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How to Clean Bathtub Jets: A Comprehensive Guide
Daily Maintenance
After every use, flush the bathtub jets thoroughly with clean water, especially if you’ve added bath oils. This simple step takes only a few minutes but is crucial for preventing buildup. Drain the tub, refill it with cold water to a depth of two to three inches above the jets, turn them on for five to 10 minutes, then turn them off and drain the tub again.
Light Cleaning
If you use your tub daily, perform a light cleaning of the jets every week. For occasional users, a light cleaning twice a month is sufficient.
- Fill the tub with hot water, ensuring the water level is at least two to three inches above the jets.
- Add two teaspoons of a low-foaming all-purpose cleaner or dissolve a dishwasher tablet in one cup of hot water and add it to the tub.
- Turn on the jets and let them run for at least 10 minutes, allowing the cleaner to circulate and remove buildup.
- Turn off the jets, drain the water, refill the tub with cold water to a depth of at least three inches above the jets, and run the jets for another 10 minutes to flush out any remaining cleaner.
Deep Cleaning
Twice a year, give your bathtub jets a deep clean to remove bacteria, debris, bath product residue, mold, and mildew. Choose one of the following methods:
- Chlorine Bleach Method: Follow the steps for light cleaning, but add two and one-half cups of liquid chlorine bleach to the hot water. Run the jets for 10 minutes, drain the bleach solution, and refill and drain the tub again to flush everything out.
- Baking Soda Method: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a small amount of baking soda and wipe around the jets. Then, use a damp bottle brush dipped in baking soda to clean the inside of the jet mechanism.
- Distilled White Vinegar Method: Add one quart (four cups) of distilled white vinegar to the hot water in addition to the household cleaner. Never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach, as it can create toxic fumes.
Additional Tips for Keeping Tub Jets Clean
- Maintain daily maintenance and regular cleanings to prevent buildup.
- Run fresh water through the jets after every use, if possible.
- Avoid using bath oils and bubble baths that leave residue, as they can promote mold and mildew growth. If you do use them, be sure to rinse and drain the jets thoroughly.
- Consult the jetted tub’s user guide or manufacturer’s website before using chlorine bleach or distilled white vinegar to deep clean the jets, as some brands may discourage their use.
