissolve fully.
What if I Accidentally Swallowed Some?
Incidentally swallowing a bit of Epsom salt water is not harmful. Magnesium sulfate is sometimes taken internally as a supplement or laxative. However, consuming extremely large amounts could lead to electrolyte problems or diarrhea. Rinsing your mouth out after a bath prevents ingesting significant amounts.
Can It Dry Out My Skin?
While Epsom salt baths hydrate skin for most people, excessively hot water or prolonged soaking could potentially have a drying effect. Limit baths to 15-20 minutes and lukewarm water temperature to avoid removing too much natural moisture from your skin. Moisturize afterward if needed.
The Benefits Outweigh the Risks
For most people, using Epsom salts safely by following package directions allows enjoying the many benefits of these mineral-rich baths while minimizing any bothersome residue issues. With the right precautions like prompt rinsing of tubs and pipes afterwards, the traces of iron, manganese, and other minerals posing staining risks can be kept under control.
While accidentally swallowing or contact with irritated skin is possible, the risks for harm are very low when using appropriate Epsom salt amounts. And any oily residue or unclear water is merely an aesthetic nuisance rather than a health concern.
Overall, Epsom salt baths provide too many advantages like soothing sore muscles, reducing stress, and drawing out toxins to avoid over a little harmless staining potential. Just take some simple cleanup steps afterwards and you can relax in the tub without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Epsom salt can sometimes leave behind a blackish, gray, or rust-colored residue in your bathtub after use. This is caused by trace amounts of minerals like iron and manganese in the Epsom salts reacting with the tub surface material. Porcelain, acrylic, and fiberglass tubs are most vulnerable to discoloration issues.
Using extremely excessive amounts of Epsom salts like multiple cups per bath could potentially cause diarrhea, nausea, cramps, lightheadedness or other issues. But the recommended usage of 1-2 cups per 15-20 minute soak is generally safe. Too much can also increase residue staining.
The black, sticky, tar-like residue sometimes left in bathtubs after an Epsom salt bath is usually caused by trace minerals in the salts. As the Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) dissolves in the bath water, small amounts of contaminants like iron, manganese, and magnesium oxide are also released. When these minerals come into contact with certain bathtub materials like acrylic or fiberglass, they can bind to the surface.
Seeing black speckles or smears in the water during an Epsom salt bath is also due to undissolved trace mineral particles. Tiny grains of iron, manganese, magnesium, and other salt constituents fail to fully dissolve and instead disperse throughout the bath water. These suspended particles leave behind a dirty, smeary residue when they settle on your skin or the tub surface. Allowing the Epsom salts to fully dissolve before getting in the bath can help minimize this issue. Hotter water helps dissolve the grains more completely as well. The black specks are harmless mineral residue, but unpleasant. Draining and wiping the tub after use removes any smeary deposits.
Final Thoughts
The black residue after the Epsom salt bath is nothing to be afraid of. In some cases, you do have to get your water line checked to eliminate chlorine, bromine, chloramine, and other minerals.
The culprit is not the Epsom salt itself, you see.
Regardless, wash the Epsom salt properly before adding it to your bathwater. Before setting up the bath, add some sodium thiosulfate, sodium ascorbate powder, or use tap filters to remove chlorine from the water.
But most importantly, just enjoy the bath instead of worrying about the residue!