How to Clean a Jetted Tub

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References Approved

Jetted tubs accumulate soap scum, biological materials, and other gunk in their jets over time. Whether you want to clean a jetted tub that hasn’t been used in a while, or keep a tub that you frequently use clean, you'll need to use some common household cleaners to take care of that grime. Use a special cleaning product to get rid of the more stubborn natural films, called biofilms, that build up in the jets and plumbing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Water Jets with Household Supplies

1
Fill the tub with hot water to 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) above the highest jets. Turn the hot water on and let it fill the tub. Turn it off when the jets are covered by 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of water.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Clean your jetted tub every 1-3 months if you use your tub daily or several times a week. Clean it at least once every 6 months if you only use it a few times a month.
2
Turn off the air induction valves by turning them fully clockwise. This forces the water to circulate only in the internal plumbing of the tub to concentrate the flow and clean deeper. Leave them open if the manufacturer of your tub states to do so in the owner’s manual.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your specific model of tub.
Advertisement
3
Add 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of dishwashing liquid to the water. Use a low-foaming dishwashing liquid so you don’t overflow the tub with bubbles. Use 4 tbsp (56.7 g) of powdered dish detergent if you don’t have liquid detergent.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- The detergent will loosen greasy residue left behind in the jets by soap or bubble bath liquid.
4
Pour ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of white vinegar or bleach into the tub. Choose vinegar for a more eco-friendly option. Use bleach if there is any mold present in the jets. Only use one or the other and do not mix them.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Both vinegar and bleach serve to disinfect during the cleaning.
5
Run the jets at full capacity for 10-15 minutes. Set the jets to the highest pressure and turn them on to clean them out. You will see any gunk caught in the jets coming out into the water.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If there is still grime coming out of the jets after 15 minutes, then keep the jets on until it looks like no more dirt is coming out of them.
6
Drain the tub and refill it with cold water. Fill the tub up to 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) above the jets again, but with cold water this time. Cold water is fine for the second cycle because you are just going to give the jets a final rinse.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Don’t add any cleaning products to the water this time. You just want clean, cold water for rinsing.
7
Run the jets for another 10 minutes on high power. This will remove all the last bits of residue that you loosened with the detergent and hot water. Make sure no more gunk is shooting into the water before you turn the jets off.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Let the tub run for another 5 minutes if it looks like the jets are still blasting out last bits of dirt.
8
Drain the tub and wipe it clean. Let all of the dirty water drain out of the tub. Use a clean rag to wipe away any residue that is left on the surface of the tub.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You can use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices of the jets if there is anything lodged in them still after cleaning. Wipe them clean and rinse away the debris after doing so.
EXPERT TIP

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional

Try using a non-toxic approach with white vinegar and hot water. Fill the bathtub with hot water, then add white vinegar and run the jets on high for a few cycles. Drain the tub, then fill it once more with only water and run the jets to rinse out the vinegar. To deep clean mold and mildew, do the above steps using bleach instead of vinegar. Never use both bleach and vinegar together.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning with a Biofilm Remover

1
Get a biofilm removal liquid and read the instructions on the container. Purchase a biofilm removal liquid at a store that sells Jacuzzi and hot tub cleaning supplies, or online. Biofilm removal liquids are designed specifically to clean away all the gunk that accumulates inside the plumbing of a jetted tub.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Biofilm is a natural film that is created by the buildup of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other biological materials.
- Cleaning your jetted tub with biofilm removal liquid is a method of cleaning to be used on its own, instead of cleaning your jetted tub with detergent and vinegar or bleach. You can use either method to regularly clean your tub effectively.
2
Fill the tub with hot water 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) above the jets. Turn the hot water on and let the tub fill until there is about 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of water above the jets. Turn off the water so the tub doesn't fill anymore.
- It’s important that the jets are completely covered with water so that, when you turn them on, the motor doesn’t get damaged and so they don’t spray water up into the air.
3
Add the specified amount of biofilm remover to the water and turn the jets on. Pour in an amount of the cleaning liquid specified by the product’s instructions. Turn the jets on at their highest power to start circulating the cleaner.
- The biofilm cleaner's instructions may specify different amounts depending on if it is a regular cleaning or the first cleaning in a while.
4
Alternate running the jets and letting the tub sit in 30 minute intervals. Always refer to the biofilm remover's instructions for any additional steps. Turn the jets on for 30 minutes, then turn them off and let the tub sit for 30 minutes, then turn the jets back on for another 30 minutes before you drain it to clean out the plumbing thoroughly.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You can drain the tub and repeat this process if you want to give it an extra good cleaning.
5
Drain your tub and clean any residue around the sides. Use a clean rag or sponge to wipe away any gunk left on the surface after you drain it. Use a toothbrush or other small brush to clean away anything that is stuck in or around the jets.
- You can repeat the cleaning process another time before you rinse the tub if it still looks dirty or if you want to be extra sure you got everything out of the internal plumbing.
6
Refill the tub with cold water and run the jets for 10-15 minutes. This will rinse out the last of the gunk from the plumbing and rinse away any remaining biofilm remover. Drain the tub after 10-15 minutes and give it a final wipe with a clean rag.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Some manufacturers recommend doing this rinsing process after each use of the jetted tub to help get rid of soap scum, oils, dead skin, and other gunk that builds up after each use.
- Keep your jetted tub clean by repeating this whole cleaning process approximately every 5 uses, regardless of how often you use it.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use a tablet of dishwashing detergent when cleaning a jetted tub?

Community Answer

It may do the job, but scrub it thoroughly to be sure it is clean.
Question

If I only use the tub as a bathtub will I still need to clean the jets?

Community Answer

Yes, as you drain your tub, a small amount of water is left in the piping of the jets. As the water in the piping evaporates, it leaves deposits that creates mold.
Question

We never use the jets in the tub. Is there any way to kill mold (or keep mold from forming) other than filling the tub, running the jets and refilling the tub?

Bill Soukup

Community Answer

You need to used a jetted tub cleaner to remove harmful contamination inside the plumbing lines. Even if you don't use the jets, water drains back into the lines and is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Warnings

Open doors and windows to ventilate the room as much as possible while using cleaning products. Bleach fumes can be dangerous in poorly ventilated areas.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Never use foaming cleaners or bubble bath in your tub. Bath oils and lotions leave residue in the pipes as well. You should avoid using them in a jetted tub.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Never start the jets unless they are covered by at least a few inches of water. If the jets are exposed, the motor will be damaged. If the jets are covered but the water is too shallow, they may spray water upwards, bathing your walls instead.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning instructions for your jetted tub.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

2 US tbsp (30 ml) of dishwashing liquid or 4 tbsp (56.7 g) of powdered dish detergent
¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of white vinegar or bleach
Biofilm remover
Clean rags
Toothbrush (optional)