How To Care and Maintenance For A Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tub maintenance prevents mildew. Walk-in tubs adhere to safety standards to improve the bathing experience. While walk-in tubs feature high-quality materials, maintenance is necessary. Your walk-in tub should be shining bright stain free.
Walk-In Tub Care & Maintenance Tips
There are a few practical ways to keep your walk-in tub clean. Mold, debris, body oil, and bacteria can build up on your tub and block the drain hole.
Daily Cleaning
Your walk-in tub’s surface needs to look clean before your next bath or hydrotherapy session. After taking a bath, flush debris or hair. Fill your walk-in tub with hot water to reach a few inches above the jets.
Hot water clears debris and prevents drain blockage. After filling the tub with hot water, try the following options:
- Add about two cups of vinegar into the water. Vinegar is an acidic cleaning product ideal for dissolving any debris buildup. Vinegar doesn’t corrode your walk-in tub’s components compared to other synthetic cleaning options.
- Mix a half glass full of bleach with liquid dishwashing detergent. Some manufacturers discourage homeowners from using this alternative as it could dry up the gaskets in the long run.
- Scrub the inside of the tub using baking soda. Most walk-in tubs have an acrylic finish which protects them from scratches. Baking soda is a popular option for cleaning tubs since it won’t scratch the surface. You can also scrub your tub’s caulk using baking soda.
- Vinegar to remove stubborn stains in a walk-in tub. Some stains might not fade away, so you might consider giving your bathtub a new acrylic finish.
After cleaning the surface, rinse off your tub to remove any debris, soap residue, and body oils. Use warm water from the shower wand to clean the tub.
Bi-Weekly & Monthly Cleaning Routine
Body oils and soap residue will build up in your tub after a few weeks. For this reason, the tub needs deep cleaning bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your schedule.
Deep cleaning is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps during your bi-weekly or monthly routine:
- Fill your walk-in tub with hot water up to the seat height.
- Use about two tablespoons of low foam dishwashing detergent
- Switch on the jets for a few minutes to make the detergent soapy.
- Drain your tub, then fill it with clean water.
- Activate the jets for about 10 minutes to rinse your walk-in tub.
- Wipe your tub using a clean piece of cloth.
For weekly cleaning, an acrylic-friendly solution is best.
Deep Cleaning Your Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tubs with air and water jets need deep cleaning monthly.
- Mix dishwashing detergent with a half glass full of bleach.
- Turn on the jets for about 10 minutes. Using the most suitable detergent helps unclog the jets and disinfect the entire tub.
- Once this time lapses, drain your tub and fill it with warm water to the first jet.
- Gently clean the jet nozzles and the contoured trims around them using a toothbrush. Use dental floss to clean any buildup that’s hard to eliminate with a toothbrush. Make sure to clean the air-intake cover as well.
- Mix two parts of baking soda with a portion of baking soda to make a cleaning paste. It helps remove any stubborn stains left after the deep cleaning routine.
- Apply the paste to the stains and leave it for one hour. Scrub the stain with a toothbrush, then rinse the paste using warm water.
Close the induction valve before activating the jets unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise. When the induction valves are closed, water circulates through the tub’s internal plumbing.
It concentrates the flow, resulting in a more thorough cleaning. Use protective gear like rubber gloves to avoid injuries when cleaning your walk-in tub.
Do Self-Cleaning Walk-In Tubs Require Any Maintenance?
You won’t have to do much if you own a self-cleaning walk-in tub. These walk-in tubs have a feature that makes cleaning the surface much more effortless. All you need to do is add the cleaning supplies and turn on the self-cleaning feature.
Walk-in tubs with an ozone system can kill harmful bacteria at the click of a button. The feature would be ideal for a senior citizen or homeowner with mobility issues.
Cleaning Supplies to Avoid
Most walk-in manufacturers like Kohler or American Standard recommend bleaching agents and detergents. It’s best to refer to the owner’s manual so you don’t void the lifetime warranty. Your typical cleaning supply should be non-abrasive and free from harmful chemicals.
A soft cloth or toothbrush is good for cleaning around stubborn stains and residue. Avoid cleaning products that can scratch your tub’s surface.
Here are a few products to avoid:
- Aerosols
- Wire brushes
- Chlorinated bleach
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
Remove cleaning products that leave a residue on your walk-in tub. Such products could also make the surface slippery, increasing the risk of falls and slips in the tub.
Walk In Tub Cleaning
Cleaning your walk-in tub isn’t rocket science. Clean the tub regularly to prevent mildew buildup, mold and bacteria. There are a few manufacturers that make self-cleaning tubs but be prepared to spend money. Most homeowners might focus on safety features since self-cleaning tubs are on the higher end.