3 Tips for Cleaning Bathtub Jets the Right Way

A jetted tub can be both relaxing and rejuvenating, until you realize that the water coming from the jets could be dirtier than you think. If you haven't cleaned the jets since the installation of the tub, it's time to get them cleaned.

There can be some mold and bacteria lurking in the jets. Fortunately, you can take care of the problem with some household cleaning products you have on hand.

Read on for more details on how to keep bathtub jets sparkling clean.

Do Some Daily Maintenance

Tub jets should be flushed well after every use, especially if you have added bath oils or bombs to the water. Daily maintenance takes only minutes but is essential to prevent buildup that will be more difficult to remove later.

Drain the tub of all the water after your bath. Then, refill the tub with clean, cold water deep enough to measure two to three inches above all of the jets. Turn on the jets and allow them to run for five to 10 minutes to flush out trapped impurities and debris. After, turn the jets off and drain the tub.

How to Give Tub Jets a Light Cleaning

Do you use your tub daily? Then it's best to do a light cleaning of the jets every week. Only use it on the weekends, then you can do a light cleaning just twice a month.

The process is much the same as daily maintenance, just add a household cleaning product.

1. Fill the tub with hot water. Have the water level at least 2 to 3 inches above the jets.

2. Add 2 teaspoons of a low-foaming all-purpose cleaner. You can also dissolve a dishwasher tablet in one cup of hot water and add it to the tub.

3. Turn on the jets and let them run for at least 10 minutes. Be sure the cleaner circulates well through the jets to strip away build-up.

4. Turn off the jets and drain the water. Refill the tub with cold, water reaching at least three inches above the jets.

5. Finish with one more flush. Turn on the jets for another 10 minutes to flush out of the tub’s tubing and jets.

How to Give Tub Jets a Deep Clean

At least twice a year, the tub jets should receive a deep cleaning (more often if you don't do daily maintenance or light cleanings). These three methods are sure to strip away bacteria, debris, bath product residue, and even mold or mildew.

Use Chlorine Bleach

Follow the same steps recommended for light cleaning, but in addition to the household cleaner add two and one-half cups of liquid chlorine bleach to the hot water.

Run the jets for 10 minutes and drain the bleach solution. Complete the deep cleaning by refilling the tub with cool water, running the jets for 10 minutes to flush out the bleach, and then draining the tub.

Baking Soda and a Scrub Brush

If the tub jets seem clogged, it's time to use a few tools and some baking soda to clean away the build-up.

Dampen a microfiber cloth and sprinkle it with a small amount of baking soda. Wipe around the jets. then use a damp bottle brush dipped in baking soda to clean the inside of the jet mechanism. Finally, fill the tub with enough cool water to cover the jets and run them for at least 10 minutes to flush away the baking soda and loose grime.

Use Distilled White Vinegar

If you don't like to use chlorine bleach, you can substitute distilled white vinegar in the cleaning solution. Add one quart (four cups) of distilled white vinegar in addition to the household cleaner and water. Never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach as toxic fumes can form.

Tip

Consult the jetted tub's user guide or the manufacturer's website before using chlorine bleach or distilled white vinegar to deep clean the jets. Some brands discourage the use of these cleaners.

Tips to Keep Your Tub Jets Clean

• Once you have the jets cleaned, don't skip daily maintenance and regular cleanings.

• Avoid bath oils and bubble baths that leave residue in the jets that can serve as food for mold and mildew.

Read the original article on The Spruce.