Taking a hot bath in a jetted tub is the perfect way to unwind after a long day and escape daily stress. The combination of warm water, your favorite scented oils or fragrances, and bubbly foam delights all senses and induces relaxation. However, bath products, like lotions, can leave residue in your jetted tub. Both the bath and its water jets require diligent and regular maintenance. To keep your bathroom in pristine condition, follow this guide. It covers how to swiftly and effectively clean your hot tub using baking soda, detergents, vinegar, and even a steam cleaner.
Preparing Your Jetted Tub for Cleaning
Before cleaning your jetted tub, it’s crucial to understand that different tubs may need different approaches. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damaging the massage jets. If you can’t find the instructions or are worried about causing damage, search online for advice on cleaning the specific model you own.
Method 1: Baking Soda Cleaning
Essentials for Baking Soda Cleaning:
- Toothbrush or bottle brush
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap or dishwasher tablet
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Initial Cleaning: Begin by removing larger debris like hair or dust with a sponge or cloth.
- Fill Tub with Hot Water: Fill the jetted tub with hot water to cover the jets.
- Add Cleaning Agents: Mix in dish soap (two tablespoons) or a dishwasher tablet solution with water, and add white vinegar (two cups).
- Activate Jets: Close the air induction valves (unless otherwise instructed) to ensure the detergent-filled water circulates through the bath and its internal plumbing only, providing a deep clean. Run the jets at full speed for 15 minutes.
- Drain and Clean Tub: After 15 minutes, turn off the jets, drain the tub, and wipe away any remaining dirt with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Refill and Run Jets Again: Refill the tub with hot water to the same level and run the jets again for 15 minutes with the air valves open, then drain.
- Clean Jets and Air Intake: Mix baking soda in a bowl and use a brush dipped in this mixture to clean the jets and air intake cover.
- Scrub Tub with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the tub’s surface and scrub with a sponge to remove soap scum, cosmetics, and oily residues.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wipe down with a microfiber cloth to avoid limescale or sediment marks. Your jetted tub is now spotlessly clean and ready for another luxurious bath!
Steam Cleaner Alternative
For those seeking a quicker method, using a steam cleaner is highly effective and less time-consuming. It’s an excellent tool for removing cosmetic residue, dirt, or sediment from both the tub surface and water jets. Devices like the Fortador Volt MINI steam cleaner are ideal for home use, capable of disinfecting and cleaning various surfaces by eliminating over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Its portability, quick heat-up time, and high pressure and temperature make it perfect for comprehensive cleaning, reaching every nook and cranny with its range of accessories and long cable.
Method 2: Regular Maintenance of the Whirlpool with a Fortador Steam Cleaner
Essentials for Effective Cleaning with a Steam Cleaner:
- Steam cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Sponge
- Toothbrush or bottle brush
- Cold water
Step-by-Step Guide for Regular Whirlpool Tub Cleaning with a Steam Cleaner
- Initial Dirt Removal: Begin by clearing out debris like hair and dust using a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
- Steam Cleaning the Tub and Nozzles: Preheat the steam cleaner for 5 minutes until it’s ready. Attach the nozzle cap to the device and thoroughly steam the tub from top to bottom, ensuring you’re not merely dispersing the dirt. Proceed to steam each water nozzle individually, allowing any sticky residues to be expelled from the jets.
- Activating the Water Jets: Turn on the jets to flush out any lingering dirt from within. Use a toothbrush or bottle brush for a more detailed clean of the nozzles, utilizing additional steam for stubborn grime.
- Final Rinse and Dry: Steam the entire tub once more to ensure all dirt is eradicated, then dry off with a microfiber cloth.
Method 3: Deep Cleaning the Whirlpool with the Fortador Steam Cleaner
Required Items for a Thorough Steam Clean:
- Steam cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Sponge
- Toothbrush/bottle brush
- Dental floss
- Baking soda
- Cold water
Deep Cleaning Instructions:
- Surface Prep: Remove large particles of dirt from the surface with a moist microfiber cloth or sponge, similar to the regular cleaning method.
- Steam Cleaning Tub and Jets: Heat up the steam cleaner, attach the nozzle, and begin cleaning with vertical movements. Focus on each jet to ensure all debris is removed.
- Jet Activation: Operate the jets to expel any residual dirt. Clean each nozzle meticulously with a toothbrush or bottle brush, employing steam for tougher grime. Use dental floss for an in-depth clean of the air inlet cover.
- Rinsing Off: Use the steam cleaner once more to eliminate any remaining dirt and to sanitize the tub, then wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Hot Tub
- Avoid using highly foamy bath oils and bubble baths to prevent clogging of the water jets.
- Occasionally, bleach may be used to enhance the bath’s appearance, but consult the manufacturer’s guidelines first to ensure it won’t damage the seals or other components.
- Steer clear of abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the tub.
- Perform a deep clean of the hot tub at least once a month for sustained results.
- Ensure the jets are fully submerged before turning them on to avoid damage or splashing.
- Typically, a combination of baking soda and white vinegar is adequate for cleaning the jetted tub effectively. This method is both eco-friendly and cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive and potentially harmful cleaning agents.
