Nothing beats taking a soothing bath only to be greeted by water flecked with black specks, hair, and who knows what else. Unfortunately, if you possess a jetted bathtub, you may be familiar with this, as the nooks of the jets tend to collect filth that is difficult to clean by hand. Detailed below is how to clean a jetted tub using common home items.
Every jetted tub brand is a little different. Before cleaning the jets for the first time, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions. For example, some brands advise closing the air valve controls during cleaning a jetted tub, while others advise leaving them open. Check online or call the manufacturer's customer care number if you can't find your installation manual.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jetted Tub?
If you use your jetted tub regularly, you should clean the jets at least once a month. In addition, the tub should be carefully cleaned at least once a week to remove body filth and bacteria. This plan is adjusted based on how frequently you use your tub. If you use your tub frequently, you may discover that cleaning it every few weeks is necessary.
If you only use your tub occasionally, you may only need to clean it every few months. So how do you determine if you need to clean your tub after a few weeks or if you can wait a month or longer if your usage varies? If you want to know if it's time to clean your tub, look for some telltale indicators.
How to Clean a Jetted Tub
What You'll Require
- Automatical liquid or powdered dishwasher detergent
- Distilled white vinegar
- Bottle/toothbrush
- Microfiber cloths
- Measuring cup
- Chlorine bleach
- Baking soda
- Small bowl
- Sponge
- Bucket
Instructions
1. Remove Any Visible Debris
Wipe any visible debris or hair from the rim and inside the tub with a moist sponge or microfiber cloth.
2. Fill the Tub Halfway with Hot Water
Fill the tub with hot water to the point where all jets are covered by about two inches. It's better to fill the tub with hot water if it's been a while since you cleaned it.
3. Incorporate the Cleaning Agents
When the tub is filled, you have a few cleaning alternatives. As always, read the manufacturer's instructions first. The first option is to add two cups of vinegar to the water. Vinegar dissolves debris effectively due to its acidity, but unlike many professional cleaning agents, it does so without causing damage to tub components.
Alternatively, add two tablespoons of powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent to the water. If you're using a dishwasher tablet, dissolve it in a cup of hot water before putting it in the tub. Add two cups distilled white vinegar or one-half cup liquid chlorine bleach after that.
When distilled vinegar and chlorine bleach are mixed, it can result in harmful chlorine gas emissions. As a result, some manufacturers do not recommend bleach, which can dry out gaskets over time. Alternatively, you can buy one of the many commercial cleaning chemicals designed exclusively for jetted tubs and follow the instructions on the package.
4. Activate the Jets
Please turn off the air-induction valves to the jets unless the manufacturer of your tub specifically recommends leaving them open. It forces the water and cleaning solution to circulate only through the tub's internal plumbing, resulting in a deeper cleaning. Run the jets on high for 10 to 15 minutes or until debris from the internal plumbing stops washing into the tub water.
5. Drain the Tub
Drain the tub of water and cleaning solution and turn off the jets. Wipe away any debris sticking to the tub with a sponge or clean rag.
6. Fill the Tub with Water
Fill the tub with warm water/ cold water to a level several inches above the jets a second time.
7. Activate the Jets
Turn the jets on high and let them run for another 15 minutes with the air-induction valves open to get rid of any remaining filth. Then, drain the warm/cold water from the tub and turn off the jets.
8. Use a Toothbrush to Clean the Jets
It's time to clean out the dirt and bacteria that may have gotten stuck in and around the water jets. In a small bowl or measuring cup, pour about one cup of baking soda. Dip an old toothbrush or a little bottle brush in dry baking soda.
Scrub the jet nozzles and the curved trim around them gently with a toothbrush that you only use for cleaning. If you can't reach a nozzle with your toothbrush, try dislodging it with a piece of dental floss. Next, clean the internal surfaces of each jet with the brush.
9. Remove the Air Intake Cover and Clean It
Remove the air-intake control cover and clean the affected area with wet baking soda. Remove any residue with a damp sponge, then rinse and return the lid.
10. Gently Scrub the Tub's Interior with Baking Soda
It's time for some good ol' scrubbing. Unfortunately, there is no one who has figured out how to clean a jetted tub in a completely hands-off way. Take a soft cloth and some baking soda. On the inside of the tub, sprinkle dry baking soda, let it remain for a few minutes, and then scrub away the filth with a soft, wet cloth.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive cleaner that will remove soap scum, mold, mildew, and filth without harming the tub's enamel. First, clean all internal surfaces with a moist sponge or soft cloth. Baking soda is also used on the faucet and drain, which is convenient.
While you're scrubbing, try not to scrub too hard. Most whirlpool tubs are acrylic, a material that can be scratched or gouged if not handled carefully.
11. Rinsing and Drying
After you've scrubbed all of the tub's surfaces, rinse away the baking soda with a bucket. Next, wipe out the tub's interior with a dry microfiber towel to avoid water spots. Finally, take a nice, relaxing soak now that your tub is gleaming clean.
Finally, you've completed your task! Reward yourself with a leisurely soak; after all, you've earned it. But keep in mind that a once-in-a-blue-moon cleaning won't be enough if you want to get the most out of your jetted tub.
