Buzz
Photo: Evrymmnt/Getty ImagesIndulging in a soak in a jetted or hot tub is a luxurious treat. However, it can quickly lose its charm when you consider the grime building up in the jets. After each soak, residue from your body and bath products can settle in the jets, becoming a feeding ground for mold and bacteria. Fortunately, you can easily resolve this issue in both jetted tubs and hot tubs using some common household cleaners you likely already have. Keep reading to learn how to clean the jets and ensure a peaceful soak.
What You'll Need
Tools & Equipment
- Bottle brush
- Microfiber cloth
Supplies Needed
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Dishwasher tab
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
- Bleach
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Clean Tub Jets After Every Use
Performing a bit of maintenance on the bathtub jets after each use can help prevent buildup and reduce the need for deep cleaning. This is particularly essential if you use bath oils or bombs while unwinding.
After each bath, drain the tub and refill it with enough cold water to cover the jets by at least two to three inches. Turn on the jets and allow them to run for 5 to 10 minutes to flush out any impurities trapped within. Turn them off and drain the water.
Routine Cleaning of Jets in a Tub
For daily use of your jetted tub, it's recommended to clean the jets weekly. If you use it less often, cleaning twice a month should suffice. The cleaning steps are similar to the daily maintenance, with the addition of a household cleaner.
Add a Cleaning Solution
- Fill the tub with hot, clean water, ensuring it's at least two to three inches above the jets.
- Dissolve two teaspoons of a low-sudsing all-purpose cleaner or one dishwasher tablet in a cup of hot water and add it to the tub.
Avoid using dishwashing liquid, as it will create too many bubbles.
Clean and Flush the Jets
- Turn on the jets and let them run for a minimum of 10 minutes, allowing the cleaning solution to break down the buildup inside.
- Drain the tub, refill with cold water above the jets, and run the jets for another 10 minutes to flush out all impurities from the jets and the plumbing system. Finally, drain the tub again, leaving it clean and fresh.
How to Deep Clean Bathtub and Hot Tub Jets
If you maintain regular cleaning, your bathtub and hot tub jets should only need a deep cleaning twice a year. Choose just one of the following deep-cleaning methods. Do not mix chemicals such as ammonia, vinegar, or chlorine bleach, as dangerous fumes may result.
Use Chlorine Bleach
Follow the usual cleaning steps, but in addition to the two teaspoons of ammonia-free all-purpose cleaner, add two and a half cups of liquid chlorine bleach to the hot water. Let the jets run for at least 10 minutes, then drain the tub. Refill with cold water and run the jets for another 10 minutes to flush out any debris before draining the tub again.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
If you prefer not to use chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar is a great alternative. Simply follow the regular cleaning steps, but substitute four cups of distilled white vinegar for the bleach in the cleaning solution. Let the jets run for 10 minutes, then drain the tub. Refill with cold water, run the jets for another 10 minutes, and drain the tub again.
Before using chlorine bleach or distilled white vinegar for deep cleaning, check the user guide or the manufacturer's website for your jetted tub or hot tub. Some brands may void their warranty if these cleaners are used, as they recommend only using cleaning products from their own line.
Use Baking Soda and a Scrub Brush
- Moisten a microfiber cloth and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on it. Wipe the exterior of the jets.
- Dip a damp bottle brush into baking soda and gently scrub inside each jet to remove debris.
- Fill the tub with hot water several inches above the jets and run them for at least 10 minutes. Drain the tub.
- Refill the tub with cold water, run the jets for another 10 minutes to clear away any remaining debris, and drain the tub once more.
Tips to Keep Tub Jets Clean Longer
- After each use, fill the tub with fresh, cold water above the jets and let them run for five to 10 minutes to flush out any debris.
- Avoid using bath oils, bombs, or bubble bath products that can leave behind a sticky residue in the jets, which encourages mold and mildew growth. If you can't give them up, make sure to run a "rinse cycle" after each use and keep up with regular cleaning.
- Be sure to locate and clean the filter in jetted tubs and hot tubs on a monthly basis.
