How to Clean a Jetted Tub in 5 Steps and 2 Different Ways

By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
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Reviewed By
Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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A jetted tub is one of life’s little pleasures. After a long, hard day, relaxing in a jetted tub feels magical. But when you fill the tub and turn on the jets, you might be greeted with the sight of black bits in the water. If this happens, what can you do? And how can you prevent such a thing from happening again? Whirlpool tubs can accumulate bacteria and infections Trusted Source Whirlpool Tub Can Be Hotbed of Infections - Los Angeles Times Question: We're buying a home with a Jacuzzi bathtub, and our home inspector warned us about health hazards resulting from bacteria in the whirlpool plumbing. www.latimes.com , but if you know how to clean a jetted tub, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Cleaning a jetted tub is straightforward, although it might take some time. However, do not fret. The supplies that you need for proper cleaning are often readily available to you and can be found around the home. Read on to find out what you’ll need to clean the jetted tub.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jetted Tub?

How to Clean a Jetted Tub in 5 Steps and 2 Different Ways

The first consideration is how often to clean this tub. The answer to that varies from person to person. It majorly depends on how often you use the jetted tub. If you use it infrequently, then you might not need to deep-clean every other month. You can get it by cleaning it four times a year.

However, if you use it regularly, you will need to clean it regularly as well. It is recommended that you thoroughly clean it at least once a month.

You can find some of the best whirlpool tubs here, and if you have an eye for luxury, you can find the best luxury bathtubs here.

There are easy ways to keep this tub clean. One way is to refill with hot water after use. Wait for about 20 minutes to soften up any contaminants like grease and soap, and then drain the tub.

Things You’ll Need

The good news about cleaning this tub is that you don’t need to source any special ingredients. You don’t even need unique chemicals, as all you might need are often already in the house. Some of the things that you should have include:

  • Baking soda
  • A soft cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Vinegar
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Measuring cup
  • Bleach
  • Sponge
  • Bucket

The good thing is that you might not even need all of these materials. Some can substitute for others and are only on the list in case you don’t have others.

Cleaning Process Step by Step

In this section, we will highlight how to clean this tub using different materials.

Step 1. Flush the Tub

The first step is to remove any visible impurities from the tub’s basin. After removing the debris, fill it with hot water. After filling the tub, add your cleaning agent, choosing from any of those that you have available.

Step 2. Turn Off the Valves

After cleaning, you might be tempted to activate the jets. Before you do this, though, first close the induction valve. By closing it, water will flow through the tub’s plumbing, which will result in more extensive cleaning of the jets. Continue running the jets until all the impurities are out and the water from the jets is clean.

Step 3. Flush the Tub

Next, flush the tubs once again. There might still be unclean water, so you should drain that and refill the tub. Once again, run the jets to eliminate any remaining debris.

Step 4. Scrub the Tub

After removing the debris, use the baking soda to clean the surface of the tub. To do this, sprinkle some of it on the surface of the tub and wait until it hardens into a paste-like substance. Once it is in that form, use the cloth to scrub the surface of the tub. Baking soda is versatile and can be used on other areas of the tub, like faucets and drains.

Step 5. Clean the Jets

How to Clean a Jetted Tub in 5 Steps and 2 Different Ways

Lastly, clean the jets with a toothbrush or a string of dental floss if you want more penetration. Scrub all the nozzles and look out for debris on curved parts of the tub. The dental floss allows you to get into those crooks and crannies.

We will first consider how you can clean with the household supplies you have gathered.

Cleaning with Household Supplies

Step 1. First, fill the tub with hot water until the water jets are covered by water.

Step 2. Measure out two tablespoons of the dishwashing liquid and also ½ cup of bleach. If you don’t want to use these, you could use a cup of vinegar instead of bleach.

If you plan to use bleach, check out cleaning instructions from the tub manufacturers. Some do not recommend using bleach because it can dry out the tub’s internal gaskets over time. Therefore, if you will use bleach, it should be as a last resort, and if you are trying to clean tough contaminants.

If you don’t have vinegar or bleach, you could use dish detergent.

Step 3. Run the jets for up to 15 minutes.

Step 4. Drain the tub, then refill with hot or cold water. Once again, run the jets for about 10 minutes.

Step 5. Drain the tub and rinse to remove any contaminants and debris that are left behind. For a deep clean, you can clean the jets with a toothbrush and a soft cloth. If this doesn’t get the gunk off, you could use dental floss.

Cleaning with Special-Purpose Cleaners

Using special-purpose cleaners can also help you get a clean tub. Before you use these, though, consider the instructions from the manufacturer.

If it is compatible with your tub, then you can follow steps 1-5 that we have provided for cleaning with household supplies. Of course, you’ll have to substitute the bleach, vinegar, or baking soda with special-purpose cleaners.

Reviews have praised the Ahh-Some tub cleaner as one of the most effective tub cleaners on the market. It helps to remove grease, grime, and even pathogenic particles from your tub.

Oh Yuk is one of the most popular jetted tub cleaners as well. It is very effective and is prized for its ability to clean your tub in less than 15 minutes.

Tips to keep the tub clean for longer

After cleaning your jetted tub, you certainly would appreciate tips that will help you to keep it clean for longer. Here are some useful tips:

  • Have a cleaning routine. Some clean their tubs every month.
  • Don’t use bath oils are soaps that can leave residue in the jets.
  • Do not use an abrasive cleaner on the tub.
  • Every brand of the tub is a bit different. Therefore, check the recommendations from the maker before you clean the jets.
  • If the tub walls look dull, you can restore the appearance by using something like automotive wax. However, please don’t use this on the tub floors as it makes it very slippery.

Final thoughts

Long days are more leisurely endured when you have a jetted tub. These tubs need cleaning so you can get the best from them and have an enjoyable time. In this post, we have seen what you need to clean the tub, whether homemade or commercial.

We hope that the steps on how to clean a jetted tub and the tips we have provided will come in very handy. Have a truly relaxing time with this bathroom accessory.

References

1.
Whirlpool Tub Can Be Hotbed of Infections - Los Angeles Times
Question: We're buying a home with a Jacuzzi bathtub, and our home inspector warned us about health hazards resulting from bacteria in the whirlpool plumbing.
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