Jacuzzi tubs remain a popular addition to bathrooms around the world. They provide a means of relaxation in one's own home. Of course, though, they do require some maintenance to keep them in good working order. If you are lucky enough to have a jacuzzi tub in your home, you may be wondering how often you need to clean it. We've done the research to answer this question for you.
The general rule of thumb is that your jacuzzi tub should be cleaned monthly. However, this schedule should be modified depending on how often you use your tub. If you use your tub fairly often, you might find the need to clean it every few weeks. Alternatively, if you rarely use your tub, you may only need to clean it every few months.
If the frequency of your use varies, how do you know if you need to clean your tub after a few weeks or if you can wait a month or more? There are some telltale signs you can look for to determine if it is time to clean your tub.
Signs That It's Time To Clean Your Jacuzzi Tub
In some ways, a jacuzzi tub isn't different than a regular tub when it comes to deciding that it's time for a clean. In addition, though, there are more complex parts of a jacuzzi tub that may indicate that your tub needs to be cleaned.
Visible Dirt And Grime
All tubs tend to become dirty with soap scum, a buildup of products, and grime. When you see that your tub has a dirty overall appearance, you know that it is time to wipe it down and clean it up. Jacuzzi tubs are no exception, especially if it is the primary tub in your home.
While you may not need to do a complex cleaning procedure in this case, you will still know that it is time to give your jacuzzi tub a bit of attention.
Dirty Jets
In a jacuzzi tub, the buildup from your body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath does not only affect the surface of the tub. Because jets are responsible for introducing water to your tub, they are also susceptible to grime.
If you allow your jacuzzi to go too long without being cleaned, those jets will spit black grime into your tub when they are turned on. If you turn on your tub and find black gunk coming from your jets, your tub is overdue for a clean. This requires that you thoroughly clean your tub and the jets.
Cloudy Water
When you fill your tub with water, that water should be clear enough to see the bottom of the tub. Water that is cloudy, discolored, or otherwise feels unclean can indicate that your tub is due for a cleaning. Because the water is coming from the pipes inside your tub, dirty water indicates that your tub needs more than a surface clean. This is a good time to clean drains, faucets, and jets as well thoroughly.
In a jacuzzi tub, jets cause the water to circulate and become turbulent. The movement of the water may make it difficult to tell if the water is cloudy or dirty. If this is the case, you may want to test your bathtub without turning on the jets, especially when you know that it's been a while since the tub has been cleaned.
Skin Irritation And Infections
Public hot tubs and spas get a bad reputation of being a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Infections and rashes are common after spending time in a public hot tub because of this bacteria. Of course, your risk for these infections is reduced when using your home jacuzzi because you aren't sharing it with multiple people. However, this does not mean that you should become complacent about cleaning your tub.
While people bringing germs and bacteria to hot tubs is a major cause of infection, it isn't the only way it occurs. Just as responsible for these infections is the buildup of bacteria in the jets of your jacuzzi. A new skin irritation, rash, or infection after using your jacuzzi could indicate that your jets are harboring the bacteria causing this skin discomfort. Deep cleaning your jacuzzi inside and out will kill and eliminate any harmful bacteria dwelling in your jets.
What Is The Black Stuff Coming Out Of Jacuzzi Jets?
The black stuff you see coming out of your jacuzzi jets is mold. This occurs when water and residue are left in your tub's pipes between uses. Never fear, though. This is not the same mold that can cause health problems when it is growing in your home. This mold is not harmful to humans and can be easily cleaned and prevented.
How Do You Clean A Jacuzzi Tub?
Grove, a popular cleaning product company, has given some tips on the best way to clean a jacuzzi tub. Here are the steps they suggest:
1. Rinse The Tub
First, you will want to do a quick rinse of your tub, eliminating any dirt and debris on the tub floor. After you do this, you can fill the tub and add a cleaning solution. You can use an environmentally friendly solution of baking soda and vinegar or opt for a store-bought cleaning product.
2. Turn Off The Air Valves
The valves are responsible for allowing air to circulate through the jets. Turning them off pressurizes the water coming from the jets, allowing them to be cleaned out. When you see the jets run clear, you can stop running the water through the jets.
3. Rinse Again And Scrub
Rinse the bottom of the tub to get rid of anything that came out of the jets. After the floor of the tub is rinsed, you can begin scrubbing the surface of the tub.
4. Clean and Scrub The Jets
Scrub the jets thoroughly, both inside and out, to clean the surface and dislodge any other debris that may have gotten stuck in them.
What Is The Best Cleaner For Jetted Tubs?
A natural, DIY cleaner made from baking soda and vinegar is the safest for your tub and is as effective as any cleaner you can find in the store. Another popular suggestion is dishwashing soap and bleach.
However, many options are made specifically for jetted tubs if you prefer store-bought cleaners. Oh Yuk is one example specifically designed to break down the buildup commonly found in the tub's jets.
Click here to learn more about this cleanser on Amazon.
How Do You Clean A Jet Tub With Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean your entire jetted tub, from the surface to inside the jets. Sprinkling baking soda on the surface of the tub is perfect for gentle scrubbing. To clean your jets, fill the tub so that the jets are submerged in water and add vinegar before turning the jets on and letting them cycle clean.
Will Vinegar Clean Mold?
Vinegar is surprisingly effective at cleaning mold. ServiceMaster shares that vinegar can kill 82% of known species of mold. It can also help prevent new mold growth.
Can You Use Dishwasher Pods To Clean A Jetted Tub?
Dishwasher pods are safe for jetted tubs, but they may not be the most efficient way to clean them.
When you use dishwasher pods in a dishwasher or laundry detergent pods in a washing machine, the turbulent hot water they are trapped in makes them dissolve. You may not be able to create this same effect in your tub.
However, dishwashing liquid, powder, or tablets without any coating is often used to clean jetted tubs. The cleanser is gentle enough not to cause damage to your tub but strong enough to clean away any grime and residue.
Summary
The best way to ensure that your tub remains clean enough to use safely is to keep up with regular cleanings. Much like getting an oil change in your car, cleaning should be scheduled regularly with more or less frequency depending on use.
If you use your jacuzzi irregularly, such as using it multiple times one week and then not using it at all for a few weeks, it may be worth implementing a more regular cleaning frequency. While jacuzzi tubs can be susceptible to bacteria and germs, they are safe when cleaned regularly.
For more information and tips for cleaning your bathtub, take a look at these articles:
How To Remove Bath Bomb Stains From Bathtub [3 Excellent Options]