Soaking in a jetted or hot bathtub is a luxurious experience. Jetted bathtubs have many benefits, they increase blood flow throughout the body, relieve sore muscles and joints, and a long soak is the perfect way to relieve stress. However, the feeling is not so relaxing when you start to think about all the dirt that can build up in the jets. After each soak, dirt from your body and bath products can lurk in the jets and become food for mold and bacteria to grow. Luckily, you can solve the problem in jetted and hot bathtubs with some household cleaning products that you probably already own. Whether you're buying a new home with a jetted bathtub or considering installing a jetted bathtub in your new spa-like bathroom, always remember that even if you don't see the dirt, you should consider cleaning this part of your bathroom at least once a month.
What You Need to Prepare Before Cleaning Jetted Bathtub
- Baking Soda
- Bottle Brush
- Microfiber Cloth
- Chlorine Bleach
- Dishwasher Cleaner
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Distilled White Vinegar
Daily Cleaning of Bathtub Jets
If you use your jetted bathtub every day, then you should perform a daily cleaning once a week. For those who use it less frequently, clean the jets twice a month. The process is much the same as routine maintenance, but with the addition of a household cleaning product.
Step 1: Add Cleaning Solution
Fill the bathtub with clean, hot water at a level at least two to three inches above the top jets.
Add two teaspoons of low-foaming multipurpose cleaner or dishwasher detergent to one cup of hot water.
Tips: Do not use dishwashing detergent, as it will create too many suds.
Step 2: Clean and Rinse Nozzle
Turn on the nozzle and let it run for at least 10 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to remove trapped buildup.
Empty the bathtub and refill with cold water above the top of the nozzle. Turn the jets on and let them run for a further 10 minutes to rinse everything out of the jets and internal pipes. Empty the freshly cleaned jetted bathtub.
How to Deep Clean Bathtub Jets
The jets in your bathtub only need to be deep cleaned twice a year if you clean frequently. Select just one of these techniques for thorough cleaning. Ammonia, vinegar, and chlorine bleach should never be mixed together because this could produce harmful fumes.
Step 1: Using Chlorine Bleach
Follow the same steps recommended for regular cleaning—but in addition to two teaspoons of ammonia-free multipurpose cleaner, add two and a half cups of liquid chlorine bleach to hot water. Run the nozzle for at least 10 minutes, empty the bathtub, refill with cold water, run the nozzle for another 10 minutes to rinse off the dirt, and then empty the bathtub again.
Step 2: Use Distilled White Vinegar
If you don't like the idea of using chlorine bleach, you can opt for distilled white vinegar. Follow the regular cleaning steps above, but add four cups of distilled white vinegar to the cleaning solution (instead of bleach). Run the nozzle for 10 minutes to empty the bathtub. Then, refill with cold water and run the nozzle for another 10 minutes to empty the bathtub.
Warning: Before using chlorine bleach or distilled white vinegar to deep clean the jets, check the user guide for your jetted or hot bathtub or the manufacturer's website. Use of these cleaners may void the warranty of some brands that recommend using only the cleaning products in their product line.
Step 3: Using Baking Soda and a Brush
- Dust a microfiber cloth with a little baking soda after moistening it. Give the nozzle's outside a wipe.
- Dip a wet bottle brush into the baking soda and insert it into each nozzle to scrub away debris.
- Fill the bathtub with hot water a few inches above the nozzles and let the nozzles run for at least 10 minutes. Empty the bathtub.
- Fill the bathtub with cold water, run the nozzles for 10 minutes to flush away debris, then empty the bathtub.
How to Keep Bathtub Jets Cleaner for Longer
Replace with Fresh Water After Each Use
Simply rinse your system after use to reduce dirt buildup. With just a few simple steps, you can reduce the appearance of debris and crumbs the next time you take a bath.
- Drain all water that has soaked in the bathtub.
- Refill with clean, cold water. Make sure the water level is 2 to 3 inches above the nozzle.
- Run the nozzle for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finally, drain the water.
It's a good habit to get into every time you use your bathtub.
Avoid Essential Oils
A little aromatherapy essential oil in the bathtub can be a soothing and enjoyable experience, but bubbles and essential oils can lead to more buildup in the jets. Occasionally, it's wonderful to add baby oil or bubble bath to the water.
Generally, you should not use essential oils, salts, or bubbles in a jetted bathtub because these products can damage your pump. In fact, some manufacturers recommend that you never use these products, so check your manual to find out which products are allowed in your bathtub.
You may be able to use bubbles in an air-jetted bathtub, but the churning of the water in an air bathtub creates more bubbles than in a still-water bathtub and can make a mess in your bathroom. Some bathtubs can use laxative salts, so there are other relaxing options besides essential oils and bubble baths.
Keep in mind that using bath products may mean you have to do some extra cleaning, even if the manufacturer's standards allow it. If you do want to use some of these products, be prepared to deep clean after your soak. Clean immediately after getting dirty so it's easier to remove dirt from the nozzle.
Light Cleaning
Depending on how regularly you use your bathtub, you may need to conduct a light cleaning once a week if you use it daily, or you may be able to do it once a month if you use it less frequently.
To lightly clean a jetted bathtub:
- Make sure the waterline is two to three inches above the jets when you fill the bathtub with hot water.
- Add two teaspoons of low-foaming sanitizer or a detergent or laundry detergent that produces a small amount of foam.
