How to Clean A Jetted Tub the Right Way
Soak your way to total relaxation in a clean and sanitary jetted tub
- Sponge
- Toothbrush or small scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- White vinegar
- Powdered dishwasher detergent
- Bleach
- Baking soda
A jetted tub is a luxurious way to soak away tension and bring some much-needed relaxation to your day, but if it isn’t cleaned properly, it can add stress instead of relieving it. Cleaning the jets in your tub is a necessary step to ensure your soak is sanitary, the jets are free of mold and mildew, and your tub is functioning at its best. Learn how to clean a jetted tub in just a few easy steps so you can relax, knowing your tub is sparkling clean.
Prepping to Clean Your Jetted Tub
Before getting started, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your tub to check if there are any products you should avoid or specific steps you need to take for your tub. The owner’s manual may also recommend either closing your air induction valves before cleaning the jets or leaving them open. Always default to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the longevity and the proper function of your tub.
Wipe Up Visible Dirt and Debris
Photo: Thiago Santos / Adobe StockStart by taking a damp sponge and giving your tub’s surface a quick once-over. Wiping away surface dirt or debris will prevent it from being circulated through the jets during the cleaning process, allowing you to get a deeper clean.
Flush the Jets
Fill your tub with cool or lukewarm water, about two inches above the top of the jets. Run the jets for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen any debris from the jet system. Drain the tub once you’re done.
Cycle the Jets With Cleanser
Now it’s time to really get the gunk out of the jets. Close the air induction valves (unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer’s instructions). Closing the valves will circulate the water only through the tub’s internal plumbing, allowing for a deeper clean. Fill the tub to about two inches over the top of the jets with hot water. Add in the appropriate cleanser.
For routine cleaning, use two cups of white vinegar.
For a deep clean, skip the vinegar and use two tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent (not liquid dish soap, as it will create too much foam) and ½ cup of bleach. Note that some manufacturers discourage the use of bleach as it may cause rubber gaskets to become brittle; follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Turn on the jets and run the tub for 15 minutes. Drain the tub after 15 minutes and reopen the air induction valves.
Scrub the Tub
Once the tub has drained, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub the surface of the tub with it. This will help to remove any residue from cleaning the jets, as well as lift any remaining surface dirt or dinginess. Pay special attention to any areas with stubborn stains by buffing the baking soda paste on those spots until they lift.
Scrub the Jets
Using a toothbrush, or small scrub brush, and the baking soda paste, scrub the jets themselves. Make sure to reposition the jets if they’re adjustable so that you scrub the entire surface. Don’t forget to scrub the jets’ housing and the air intake valve as well. Rinse the remaining baking soda residue from the tub and jets.
Run a Rinse Cycle
Photo: Oppdowngalon iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesFill the tub one more time with warm or hot water and no additional cleanser. Run the tub for 15 minutes to remove any residue. Drain when done. Wipe the tub dry with a microfiber cloth and get ready for a relaxing soak in your newly cleaned tub!
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Jetted Tub
While cleaning your jetted tub isn’t a difficult process, it can be a time-consuming one. A local house cleaner will know how to clean a jetted bathtub and can take this task off your bathroom cleaning checklist, saving you time while you still get to reap the benefits of a clean tub. Professional house cleaning costs between $30 and $50 an hour on average.
Depending on the frequency of use, you should clean your jetted tub at least once a month. Cleaning the tub’s surface can be done however often you clean your bathroom, generally once a week, but the deep cleaning of the jets can be performed less frequently. Of course, if you notice anything coming out of the jets at any point while using the tub, that’s a good indication that it’s time to clean the jets.
If you have black flakes or chunks coming out of your tub’s jets, it is generally some combination of mildew, mold, soap scum, skin flakes, and oils. These are substances you definitely don’t want to be soaking in as you’re trying to get clean, which is why regularly cleaning your jetted tub is so important.
Using bubble bath, bath oils, bath salts, or moisturizing products that contain butters or oils can damage your jetted tub. Because of the water pump and jet mechanism, you need to be more selective with products for a jetted tub than you would for a traditional bathtub in order to keep it functioning properly and avoid expensive repairs. These products also leave residue that can feed mildew and mold, so it’s best to avoid them.
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