how to clean whirlpool tubs

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.

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]
- 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]
- Always refer to manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific model of tub.
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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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 leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current 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.

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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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.

Add New Question

Question

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

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?

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.
Question

How do I clean jets in an older tub that have mold on them? I'm concerned that the water lines behind the jets have mold in them, too. The tub hardly ever is used for a bath. Just showers.

Bill Soukup

Community Answer

You can find several good jetted tub cleaners on Amazon. These cleaners are designed to remove this type of contamination. Older tubs may take several cleanings since the old contamination may come off in layers and is more difficult to remove.
Question

Where do I get biofilm remover?

You can get it at pool stores, places that sell hot tubs, or places like Home Depot or Lowe's.
Question

How can I remove a tiny ring in my rarely used toilet?

Try a toilet cleaner brand that is made for general use. Or use a scrub and a solution to scrub it off.
Question

How do I make my jets in my tub white again if they are yellow?

Bleach and a toothbrush. Then rinse with cold water. Wear something to protect your skin, and most importantly your eyes.
Question

Can I use oxygen bleach when cleaning a jetted tub?

As long as the chemicals are friendly to rubber O-rings, all is OK. The pump has sealing O-rings, as well as the individual jets.
Question

Can my jet tub have a piercing alarm?

Probably not. You might want to check on the pressure pump, as it might be spinning a bearing or locked up on something. Piercing sounds warrant immediate investigation!
Question

What can I use if I don't have powdered dishwasher detergent?

Gavin Donnelly

Community Answer

You can use liquid dish detergent instead of powdered. Just use about half the amount.

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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.
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.
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.
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning instructions for your jetted tub.

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)

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Article SummaryX

To clean a jetted tub, start by filling it with hot water so all of the jets are covered. Then, add 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent to the water, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar or bleach to disinfect the tub. Once you've added everything, run the jets for 10-15 minutes and then drain the tub. When all the water is out, refill the tub with cold water, and run the jets for an additional 10 minutes to rinse out any residue. Finally, drain the tub and wipe it clean with a rag. To learn how to clean a jetted tub with biofilm remover, scroll down!

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