Many spaces in the home do double-duty. The living room is easily converted into a study lounge, and the kitchen quickly becomes a salon (remember bowl cuts?). One feature in your home that has one specific use is the jetted tub. Often forgotten or ignored, this effervescent oasis can be easily revived with our cleaning guide, formed with help from home improvement legend Bob Vila.
Assemble the supplies
Before we get started, make sure you’ve got the following items ready, and consult your manual to make sure you’ve got all the info you need:
- Baking soda (amount depends on time since last cleaning; start with a 1-lb. box)
- Bleach OR vinegar (1/2 cup or 2 cups, respectively—not both!)
- Bucket
- Cotton rags
- Dental floss
- Dishwashing detergent (1/2 oz., powder or liquid; use if cleaning with bleach)
- Measuring cup
- Toothbrush
Load it up
Remove any hair and larger debris from the tub before filling it with water a couple inches past the highest jet. If your tub hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you may use hot water.
Vinegar option: Add 2 cups to the filled tub.
Bleach option: Add bleach and dishwashing detergent to the filled tub.
*If you’re unsure which option to choose, vinegar tends to be less abrasive and is considered safer.*
Valves off to blast off
It’s almost time to activate the jets! But first, turn off the air induction valves (unless your manual says otherwise). When the valves are closed, the circulation of water is more concentrated, which allows your tub to get a deeper clean. Either way, keep the jets on high for 10-15 minutes, or until debris stops getting flushed into the tub.
Get the gunk out
Drain your tub and say your goodbyes to all the lil’ nasties that were lurking in the shadows. Use the bucket to rinse the walls of the tub more easily. Fill and run the tub as above once more—this time, without any vinegar, bleach, or detergent. Drain again.
Tender scrubbing care
Now, it’s time for a little elbow grease. Cover the basin of your tub with baking soda and wait a few minutes before using a damp cotton rag to lift remaining film, mold, mildew, and stains. You can clean the drain and faucet with the rag and baking soda, too—just be sure not to be too rough. Many jetted tubs are made of acrylic, which can be gouged or scratched if they’re scrubbed hard enough.
Just the jets
Your tub may already start to look like it has that showroom shine, but we’re not done yet—the jets need some special attention. Use your cleaning toothbrush to scrub the dirt off the jet nozzles and their surrounding trim. If you can’t get to the grime with your toothbrush, grab a length of dental floss to reach it more easily. Don’t forget the air intake cover!
Cleaning the air intake cover: Unscrew it, get it semi-soapy with baking soda, scrub it with your toothbrush, rinse and replace the cover.
Rinse and enjoy
Rinse the tub one last time, and your tub will officially be clean and ready for soaking! With these easy tips, enjoying your jetted tub can now become part of your routine. Cleaning it once a month to once a quarter can keep your in-home haven sparkling and relaxation-ready for whenever the moment strikes.
Call 888.351.3681 or visit APHW.COM for more information on how to get your tub and several other items in your home covered against unexpected expenses today.