How To Clean A Jetted Tub in the Easiest Way Possible
Learn how to clean a jetted tub so you can relax instead of worrying about dirt and germs floating around. Keeping the jets clean and sanitary is easy to do after the initial deep cleaning.
Like many fixtures and appliances, all parts of a jetted tub need regular cleaning to maintain proper working order. Cleaning jetted tubs isn’t difficult, but is more involved than cleaning a regular bathtub.
Since a jetted tub has many small parts that are hard to access, plan to spend at least 30 minutes cleaning them.
Do You Need to Have Your Jetted Tub Cleaned by a Professional?
Our guide for how to clean a jetted tub lays out everything required to DIY the job.
That said, there might be times when you need to call a professional. If you follow all the steps and your jetted tub still spews out bits of gunk, the pump or internal plumbing may need servicing.
Why did my jetted tub get yucky in the first place?
Almost any surface exposed to constant moisture can build up mildew, mold, and muck. Additional gunk can build up in the jets due to bath oils, soaps, bubble bath, and other bath products.
Resort to your owner’s manual for recommendations about the types and amounts of bath products to use while running the jets.
How often do I need to clean a jetted tub?
It depends – the frequency of cleaning comes down to how often you use your tub. If the tub only gets used once in a while, then four or five times a year is enough to keep it sanitary.
If you’re a real devotée of soaking away your stress, you’ll need to do a proper deep clean of your jetted tub at least once per month.
Any time you notice bits of gunk floating in the water, it’s best to forego a bath and prep for a cleaning session instead.
What do I need to clean a jetted bathtub?
There are ready-made cleaners for jetted tubs available, and your owner’s manual may have specific recommendations. You can also clean your jetted tub with regular household ingredients. Here are some examples:
- White vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Dishwasher powder
- Non-Chlorine bleach
- Borax (optional)
- Toothbrush
- Dental Floss
- Soft cloths
- Bottlebrush (optional)
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Jetted Tub:
Flush Out the Tub
Wipe up debris, hair, and gunk in and around the tub.
Next, fill the tub with enough hot water to go above the jet nozzles by two or three inches.
Check with your user’s manual before choosing a cleaning agent – some manufacturers recommend avoiding chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can dry out internal gaskets over time, leading them to deteriorate.
Vinegar Option
The first option for cleaning the tub is to add two cups of white vinegar to the hot water. The acid in vinegar will help descale the jets.
Non-Chlorine Bleach Option
A second option is to add a cleaning solution made of 1/2 cup of non-chlorine bleach and a few teaspoons of powdered dish detergent.
The dishwasher detergent will help minimize mineral deposits if you have hard water. If you don’t have dishwasher detergent, you can use Borax instead.
Check Your Manual Before Running the Jets
Before you turn on the water jets, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some recommend turning off the air induction valves before running the bathtub jets to clean the tub. Others suggest you leave them open.
In most cases, you can adjust the valves clockwise to turn off the air induction valves. Your particular tub model may also have an “off “indicator on the valves.
Closing the air valves makes the water flow only in the tub’s internal plumbing, so you’ll get a more thorough cleaning.
In either case, turn on the jets and run them at the high setting for 10 to 15 minutes.
Flush it Again
Drain the tub and wipe away any debris that came out of the jets.
Repeat the process of filling the tub with warm water and adding the cleaning products of your choice. Then, flush additional debris from the jet system by running them for 10-15 minutes. Drain the tub again.
Scrub the Tub
Sprinkle baking soda around the tub, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a rag or microfiber cloth to remove soap scum.
Clean Each Jet
The last step in how to clean a jetted tub is giving attention to each individual jet. You’ll need an old toothbrush, or a bottle brush, to reach into the crevices.
Dental floss can be useful for cleaning black stuff around the nozzle trim. Finally, you can use the same equipment to clean the air intake. Just remove the air intake cover, clean it inside, rinse, then put it back on.
Give the entire tub a rinse to get rid of the baking soda, dirt, and grime you loosened.
How to keep jetted tubs clean
Now that your tub is clean inside and out, there are a few things you can do to keep it that way.
- When finished with your bath, leave water in the tub.
- Add vinegar to the tub water and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Then run the jets for 10 or 15 minutes to clean them.
Cleaning Jetted Tub Filters
Whirlpool tubs have a filter that needs regular cleaning. Otherwise, it can get clogged and affect the water pressure through the jets.
Depending on the type of tub and manufacturer, you may have a removable filter. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to clean it.
If your filter isn’t removable, take off the filter cover and clean it. Then clean inside and around the filter opening before replacing the cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What is the black stuff coming out of my Jacuzzi jets?
The gunk and specks spewing out of your jacuzzi jets are a mix of mold, mildew, oils, sloughed-off skin and other bits. These collect and fester in the jets and pipes between uses and will get worse without regular cleaning.
Can you use vinegar to clean jetted tub?
Yes, vinegar is good to use for cleaning a jetted tub. Fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the jets by about three inches. Add one-quarter cup of powdered dish detergent and one-half cup of vinegar to the tub. Run the jets to circulate this mix throughout the system.
How often should you clean a jetted tub?
How often you clean your jetted tub depends on how often you use it. With regular use, you should clean it at least once a month. If you only use the tub once in a while, you only have to do it once every three or four months.
What can you not put in a jetted tub?
First, always check the manufacturers’ recommendations for your specific tub regarding what types of products you can use in the tub. Generally, you should not use oils, salts or bubble baths when using the jetted tub. These get into the system and can cause problems in the pipes and jets.
Can you use dishwasher pods to clean a jetted tub?
While dishwasher pods are generally safe to use in a jetted tub, it’s probably not the best way to clean it. The water in your tub will not be hot enough to quickly and efficiently dissolve the pod.
Is a jetted tub worth it?
A jetted tub is worth the money if you are looking for a way to reduce stress. They are also a good investment if you want hydrotherapy for specific health reasons. Lastly, jetted tubs can be an added bonus when it comes time to sell your home.
Cleaning a jetted tub takes some effort, but if you maintain it well, it’ll provide years of relaxing baths.