You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in Your Jetted Bath Tub: Here’s How to Clean It

Is your whirlpool bathtub so dirty that you aren’t sure if you’re soaking or fermenting?

Tub jets and interior pipes can be a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, soap scum, and mineral deposits.

A neglected bathtub may lead to foul odors, poorly performing jets, restricted water flow, and even skin irritation known as ‘hot tub rash’ (Pseudomonas dermatitis).

In this guide, we’ll go over…

• Why the fill-run-rinse cycle is the easiest cleaning method
• Several natural and chemical cleaning agents to choose from
• How to remove and clean the jets
• Advanced strategies like using a wet/dry vacuum or air compressor

Keep reading to learn how to clean a jetted tub!

Strategy #1: The Fill-Run-Rinse Method (Easiest)

The fill-run-rinse strategy is an effective way to clean a jetted tub that requires minimal time and almost no effort.

How It Works

The basics of this cleaning method are to fill your jetted tub with hot water, drop in your choice of cleaning agent, turn on the jets, and allow the water to whirl for 10-15 minutes.

Afterwards, simply drain the tub, and fill it up again with cold water. A second cycle is run with the jets activated in order to flush the cleaning solution and loosened debris.

The main advantage of this strategy is that it requires almost no work, and can be done safely as routine maintenance. Since the water lines are almost impossible to clean manually without removing the entire tub — this is one of the few options to clean it.

Your Choice of Cleaning Agent

There are a variety of cleaning agents homeowners can use ranging from household white vinegar to more expensive professional cleaners. It mostly depends on your preference and whether the cleaning is maintenance or if you need a deep sanitizing clean. [See section below for list of cleaning agents.]

The fill-run-rinse method also helps keep your water jets in tip top shape, improving water flow, and extending the life of the pump motor.

May Need Multiple Cycles

The main disadvantage with this method is if the tub has heavy buildup of grime or mold, it may require multiple cycles with a stronger cleaning agent to effectively clean it.

It can also be time-consuming when you factor in the time to repeatedly fill and drain the tub. This strategy won’t likely clean all the gunk on the jets themselves and will likely need to be removed and brushed clean (see strategy #2).

7 Steps For The Fill-Run-Rinse Method

1. Fill The Bathtub: Use HOT water and fill the tub 2-3 inches above the highest jet.
2. Add Cleaning Agent: Pick a cleaning agent that is low sudsing and tailored for either maintenance or a deep clean. (See list of options below).
3. Run The Jets: Turn on the jets and allow it to run for at least 10-15 minutes.
4. Drain The Tub: Turn off the jets, and allow all the water drain out
5. Refill: Fill the tub back up using COLD water, at least a few inches above the highest jet.
6. Run Jets 2nd Time: Turn on the jets a second time, allow them to run again for 10-15 minutes.
7. Drain: Drain the tub and wipe any surfaces that still have debris.

Cleaning Agent #1: White Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective, non-toxic, and time-tested cleaning agent commonly used in the fill-run-rinse method.

The active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid which is around 5% in volume, but stronger white vinegars can be purchased with up to 30% for a stronger punch.

For more natural and chemical cleaning tips, check out our guide on 10 ways to clean a washing machine.

Vinegar will break down soap scum, slime, mineral deposits. It even works as a mild disinfectant for bacteria and viruses, but I recommend bleach or detergent if you need a more serious disinfection.

Vinegar is safe for acrylic and fiberglass tubs, skin, and septic systems. White vinegar is also dirt cheap, especially if you buy in bulk or purchase it online.

Optional: Mix With Baking Soda

Vinegar and 1-2 cups of baking soda will produce a fizzy reaction and can make the cleaning cycle even stronger. Baking soda also can work with vinegar to enhance its odor eliminating properties.

• How Much: Use 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar. For higher concentrate vinegar (20%+ acetic acid), use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar.
• How Often: Use once a month for maintenance.

Cleaning Agent #2: Dishwasher Detergent

Dishwasher detergent pods are a widely available cleaning solution that effectively breaks down biofilm, grease, and residue in your jetted tub.

Since it is low foaming and safe for fiberglass and acrylic — it is ideal for use in a bathtub.

Only Use One Ingredient Pod/Powder (Avoid Liquid)

However, be careful to avoid detergents that contain bleach, abrasive powder (dual layer tabs), scent booster pods, or pods with rinse-layers. These specialty detergents can damage your tub over time or leave behind a slippery residue that increases the risk of slipping.

Just use single-ingredient pod or powder detergent that is low-sudsing — without any special ingredients added. I recommend avoiding liquid detergents since they can produce too much suds which may overflow or leave behind residue.

• How Much: Equivalent to one dose as per instructions (as if used for dishwasher).
• How Often: Every 1-3 months.

