A bathtub with black mold can be unsightly and, more importantly, a health hazard. Unsurprisingly, jetted tubs are susceptible to issues with mold, just like bathtubs or surfaces that are exposed to water and high levels of humidity. But what's the best way to get rid of the mold in a jetted tub? We've researched the answer to this end of this post we will cover it.
There are a few different ways that you can remove black mold from your jetted tub. The best solution is to use a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of the mold quickly. However, you can use natural cleaning products such as:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled white vinegar
If you prefer commercial mold-removal products, solutions that work perfectly for this purpose are:
- Comet spray
- RMR-86
- Mold armor
Sometimes mold can be a bit difficult to remove from a jetted tub, especially if it's been there for several weeks. The first step to removal is determining which mold removal solution is best for the task and decide if you want an all-natural remover or commercial mold-killing solution. Continue reading to learn more about your options and details on how to get rid of it.
Steps to Remove Black Mold from Jetted Tub
Black mold can be unsightly to look at, but its potential to be a health hazard is the bigger concern. By learning to get rid of the mold effectively and safely, you can help to keep your family healthy and extend the life of your jetted tub. Take note that black mold spores can have negative effects on your respiratory system, causing sneezing, chronic coughing, throat irritation, and skin rashes.
It's also been known to cause persistent headaches and excessive mucus in the nose and throat. This is especially true when it comes to cases of prolonged exposure to black mold. But don't fret. Removing the mold from your jetted tub is a simple step-by-step process that can be accomplished in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.
Things you'll need:
- Commercial mold killer
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Distilled vinegar
- 2-gallon bucket
1. Drain the tub
Start by draining the tub of any standing water. This will flush out any bacteria, grime, and residue from previously applied cleaning products. Next, wipe up any remaining debris using a paper towel or cleaning cloth. Be sure to wipe around the jets and the bottom of the basin. If there is a considerable amount of debris in the tub, you may also want to consider using a wet-dry vac to remove it quickly.
Learn more about this wet/dry vac on Amazon.
2. Apply mold removing solution
For this next step, you have a few options. You can create your own DIY mold removal solution, or you can use a commercial cleaner such as Comet Spray, Mold Armor, or RMR-86. When using commercial cleaners, follow the directions on the label, make sure to apply the cleaner directly to the affected areas.
In this case, you'll want to spray the cleaner directly on the basin as well as around the jets, where mold is likely to accumulate. You'll also want to pay attention to the areas around the tub's fixtures and the drain.
Check out RMR-86 Mold Stain Remover on Amazon.
If you prefer to create your own DIY mold removal, consider hydrogen peroxide, a mixture of baking soda, and vinegar.
Hydrogen Peroxide
For the peroxide solution, pour the peroxide into a spray bottle and spray the molded areas with hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to sit for about 7 to 10 minutes until the stains have lifted.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
For the baking soda and vinegar solution, mix two cups of distilled white vinegar with 7-8 tablespoons of baking soda and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You may need to let it sit for a few minutes before using it, as it will take a bit for the fizzle to stop. When it does, liberally apply the solution into the affected areas and let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes or until the stains have lifted.
Bleach Solution
To use the bleach method, mix one cup of bleach with half a liter of tap water and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the affected areas and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes until the stains disappear.
When applying the mold removal solutions to the tub, be sure to use a small scrubbing brush or toothbrush to lightly scrub away the mold from affected areas, especially around the jets, fixtures, and drain. Keep in mind that most jetted tubs are made of acrylic, which can be susceptible to surface scratches--so it's best to be gentle when performing the step.
3. Switch off the air induction valves
Next, turn off the air induction valve as this will allow water to circulate through the internal system of the plug tub only. With this concentrated water flow, you can get a deeper internal cleaning of the jetted tub. While the valves are shut, run the jet for about 7 to 12 minutes or until the water is completely free of debris from the system.
Next, drain the tub again to flush out any remaining debris. Then fill the tub with water and rinse it out one more time.
4. Dry the tub
Take a few large towels and wipe the tub from top to bottom, making sure it is completely dry.
5. Apply a sanitizer
Grab your sanitizer or an antibacterial agent to the tub. Some agents come in a spray bottle, while others will need to be diluted and applied with a cleaning cloth or your own spray bottle. After applying the sanitizer, fill the tub with water, and let it sit for about 5 to 7 minutes, and then drain it again. The sanitizer can help to prevent and slow down the accumulation of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Read more details about this tub sanitizer on Amazon.
Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Jetted Tub
Humidity is the main cause of mold. Though it's challenging to avoid humidity all together, you can lower the humidity in your bathroom by installing exhaust fans, opening windows for ventilation, and turning on the AC.
If your jetted tub is located outdoors, you won't be able to control humidity, but you can reduce mold development by making sure that the tub is completely dry and covered when it's not in use. Here are a couple of things to help prevent it from developing in the future.
- Develop a cleaning schedule for light and deep cleaning. This way, you can't prevent the accumulation of bacteria and mold in your jetted tub.
- Perform consistent water quality checks and be careful of any chemicals where contaminants may be present in the jetted tub's water, as they can increase mold susceptibility.
How do you get mold out of jets?
The most reliable and quickest way to get mold out of your jets it's to use a commercial remover or diluted bleach solution to scrub away the mold. To do this, use a small scrubber brush or a disposable toothbrush to gently scrub around the surface of the Jets. You can also use a combination of vinegar and baking soda as well.
Can you use dishwasher tablets to clean a jetted tub?
Yes. Many jetted tub owners have attested to cleaning their tubs with dishwasher tablets. However, it's best to keep in mind that these tablets are specifically made for dishwashers and may cause unexpected complications with the plumbing system in your tub. To be on the safe side, it's always best to use manufacturer-recommended cleaners for your jetted tub.
How often to clean a jetted tub?
It depends on how often you use the jetted tub. If you use your tub daily, weekly cleaning can be helpful to keep it free of mold and bacteria. A deep cleaning may be beneficial on a biweekly or monthly basis, however. If you use your tub sparingly, it may be best to clean it after every second or third use.
Wrapping Things Up
Mold in your jetted bathtub is preventable. The best way to keep mold away is to keep the tub as clean and dry as possible when it is not in use and to reduce the relative humidity of your bathroom after the tub has been used.
It can also be a good idea to dry the tub with a few tiles after you use it. We hope this post has been helpful and illustrating how to remove black mold from your jetted tub.
Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts: