If you use your jetted tub often, a lot of dirt has likely accumulated in it. That’s why you need to give it regular cleaning. You may have heard that dishwasher tablets or pods are some of the best ways to keep your jetted tub clean, but how exactly do you use them?
Here’s how you can clean a jetted tub with dishwasher tablets or pods:
- Remove debris or hair from your tub with a cloth or sponge.
- Fill the tub with warm water about 2 inches above the jets.
- Add your dishwasher tablets or pods to the water.
- Turn the jets to the lowest setting and run for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the tub and jet inlets.
- Drain and rinse the tub to remove leftover residue.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps mentioned above. Keep reading to find out how to make your jetted tub spotless.
1. Remove Debris or Hair From Your Tub With a Cloth or Sponge
Before you begin the cleaning process, wipe away any visible surface dirt and hair in the tub. By doing so, you make the cleaning process more manageable and ensure that excess hair or debris won’t get in the way of thoroughly making your tub dirt-free.
2. Fill the Tub With Warm Water About 2 Inches Above the Jets
Put the plug in the drain and turn the bathtub jets off. Then, start filling your tub with water set to the temperature recommended by your dishwasher tablet or pod manufacturer.
You want the water to be around two inches (5.08 centimeters) above the jets to clean the entire surface area of your tub (source: Sawyer County).
3. Add Your Dishwasher Tablets or Pods to the Water
Once your tub is filled with water, you can throw in your dishwasher pods. There isn’t a specific amount of tablets or pods to clean your bath, so use as many as you think are needed to clean the tub thoroughly. That said, two to four dishwasher pods or tablets should suffice.
If you want to use additional cleaning products, such as bleach, make sure to read the directions and warnings on the packaging.
Many companies advise against mixing harsh chemicals for cleaning — especially bleach, which is usually only safe to mix with pure water. So to be safe, check whether it’s okay to mix the cleaning agent you’re about to use.
I recommend using white vinegar or baking soda to make the jetted tub extra clean. Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner that can remove dirt without damaging your bath, and vinegar will do a great job of disinfecting it. (source: TheFoodChampions).
4. Turn Jets to the Lowest Setting and Run for 10–15 Minutes
After filling the bath with water and adding the dishwashing tablets or pods, switch the jets on and let them work for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, keep the air-induction valves off to ensure the cleaning solution only circulates through the internal plumbing of the bath (source: The Spruce).
You might see black gunk floating around in the tub after letting the jets run for a few minutes. That gunk is either mildew, mold, or dirt and oils that have accumulated in your tub, and it’s normal for them to appear at this stage. It shows that your tub is being cleaned properly.
If there’s a lot of black gunk, it probably indicates that you should establish a regular cleaning schedule for your tub. If you use your jetted bath frequently, grime is bound to form. The more you use your tub, the more often you should clean it. About once a month or every few weeks should do the trick.
5. Scrub the Tub and Jet Inlets
After 10 to 15 minutes of jetting, turn the jets off and scrub the bath. At this stage, you can clean the nooks and crannies of the tub. With an old toothbrush or even dental floss, scrub the jet inlets thoroughly, making sure you don’t neglect the crevices.
Jet inlets tend to get pretty dirty, so you’ll probably see black grime coming off them. You don’t need to use additional cleaning tools for this step, as the dishwasher pods and jets did the bulk of your work.
6. Drain and Rinse the Tub To Remove Leftover Residue
Once you’ve scrubbed your tub down, drain the water and rinse the bath to remove any soap scum residue. You can also fill the tub with water again after emptying the dirty water, let the jets run for another 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse the bath (source: Grove Collaborative).
Once you’ve completed all the steps, you’re now left with a shiny and spotless jetted tub.
Cleaning a jetted tub with dishwasher pods or tablets is an effective and efficient way of cleaning your bath. Your jets do the work for you, so cleaning your favorite tub doesn’t become too time-consuming.