- Run the jets for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the cleaner to really get into the nozzle.
- Pour off the cleaning solution and refill with cool, fresh water. Again, make sure the waterline is at least three inches above the nozzle.
- Run the nozzle for another 10 minutes to rinse the cleaner out of the bathtub's pipes and nozzles.
This simple, low-impact cleaning technique should be used most often, but keep in mind that it does use a lot of water and energy.
Use a Greener Alternative
The most eco-friendly cleaning solution is not bleach. White vinegar is an alternative to bleach. Although it is better for the environment and safer for jet parts, it has a similar cleaning effect. Check your owner's manual again before using white vinegar, as usual.
Add Bleach for a Deep Clean
Have you missed a few light cleanings? Are you trying to get a used jetted bathtub ready for a soak? Sometimes a deep clean may be necessary. In fact, you should consider replacing a light cleaning with a deep cleaning three to four times a year, depending on how often you use your bathtub. This will help kill any bacteria that is growing.
The steps for deep cleaning are very similar to light cleaning. The biggest difference is that you add two and a half cups of household bleach in addition to two teaspoons of low-sudsing detergent. Turn on the jets for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain them. When dealing with bleach, it's important to put a bucket of clean water in, then drain the bathtub and rinse it thoroughly after ten minutes.
Some manufacturers recommend that you do not use bleach because it can dry out the bathtub's internal gasket. In this case, you can use a cleaner designed for jetted bathtubs or follow the instructions in the owner's manual. In some extreme cases, bleach may still be necessary. Simply use it with caution. Whichever type of deep cleaner you use, don't forget to fill the bathtub with cold water and turn the jets on again to rinse the solution.
Cleaning by Hand
Sometimes it may not be enough to just run a cleaning solution through the pipes. Here are three ways to clean your bathtub jets by hand:
- After cleaning, wipe around the jets with a soft, clean rag. This helps remove dirt and removes excess cleaner from the jets.
- Use a bottle brush and soft cloth to clean the jet mechanism. This allows you to access the spray head to remove dirt buildup.
- Carefully clean the back of the spray head cover with dental floss. Dust and dirt can get stuck behind the cap, but fine dental floss will allow you to reach some of the spaces that a rag may have missed.
You may want to incorporate these manual cleaning methods into your daily deep cleaning routine.
Hire a Professional
Sometimes it may be necessary to hire a professional cleaning team. This is especially true if you purchased a house that already had a jetted bathtub. If it is not well cared for, the entire plumbing system can become caked with bacteria and soap scum. A professional jetted bathtub cleaner can perform a deep clean for you. After the initial cleaning, you can begin to perform regular light and deep cleanings to keep the bathtub in good shape.
Before you begin cleaning your bathtub jets, you should read through the manufacturer's manual, if available. This can help you determine the type of cleaner that will work for your specific model. It may even have other helpful tips that you can use to keep the unit in top condition.
FAQs
How often should I clean my bathtub jets?
For routine maintenance, a quick flush with clean water after each use is ideal. A deep clean with a cleaning solution is recommended every 1-2 months for regular use. If you use the tub frequently or have hard water, you may need to clean it monthly to prevent buildup and bacterial growth.
Can I use vinegar to clean my jetted bathtub?
Yes, white vinegar is a common and effective natural cleaner for breaking down mineral deposits. However, for a thorough clean, we recommend using a specialized jetted tub cleaner for the most effective and residue-free results.
What is the best homemade solution for cleaning bathtub jets?
A mixture of dish soap and warm water is a safe starting point for a light clean. For disinfecting, a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water can be effective. However, for persistent biofilm and mineral scale, a commercial cleaner designed specifically for jet systems is more reliable at breaking down the complex residues that homemade solutions can miss.
How long should I run the jets during the cleaning cycle?
It is crucial to run the jets for a full 10-15 minutes. This ensures the cleaning solution circulates through the entire plumbing system, reaching all internal components and effectively breaking down oil, soap scum, and biofilm. A shorter cycle may not clean the entire system thoroughly.
Why is there a foul smell coming from my bathtub jets?
A foul odor typically indicates the presence of biofilm—a slimy layer of bacteria and fungi—inside the jet system. This occurs when organic residue from bath oils, skin cells, and soap combines with stagnant water in the pipes. A comprehensive cleaning with a disinfecting jet cleaner is necessary to eliminate this smell at its source.
What should I do if I haven't cleaned my jets in a long time?
For a severely neglected system, you may need to perform a double-cleaning cycle. First, use a descaling solution to tackle hard water minerals, then follow up with a disinfecting cleaner to address organic buildup and biofilm. Let each solution sit in the system for 20-30 minutes before running the jets to loosen stubborn grime.
Is it safe to use bleach or other household cleaners in my jetted tub?
No, it is not recommended. Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the jet seals, gaskets, and internal components of the pump. They can also create strong fumes and are difficult to rinse completely from the system, posing a potential skin irritation risk. Always use cleaners specifically formulated for jetted bathtubs.
How can I prevent my bathtub jets from getting dirty so quickly?
The best prevention is a consistent routine. Always rinse the jets with clean water for 2-3 minutes after each use to flush out residue. Avoid using excessive bath oils, and perform a deep clean with a jet-system cleaner on a regular monthly schedule to prevent buildup before it starts.
