If your Morphy Richards Power 2400W SteamElite Plus Steam Generator (model 332013) is releasing brown, yellow or discoloured water from the soleplate, or leaving marks on your clothing during steam ironing, there are several possible causes.
Discolouration can sometimes be associated with mineral deposits, residue within the steam system or unsuitable water and additives.
However, brown water isn't automatically normal operation or proof of limescale, particularly if it continues after the recommended checks.
Follow the guidance below to identify possible causes and determine whether further investigation is required.
1. What Can Cause Brown or Discoloured Water?
Several factors can contribute to discoloured water or marks during steam ironing.
Mineral Deposits
Tap water naturally contains minerals, including calcium and magnesium.
When water is heated, some minerals can form deposits within the appliance over time.
These deposits may occasionally contribute to residue or discolouration during steam ironing.
However, limescale is not necessarily brown, and the appearance of brown water alone doesn't establish that mineral deposits are the cause.
Unsuitable Water or Additives
Adding substances that aren't recommended for the SteamElite Plus may leave residue within the water system.
These include:
- Scented ironing water.
- Perfume or fragrance additives.
- Starch or fabric treatments added to the water tank.
- Vinegar or chemical descaling solutions.
- Water containing other cleaning products or additives.
These substances should never be added to the water tank.
Residue or Contamination
Discolouration may also be associated with residue in the water supply or steam system.
If the appliance is releasing dark particles, unusually coloured water or persistent staining, the cause may require further investigation.
2. Check the Water You're Using
The SteamElite Plus 332013 has specific water requirements.
Morphy Richards recommends using:
- 50% tap water
- 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water
For example, to prepare 1 litre of water, mix 500ml tap water with 500ml deionised, distilled or demineralised water.
Never use more than 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water.
What to Do
- Switch off the steam generator and unplug it from the mains.
- Allow the appliance to cool completely.
- Remove the detachable water tank.
- Check the water currently in the clean water chamber.
- If you've used an unsuitable water type or added a substance to the tank, empty the clean water chamber.
- Refill with the recommended water mixture, without exceeding the MAX line.
- Securely replace the water tank.
Important: Changing the water mixture may help prevent further residue, but it doesn't guarantee that existing discolouration will disappear.
For further information, see:
What Water Should I Use in My SteamElite Plus?
3. Check Whether Auto Clean Is Due
The SteamElite Plus has an automatic cleaning system designed to remove mineral deposits from its internal boiler.
Auto Clean operates after approximately 5 litres of water have been used, once the appliance has cooled completely and is next switched on.
During the cleaning process:
- The descaling indicator flashes.
- Water is used to flush the internal boiler.
- Dirty water and mineral deposits collect in the dirty water chamber.
- Steam ironing is temporarily unavailable.
- The cycle takes approximately 3 minutes.
Can I Run Auto Clean to Remove Brown Water?
You cannot manually start Auto Clean on the SteamElite Plus 332013.
The appliance initiates cleaning automatically when required.
Do not repeatedly switch the appliance on and off or attempt to activate the cleaning cycle using the steam controls.
Do not add vinegar, descaling chemicals or other cleaning solutions to the water tank.
If Auto Clean is due, allow the appliance to complete the cycle normally.
For guidance, see:
How to Descale Your SteamElite Plus (332013)
If the automatic cleaning cycle isn't operating correctly, see:
SteamElite Plus (332013) – Auto Clean & Descaling Troubleshooting
4. Empty the Dirty Water Chamber After Auto Clean
The SteamElite Plus collects used water and mineral deposits in a separate dirty water chamber within the removable water tank assembly.
The manufacturer instructs customers to empty this chamber after each completed Auto Clean cycle to prevent overflow.
What to Do
- Allow Auto Clean to finish completely.
- Switch off the steam generator when you've finished ironing.
- Unplug it from the mains.
- Allow the appliance and collected water to cool completely.
- Remove the detachable water tank.
- Empty the dirty water through the designated dirty water emptying holes.
- Refit the tank securely.
Never remove the tank while Auto Clean is actively discharging hot water.
Do not dismantle the dirty water chamber or attempt to access the internal boiler.
Is Dirty Water After Auto Clean Normal?
Yes. Auto Clean is designed to collect used water and mineral deposits in the dirty water chamber.
Discoloured water in this chamber after cleaning isn't necessarily the same issue as brown water coming through the iron's soleplate onto clothing.
If discoloured water continues to come through the soleplate, follow the remaining checks below.
5. Check Whether the Marks Are Coming from the Soleplate
If you're noticing brown marks on clothing, establish whether they are being released with the steam or transferred from the surface of the soleplate.
What to Check
With the appliance unplugged and completely cool:
- Inspect the soleplate for visible residue, staining or deposits.
- Check whether any marks appear to be attached to the soleplate surface.
- If necessary, gently wipe the cooled soleplate using a soft, damp cloth.
- Avoid abrasive pads, metal tools or harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Allow the soleplate to dry before storing or using the appliance again.
If the soleplate is visibly damaged, the coating is deteriorating or residue cannot be removed safely, further assessment may be required.
Never attempt to clean the soleplate while it is hot or connected to the mains.
6. What If Brown Water Continues?
If you've checked the water mixture, confirmed that no additives are being used and followed the normal Auto Clean maintenance instructions, but brown water continues to come through the soleplate, further investigation may be necessary.
Examples include:
- Brown or yellow water repeatedly coming through the soleplate.
- Dark particles or residue being released with the steam.
- Persistent staining of clothing despite using the recommended water.
- Discolouration continuing after a completed automatic cleaning cycle.
- Unusual residue appearing alongside changes in steam performance.
Do not continue ironing valuable or delicate clothing if the appliance is releasing discoloured water or staining fabrics.
Persistent brown water doesn't automatically confirm a manufacturing fault, but it also shouldn't be dismissed as normal limescale without assessment.
7. How to Help Prevent Discolouration
Good maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of mineral deposits and residue developing within your SteamElite Plus.
- Use the recommended 50/50 water mixture for model 332013.
- Never add perfume, scented ironing water, starch, vinegar or chemical descalers.
- Allow the automatic cleaning cycle to operate when required.
- Empty the dirty water chamber after each completed Auto Clean cycle, once the appliance has cooled completely.
- Keep the soleplate clean using the care instructions in the user manual.
- Follow the manufacturer's storage and maintenance guidance.
These steps support normal appliance maintenance but cannot guarantee that discolouration will never occur.
8. Still Experiencing Brown or Discoloured Water?
If brown water or staining continues after completing the relevant checks, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess the issue, please provide:
- Model and serial number: Your model is 332013. Please provide the serial number from the appliance's rating label or a clear photograph of the label.
- Description of the issue: Confirm whether you're seeing brown water, yellow water, dark particles or marks on clothing.
- When it happens: Tell us whether the discolouration occurs when first using steam, throughout ironing or intermittently.
- Water type: Confirm whether you've used tap water, deionised, distilled or demineralised water, including the proportions if using a mixture.
- Photographs or video: Provide clear images of the discoloured water, residue or staining. A short video during normal operation may help if safe to record.
- Auto Clean: Confirm whether the appliance has recently completed an automatic cleaning cycle.
- Full UK postcode: Please confirm your postcode.
- Troubleshooting completed: Tell us which checks you've carried out and the results.
- Proof of purchase: Please provide this if available, as it may be required for a warranty assessment.
If you've already supplied any of this information, there's no need to send it again.
Our Customer Support team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps, including warranty assistance where applicable.