Cleaning a Jetted Tub to Avoid Bathing in Filth (+Some Fun Updates!)
Jetted tub gunk is so, so real, you guys
Before we get into the QOTD about cleaning a whirlpool tub filter and jets so that we can bathe happily and without fear of stewing in filth, I have a few items to share!
Reddit AMA on May 16
Confirming the Reddit AMA with r/LifeProTips on May 16 at Noon PDT/3p EDT! I'm so excited that r/LPT is having me back as part of Reddit's AMAy series. The intro post is up, so you can start asking your questions now, or you can join me live and ask your questions then.
A Dishwasher Detergent Rec+Tip from Friend of the Program Katie Walsh
Friend of the Program and All-Purpose Icon Katie Walsh commented on the last post about her experience with dishwasher detergent, and I think many of you will find it helpful! "Generally, I find using LESS dishwasher detergent (I use an all-natural powder) is better. Too much will leave residues and heavy odors." We don't gatekeep our cleaning products in these parts, so I texted Katie to ask for the brand name of her preferred powder detergent, which is from Sustain LA, a refill/no waste store in LA. She also mentioned she was having issues with detergent deposits and the staff at Sustain LA told her to "use less detergent." [meaningful look]
🎊Jolie+the Strategist🎊
My first piece for the Strategist, about this cheap electric spin mop that I'm utterly obsessed with, was published yesterday. Please go read it! Please buy this electric spin mop!! Please sing to me of the mops you love, because my mop does not need to be your mop!!! (Though honestly? My mop should be your mop because my mop is a lover.)
Onto Your Questions!
I have a 20+ year old jetted tub in my home and I have no idea how to clean the filter on the side of the tub. It gets gross-looking and responds well to bleach and scrubbing but is this something that should be replaced? I bought the house 5 years ago and while I've done deep cleans periodically, I have never actually used the tub because I'm skeeved out by what might be lurking beneath/inside.
Our friend with the dishwasher asked two questions in her email to me, but I wanted to split them up to give the separate topics some breathing room, a bit of space of their own, if you will.
Listen, I'll level with you: You're right to be freaked out by what might be lurking in the filter and jets of a 20+ year old whirlpool tub! That thing definitely needs a thorough delousing, and regular upkeep, to ensure that you're not bathing in weird filth.
The great news here is that the process of cleaning the filter and jets of jacuzzi tubs is pretty easy! It is, however, a time-consuming process — plan to set aside about an hour, not all of which will be hands-on but still.
What to Use to Clean Whirlpool Tub Jets
Let's start with what we're using to clean tub jets. There are some good choices!
You can use our old friend white vinegar for this operation! This is the gentler option and the one I'd guess most people will go for. You'll want to use about 2 cups of vinegar.
You can use chlorine bleach for the job! Listen, we're all a little more down with chlorine bleach these days thanks to Covid, but a lot of people still don't like the stuff and that's okay! But a lot of people do like the peace of mind that chlorine bleach offers when it comes to blasting nasty actors, and it's a perfectly fine choice. You'll want to use about ½ cup of chlorine bleach.
There are loads of commercial whirlpool tub cleaners to choose from, should you want a specialty product for the job. I don't know anything about any of these! Oh Yuck! Jetted Tub Cleaner would be my choice merely for its fabulous name but who knows if the product itself is as fabulous as its fabulous name would suggest. This king recommends a product called Ahh-some Hot Tub/Jetted Bath Plumbing and Jet Cleaner but I have to say that it seems awfully expensive to me? Regardless of which brand you choose, you'll want to follow package directions for dosing.
One thing I don't want you to use is vinegar and baking soda. You'll see that combo pop up in some guides to cleaning jetted tubs but don't bother with it because, after the initial chemical reaction (the fun one with all the fizzing!), the two cancel each other out turning into, essentially, salt. And while we love salt, salt isn't going to lend a whole lot of cleaning power to the procedure. Skip it!
The Method for Cleaning Whirlpool Tub Jets
Before you get started, check your owner's manual for instructions — some jetted tubs can be cleaned with the air-induction valves closed, which allows for more concentrated cleaning of the internal plumbing BUT some models should be cleaned with the valves open, and it's important to know which type you're working with. When in doubt, clean the tub with the valves open. If you don't have the operating manual, Google the brand name+"user's manual" to find it; if you know the model, great, but if not, don't sweat it: You should be able to pretty easily identify, based on the design elements, which search result corresponds to your tub.
Step 1: Fill the Tub and Flush the Jets
Start by filling the tub with hot water. The water should be at least two inches above the jets. Then add the cleaning solution of your choice.
Step 2: Activate the Jets
If your tub cleaning instructions recommend closing the air-induction valves, do so. Then, run the jets on the highest setting for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the Tub
Shut off the jets and drain the tub. Scream in horror at the gunk the initial cleaning process dislodged and deposited into your tub! Take some photos and send them to Jolie, because she loves gross things.
Step 4: Refill the Tub, Flush and Drain Once More
Refill the tub with hot water and do a second 15-20 minute high setting jet cycle. Here, you have a bit of a Choose Your Own Adventure sitch: If there was a ton of gunk that came out during the first cycle and you feel that there's still a significant amount of gunk remediation needed, do another round with water+cleaner but if you feel confident that you got most of the gunk out, you can perform this cycle with just water. Same deal, fill the tub at least two inches above the jets and then let them run. Then, drain the tub. If you used a cleaning solution on the second round, fill the tub again with just water and run a third cycle to flush all the cleaner from the tub's internal plumbing.
Step 5: Clean the Tub
After draining the water from the final rinse cycle, you will need to clean the tub. Use whatever tub cleaner and tools you prefer for the job! I'm a Scrubbing Bubbles gal, but there are loads of great tub cleaners out there to choose from. Do, however, be sure to employ a toothbrush or small scrub brush to scour the jets themselves during this final cleaning process. Doing so will ensure there's no lingering gunk or buildup on the external parts of the jets.
How to Clean a Jetted Tub Filter
To clean a jetted tub filter, start by removing it. Then, rinse it well under running water — if you have a sprayer attachment on your sink, use that. If a deeper cleaning is needed, find a large bowl or bucket large enough to hold the filter, or plug the sink, and submerge the filter in a solution of hot, soapy water, soak it for 30 minutes up to overnight, then rinse it and put it back.
This is helpful for when I go to a fancy hotel that has a jetted tub. I totally don't trust the cleaners to get other people's gunk out of the lines, so I will do this myself.