If you have a jetted tub, you are already aware of the incredibly relaxing benefits. After a hard day of work or a stressful week, there is nothing better than soaking in your tub with the jets on. However, if you haven’t cleaned your tub’s jets in a while, you might experience some debris floating in your bath water. That might kill the relaxing vibes on your bath. Here are some tips on cleaning your bathtub jets so you can get back to enjoying your “me time.”
Step 1
Start by wiping any hair or other debris from the basin or rim and fill the tub with hot water until it reaches a couple of inches above the jets. Now, choose your cleaning agent. A few cleaners that are effective on buildup are vinegar, bleach, or dishwashing detergent. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing a cleaning agent. Many don’t approve of bleach because it can dry out the gaskets over time.
Step 2
Next, you want to check with the manufacturer on whether or not to close the air-induction valves. Closing these valves forces the water to circulate through only the internal plumbing, which results in a deeper clean. However, some manufacturers specifically request you not close the air-induction valves. Open or closed, run the jets on high for 10-15 minutes or until you no longer see debris running into the water.
Step 3
Drain the water and repeat step 2. Then drain the water again.
Step 4
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the tub and allow it to sit for several minutes. Use a damp cloth to scrub away the grime. Be aware that some jetted tubs are made of acrylic and can be scratched if handled too roughly. With that being said, scrub gently when cleaning your tub.
Step 5
Lastly, take a toothbrush that you use for cleaning, and gently scrub the nozzles of the jets and the trim around the jets. Remember to also clean the air-intake cover by unscrewing it and giving it a thorough clean and screwing it back into its original position. Next, rinse your tub out with warm water.
Step 6
Enjoy a soak in your newly cleaned tub! You worked hard and you deserve it.
For all of your plumbing questions, contact ASAP Plumbing today at 228-865-2727 or visit www.plumbinggulfportms.com and request a free estimate! We can handle all your plumbing needs including installation, repair, and full water heater replacement.
Why jet cleaning matters more than it seems
The internal lines that feed each jet hold a small amount of water between uses. Over time, that water mixes with body oils, soap residue, hair conditioner, lotion and the natural minerals already in your home’s water. The mix sits in the dark, warm space behind the tub wall, which is exactly the kind of environment where biofilm forms. That’s the gunky black or grey debris that floats out the next time you fire the jets up.
Beyond the visual, that buildup also restricts flow and puts extra strain on the pump motor. A jet system that’s been cleaned regularly works at full pressure for years. One that hasn’t can lose enough flow that the soak isn’t even relaxing anymore, and a pump replacement gets expensive in a hurry.
How often to clean
The right schedule depends on how often the tub is used. A reasonable rule of thumb:
- Once a month if you use the tub a few times a week
- Every two to three months if you use it less often
- Right away if you’ve added bath oil, bath salts or bubble bath, since those leave heavier residue
- Before any guest arrives if the tub hasn’t been used in months and the water has been sitting
If a long stretch goes by without cleaning, expect a dirtier-looking first cycle. Two passes back to back will usually clear it.
Choosing the right cleaner
The cleaner you reach for matters. White vinegar is the safest broad-purpose option. It cuts through soap scum and biofilm without damaging gaskets. Two cups in a full tub of hot water is plenty for a routine clean. For tougher buildup, a teaspoon of low-suds dishwasher detergent added to the same hot water gives the cleaner more bite.
Bleach is effective but harder on the system. If the manufacturer allows it and you decide to use it, keep the dilution low and don’t repeat it more than once or twice a year. Stay away from creamy cleansers, abrasive powders or anything labeled for tile and grout. Those are made to scrub and can scratch the acrylic surface.
A few habits that keep the tub cleaner between deep cleans
Small habits stretch the time between deep cleans:
- Run the jets in clear water for 10-15 minutes after every soak that included bath oil or bubble bath
- Wipe the rim and the area around the jets dry after each use
- Rinse the tub itself with the showerhead before you fill it, so any household dust or hair gets carried out
- Keep the air-intake cover unscrewed and clean every couple of months
- Don’t leave standing water in the tub overnight
Hard water on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Water on the Gulf Coast tends to carry more minerals than water in many other parts of the country. Calcium and magnesium leave a chalky residue inside the jet lines that’s separate from the soap and oil buildup. If you’ve ever cleaned your tub thoroughly and still had white flecks come out the next time, hard water is usually the reason.
For homes in Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis, an extra vinegar cycle every few months helps keep mineral buildup in check. If you have a whole-home water softener, the jets need cleaning less often. If you don’t, plan on cleaning a little more frequently than the schedule above and consider whether softening is worth looking into.
When to call a plumber instead
Most jet cleanings can be done by hand with the steps above. A few situations call for professional help:
- The pump is making a new noise, struggling to start or running hot
- One or more jets won’t shoot water at all, even after a thorough cleaning
- You’re seeing leaks under the tub, around the access panel or in the ceiling below
- The tub itself is leaking from a chip or crack, separate from the jet system
- The previous owner stopped using the jets years ago and you don’t know the history
In those cases, a plumber can pull the access panel, inspect the lines and pump and tell you whether you’re looking at a deep cleaning, a part replacement or a full overhaul. Catching the issue early is almost always cheaper than waiting until something fails outright.