Cleaning Agent #3: Commercial Jetted Tub Cleaner

Commercial jetted tub cleaners are powerful and specially formulated for cleaning jetted tubs. Even though these cleaners have harsher chemicals, they tend to work better and faster.

Pro Tub Cleaners Are All-Inclusive

Pro tub cleaners also typically contain disinfectants to kill any microbes in your tub that non-toxic methods like vinegar don’t really do. In addition to disinfectants, pro tub cleaners contain degreasers and descalers in a single formula.

The downside is the cost as opposed to more natural cleaners and you will need to run a thorough rinse cycle to flush out any of the chemicals.

• How Much: One dose per instructions.
• How Often: Once a month or as directed on label.

Cleaning Agent #4: Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural, versatile cleaner that homeowners can safely use to clean their jetted tub.

It’s a safe, non-toxic, and natural deodorizer that is safe for acrylic and fiberglass tubs. The natural alkalinity helps eliminate odors, break down grime, and loosen mold and mildew.

Baking soda can work even better if you combine it with white vinegar which creates a fizzy reaction. If you want a regular and safe non-toxic way to clean your tub, baking soda is a good option.

• How Much: 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda per full tub.
• How Often: Every 1-2 months.

To tackle odors in the kitchen, read our article on the best way to clean a garbage disposal.

Cleaning Agent #5: Bleach

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that kills mold, bacteria, and mildew hidden inside your jetted tub.

Since it is an oxidizer, it quickly breaks down biofilms and foul odors. It’s good for heavily neglected bathtubs — or tubs that haven’t been used in a while.

Potential Damage if Overused

Just be cautious with bleach because it can degrade rubber seals/parts so it should be used sparingly — perhaps a few times each year. It’s also essential to run a thorough rinse cycle to avoid damage to the tub and skin irritation.

Don’t ever combine bleach with other cleaners, such as vinegar or ammonia, since the reaction can create toxic fumes.

Bleach also is NOT very effective for grime and soap scum so you may want to run a separate cycle with another cleaning agent like dish detergent. It’s possible that even detergent contains ammonia so don’t ever mix it with bleach.

• How Much: Use about 1/2 to 1 cup of regular liquid bleach per full tub.
• How Often: Don’t use more than every 3-4 months.

Cleaning Agent #6: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, a powerful and multi-purpose cleaner you may already have at home, is an excellent option for disinfecting and deodorizing your jetted tub.

It’s oxidizing quality breaks down the cell walls of mold, mildew, and biofilm.

Hydrogen peroxide can also stop odors without the harsh fumes that you get with bleach. This disinfectant is also gentler on your jetted tub than bleach, and can be used more often such as for regular maintenance.

Just use the standard 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide which is safe for acrylic and fiberglass tubs.

• How Much: Use 1-2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
• How Often: Once a month.

Strategy #2: Manually Cleaning The Jets

Physically cleaning the tub jets is a nice method to remove buildup that the fill-run-rinse strategy may not fully address. The jets frequently get encased with mold, soap scum, and mildew.

How To Remove Them

The idea is the remove the jets by turning counterclockwise on the circular cover. There may also be a screw or two that needs to be loosened.

After the cover is removed, you can typically remove the jets by turning counterclockwise or just pulling it out if it snaps in place. Once the jet is out, you can use a toothbrush with some dish soap or other cleaner to scrub off any mold and grime.

WARNING: Not all internal jets are removable, so check the manual if possible.

The nice thing about scrubbing the jets is that it not only cleans them, but it will likely help improve water flow and jet performance.

A lot of Work But Can Be Worth It

The main downside of brushing the jets clean is that it can be a lot of effort and take way more time than the fill-run-rinse method. Additionally, if your jets aren’t removable, you’ll need to clean them in place, which can be challenging.

There is also the possibility of damaging the jets or covers when you try to remove them.

8 Steps To Physically Cleaning Internal Jets

1. Turn Off Power: Flip the breaker off to the bathtub to avoid the jets accidentally turning on.
2. Drain Tub: Make sure the tub and jets are dry before starting.
3. Remove Jet Covers: Unscrew circular covers by turning counterclockwise. You may need to pop them off with a flathead screwdriver. Verify removal procedure with brand manual if available.
4. Remove Jets: Pull out the jets by turning counterclockwise or pulling it straight out. Not all jets can be removed however, check with manual.
5. Soak Covers & Jets: To make them easier to clean, soak the covers and jets in warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar, water, and a squirt of dish soap. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes.
6. Scrub It: After soaking, use an old toothbrush or other type of brush to scrub it clean.
7. Reinstall: Install the jets and covers.
8. Rinse Cycle: Fill the tub with water above the jets and run a cycle to flush any loosened debris.

