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Written by Grove Collaborative

How to clean a jetted tub.

Last Updated: April 9, 2021


Follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning this relaxing bathroom staple so you can soak sans stress — or germs.

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There’s no denying how much we love jetted tubs. Is there anything better than having a long, relaxing soak in a hot bath, jets pounding away the stress and angst of the day? The problem arises when you go to take the bath and your tub is dirty. Jetted tubs are especially vulnerable to grime, germs, and bacteria —far from a relaxing experience. Give your jetted tub a tune-up with this handy guide, and we wish you a long, satisfying soak as your reward.

Why should you clean a jetted tub?

Remember that bathtubs can accumulate a lot of germs, mold, mildew, and gunk. The build up is mostly due to all the body oils, soaps, and bath bubbles you put in it on a regular basis.

Along with grubbing up your bath water, those germs can get inside your body and could prove harmful to your health. Imagine if you will, how colossally unhygienic it is to lounge in a dirty bathtub that’s not regularly cleaned. There’s just no way to reap the therapeutic benefits of a jetted bathtub when it’s not sanitary.

How often should you clean your jetted tub?

It depends on how you use it. If only used occasionally, you can clean it just four or five times a year. If you use your jetted tub regularly, it also needs to be deep cleaned at least once per month.

One easy way to maintain cleanliness in a jetted tub is to refill it with hot water after you’re done soaking, after each use. Leave the water to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to make sure it softens up any left behind grease or soap residue, and then drain the tub.

And to keep your jetted tub looking fresh, consider the products you use. Though tempting, it’s actually better not to use bath oils and other products that leave behind a greasy residue once the tub is drained.

Grove Tip

What’s the black stuff coming out of my jacuzzi jets?

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to clean the tub, or you’re just looking for reasons to skip it for the day, here’s a good rule of thumb to follow: If you notice dark debris and black gunk floating in your bathwater, clean that tub, stat! Dark gunk floating around indicates a buildup of mold and mildew in the pipes. And that, friends, is not good.

Things you’ll need to clean a jetted tub

Cleaning a jetted tub isn’t that difficult and doesn’t require special chemicals or products. In fact, it can be done with most things commonly found at home. Make sure you have the following on hand:


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How to clean a jetted tub: step-by-step instructions

Scrubbing out your jetted tub is as easy as following our step-by-step instructions. Your reward? A long, leisurely soak after!

Step 1: Flush the tub

The first thing you should do is remove any leftover hair and debris from the rim and basin, and fill it 2/3rd full with hot water. Once the tub is full, you can add a cleaning agent, like white vinegar, baking soda, dishwashing powder, or a concoction of your own making.

Step 2: Turn off the valves for air induction

Close the induction valve before activating the jets. Doing this forces the water to flow through the plumbing inside the tub, which will concentrate the flow and result in a deeper clean. Keep the jets running until all gunk and junk from the internal plumbing stops flowing out.

Grove Tip

How do you turn off the air induction valve on a jetted tub?

While turning off the air induction valve may vary based on your tub manufacturer (always check the manual), general advice is to adjust the jets fully clockwise to turn off air induction. There is usually an “OFF” indicator on the air induction valve that will indicate the direction you need to turn the jets.

Step 3: Flush the tub again

Drain the dirty water and then refill the tub. Run the jets for another 10 to 15 minutes to flush out any remaining sludge and muck.

Step 4: Scrub a dub dub

Now’s the time to use that magical substance known as baking soda. Shake some sprinkles of baking soda inside on the surface of the wet tub and let it sit and dry into a bit of a paste. Then you can use a clean, damp cloth to scrub away the mold, mildew, and grime left behind. You can use baking soda on areas like the tub faucet and the drain, too, with excellent results.

Step 5: Clean the jets

Last but not least, it’s time to clean the water jets. Use a toothbrush or dental floss to clean around and behind the jets. Gently scrub the nozzles and target any curved edges of the tub. Using dental floss, you can get inside and behind the jet nozzles and clean them thoroughly.

Grove Tip

Don’t throw out the bath water

For easy cleaning and maintenance, mix some vinegar in the warm water after you are done soaking in the bathtub. Leave it for a while and run the jets for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it gets everywhere. It’s a simple way to maintain your jet tub, without wasting extra water or putting in too much effort.

Jetted tub cleaning tips & tricks

Are jetted tubs sanitary?

They sure are! No water sits in the pipes, so as long as you keep it clean on a regular basis, it’s just as sanitary as any other type of tub.

Can you use vinegar to clean a jetted tub?

Yes, vinegar mixed with water can be used to clean a jetted tub and works exceptionally well.

How do you clean the filters on a jetted tub?

If you notice a decrease in water pressure or your filter looks visibly dirty/clogged, it’s probably time to give it a clean. Remove the filter, rinse/hose it off, and replace. If you want a more thorough clean, you can soak the filter overnight in a cleaning solution, then rinse before replacing.

Should you use professional jetted tub cleaning services?

While this guide should arm you with everything you need to clean your jetted tub, there are some times you might need to call in the pros. If you try the above cleaning steps and are still having trouble with black crud emerging from the jets, it may be time to involve a professional who can disassemble the access panel and access the pump and pipes.

What is the best jetted tub cleaner?

Baking soda, dishwashing powder, and vinegar are some of the most efficient and safe products for cleaning a tub.

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