If you’re one of the lucky homeowners who can enjoy a jetted bathtub at home, you’re likely already familiar with all the benefits they provide. Warm, relaxing hydrotherapy on-demand is a daily luxury that many homeowners enjoy. However, over time, your bathtub jets need maintenance and cleaning like any other household fixture. Don’t worry, though—the process doesn’t take long and can likely be accomplished with products you already have around your home.

The Signs of Dirty Bathtub Jets

Many homeowners find that it’s difficult to gauge exactly when they should be cleaning their jets. After all, most homeowners keep their bathtubs and showers reasonably clean, and jets rarely show signs of wear. However, there are some key signs to look out for:

Discoloring

If your bathtub jets have started to change color from their original look, its likely due to soap scum and dirt building up on the surface.

Thin Film

Have you noticed that your bathtub jets are slimy to the touch? Or, is a thin biofilm coating them? This mystery substance is likely a type of mold that requires immediate attention and cleaning.

Low Water Pressure

Have you noticed that your jets don’t have the power that they once did? The issue might be solved with a thorough cleaning.

Bathtub Jet Basics

Now that you’ve determined that your bathtub jets need to be deep-cleaned, there are a few things you’ll need before you get started:

• Rubber or vinyl gloves
• Old toothbrush or other soft-bristled scrub brush
• Distilled vinegar

As you can see, everything you need is probably already around the house. However, if your bathtub jets are particularly soiled or dirty, specialized bathtub cleaning products might be required. Before using any product specifically formulated for bathtub jets, it’s a good idea to contact your bathtub manufacturer to ensure you don’t damage any components of your tub.

Time to Start Scrubbing

Using your toothbrush or soft-bristled brush, begin scrubbing the outside of your jets with a solution of vinegar and water. Be careful not to scrub too hard and damage your jets, and don’t worry about scrubbing every single blemish away. You’ll likely notice that this process effectively cleans most of the dirt and debris away from your jets, making it a good practice to incorporate into your normal bathroom maintenance.

Cleaning Your Jets

After cleaning the nozzles of your bathtub jets, fill your tub with enough warm water to cover any jets with one to two inches of water. Then, add at least 20 oz. of distilled vinegar to the tub, and turn on your jets. Let your jets run at full power for 5-10 minutes, ensuring that there is plenty of agitation and circulation throughout the tub. By using hot water and maximum jet power, you will ensure that your jets are cleaned as thoroughly as possible.

Enjoy Clean Bathing

Finally, once the vinegar solution has been circulated for a few minutes, drain your tub. If you notice any lingering vinegar smell, you may need to refill your tub and run the jets with fresh water. This is also a good opportunity for a last visual inspection of your jets—any lingering dirt or stains should be easier to remove now, resulting in pristine jets for your tub.

Still have questions about your bathtub jets? Don’t worry, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about caring for your Jacuzzi® bathtubs.