You might get away with cleaning your tub four times a year if you only use it once or twice a year. However, if you take baths frequently, repeat the process at least once a month. In addition, you should expect the process to go considerably more quickly the next time you clean a jetted tub now that you know how to clean a jetted tub.
12. Bio cleaners
Try a bio cleanser if you don't like white vinegar or have an allergy to it. A bio cleanser is a cleaner that is safe for the environment, non-toxic, and can remove germs, dead skin, mildew, and other muck from the pipes in the hot tub.
13. Make a Professional Hire
It may be necessary to employ a professional cleaning crew on occasion. It is especially true if you purchase a home that already has a jetted tub. Bacteria and soap scum might be caked throughout the tube system if it isn't properly maintained.
A skilled jetted tub cleaner will be able to give your tub a deep clean. You can start doing frequent light, and thorough cleans after the initial clean to keep your tub in top shape.
How to Keep a Jetted Tub Clean for a Longer Time
- If possible, it should be cleaned before and after each usage.
- Regular cleaning will keep the jets in good working order once the jets have been cleaned. It's best to do it before the black and brown flakes appear. Because these baths have difficulty emptying, they do not clean as well as a standard tub.
- It's wonderful to add baby oil or bubble bath to your jet tub now and again. However, avoid bath oils and bubble baths since they leave residue in the jets that can attract mold and mildew.
- Using oil-free products and bath salts is an excellent idea, and this should help. Epsom salts can be used in some tubs, so they're a relaxing alternative to oils and bubble baths.
- Even if the manufacturer permits it, utilizing bath products may necessitate additional cleaning. It will be easier to get the muck out of your jets if you clean up the mess as soon as you make it. After each use, rinse with fresh water.
- Never use an abrasive cleaning on the tub since it can leave minute scratches that trap dirt and damage the sheen.
- Use an automotive wax suited for plastics on the tub's walls to restore dull finishes. The tub floor should never be waxed. It is a potential tripping danger.
When is it Time to Clean a Jetted Tub?
1. Visible Dirt and Grime
Product buildup, greasy residue and filth tend to accumulate in all tubs. So when your tub appears to be dirty on the outside, you know it's time to wipe it down and clean it up. Jetted tubs are no exception, especially if they are your home's main tub.
Even though you do not need to do a sophisticated cleaning technique in this instance, you will be aware that it is time to clean your jetted tub.
2. Dirty Jets
The buildup from your body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath does not just harm the tub's surface in a jetted tub. Jets are prone to dirt because they supply water to your tub.
If you don't clean a jetted tub for an extended period, the jets will spit black filth into your tub when you turn it on. If you switch on your tub and see black sludge flowing from the jets, it's time to clean it. It necessitates a thorough cleaning of your tub and jets.
3. Cloudy Water
When you fill your jetted tub with water, it should be transparent enough that you can see the bottom. If the water in your tub is hazy, discolored, or otherwise feels dirty, it's time to clean it. Dirty water signals that your tub requires more than a surface clean because it comes from the pipes inside it. It is also a good opportunity to clean drains, faucets, and jets thoroughly.
Jets in a jetted tub swirl the water, making it turbulent. Therefore, it may be difficult to discern if the water is foggy or unclear due to the movement of the water. If this is the case, you should test your bathtub without turning on the jets, especially if it has been a long time since it has been cleaned.
4. Skin Irritation and Infections
Public hot tubs and spas have a bad reputation for bacterium and germ breeding grounds. Because of this, bacteria, infections and rashes are prevalent after using a public hot tub. However, your risk of contracting these illnesses is minimized because you are not sharing your home jacuzzi with others.
However, it would be best not to become unconcerned about cleaning your tub. While carrying germs and bacteria into jacuzzi tubs is a common source of infection, it isn't the only one. Bacteria accumulation in the jets of your jetted tub is also to blame for severe diseases.
If you get new skin irritation, rash, or infection after using your jacuzzi, it's possible that the bacteria causing the discomfort is being harbored by your jets. Any hazardous germs living in your jets will be killed and eliminated by thoroughly cleaning your jetted tub both inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the Best Jetted Tub Cleaner?
A homemade cleaning prepared with baking soda and vinegar is the safest for your tub and is just as effective as any store-bought cleaner. Dishwashing liquid soap and bleach are other common options.
If you prefer store-bought cleaners, there are numerous solutions created expressly for jetted tubs. Oh Yuk is an example of a product meant to break down the buildup seen in the jets of a bathtub.
- THE MOST EFFECTIVE JETTED TUB CLEANER - Oh Yuk's jetted tub cleaner is...
- SCIENTIFICALLY ENGINEERED to remove dirty soap build-up, bath and body...
- 15 MINUTES PER CLEANING - Cleans your tub in just 15 minutes: just run...
- LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTED TO PRODUCE RESULTS Our product is...
- FOUR CLEANINGS PER BOTTLE Get up to four cleanings out of one 16 ounce...
2. What is the Black Stuff on My Jacuzzi's Jets?
Mold is the black substance coming out of your jacuzzi jets. When water and residue are left in your tub's pipes between uses, this happens. But have no fear. It is not the same mold that can be harmful to your health if it grows in your house. Humans are not affected by this mold, and it is easy to remove and prevent.
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