Strategy #3: Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, it can be a useful complement to the fill-run-rinse method for more effectively removing built-up gunk and debris.

Why It Works

Jetted tubs often have one or two partially clogged or non-functioning jet lines that trap water, leading to mold, mildew, and debris buildup.

A wet/dry vacuum is simply attached to the jet nozzle while it sucks out debris that the fill-run-rinse method hopefully loosened. If you still have foul smells or particles in the water after the fill-run-rinse method — a wet-dry vacuum can help remove lingering gunk.

You can use this strategy for air jets as well if your tub has them but you will likely need two different sized hoses.

Find Hose Adapter That Fits

You will need to find a flexible hose that can fit over the jet nozzle, likely a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch hose which will attach to the wet/dry vacuum with a universal adapter or rubber nozzle.

Make sure your wet/dry vacuum is set to wet mode and that the internal filter is removed to avoid damage. I recommend doing the fill-run-rinse strategy first with your choice of cleaning agent to loosen trapped particles in the jet lines.

Downsides

The main downside of this method is that you need a wet/dry vacuum and the amount of work possibly involved. It may also make a mess with splashed water if the seal on the tub jet isn’t strong with the vacuum hose.

You may also not be able to reach deep into the water lines and it is likely more effective for gunk near the jet opening.

6 Steps To Using A Wet/Dry Vacuum

1. Turn Off Power: Flip the breaker to the bathtub to be sure the jets don’t activate during the vacuuming.
2. Prepare Vacuum: Make sure vacuum is set to wet, the internal filter is removed, and that the tank is empty.
3. Connect Hose: Attach a properly sized hose to the tub jet and connect it to the vacuum using a universal adapter. Alternately, you can try using a rag to create a tight seal if you don’t have a hose that fits.
4. Run Vacuum: Turn on the wet/dry vac for about 15-seconds to remove any debris in the jet line. Repeat steps for each jet line.
5. Check Vacuum Tank: Open up the wet/dry vacuum and see if there is any visible debris that was sucked out.
6. Run Rinse Cycle: Fill up bathtub and let it run for 10-15 minutes to flush out any loosed particles or mold.

Humidity and mold can also affect bathroom fans — our 9-step guide on how to clean bathroom fans can help keep your whole bathroom fresh.

Strategy #4: Compressed Air Flush

If you own an air compressor, using pressurized air to blow through each water and air jet can be a highly effective supplement to the standard fill-run-rinse method.

Stronger Than Wet/Dry Vac

The strategy is similar to using a wet/dry vacuum except for the fact that you use compressed air which can be more powerful. The short air bursts of an air compressor can dislodge debris that a wet/dry vacuum may not be able to loosen.

You will need to use a hose adapter that can go over each water jet (and optionally each air jet), likely a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch internal diameter.

Risks of Tub Damage

There is definitely a risk when using an air compressor since it could damage tub components. It’s essential to use a safe pressure — below 40-psi — to minimize the possibility of damaging any internal parts or seals.

If you have a tub that is less than 5-years old, you may also be voiding the warranty by using an air compressor, so you may want to check that out.

Another obvious downside is that if you don’t have an air compressor, you will have to buy or rent an air compressor which adds to the cost.

7 Steps To Using Compressed Air

1. Turn Off Tub: Flip the breaker to the jetted tub to be sure the jets don’t activate.
2. Drain And Dry: Make sure the bathtub is drained and wait for the jet lines to dry out.
3. Prepare Compressor: Use a rubber-tipped nozzle and correctly sized hose(s) that fits over the water and/or air jets. Set compressor to 30-40 psi, start at a lower psi before raising it but don’t go past 40-psi.
4. Connect Hose: Attach the hose to a water or air jet and make sure it seals well.
5. Turn On Compressor: Use a short burst of air of 2-5 seconds to blow out debris. Observe any particles or gunk that get blown out through adjacent jets.
6. Repeat For All Jets: Repeat the steps for each water jet (and air jet if available).
7. Run Rinse Cycle: Fill up the bathtub and run the jets for 10-15 minutes to clear out any loosed debris.

Final Thoughts

Regularly cleaning your jetted tub will help prevent restricted water flow, dirty jets, mold, scale, and other problems. Fortunately, the fill-run-rinse method is super simple and can be done monthly as routine maintenance.

Periodically removing and brushing clean the jets may also be needed since these are hot spots for mold and biofilms.

If you have a very dirty tub or it’s been neglected/unused for a long time, you may want to consider using advanced strategies like a wet/dry vacuum or air compressor.

I hope you enjoyed this guide by TimberSill, leave us a question below about cleaning your jetted tub or share your experience!