March 4, 2015
How to Clean a Whirlpool Bathtub
Have a whirlpool tub that needs a good cleaning? Today I’m sharing the best way to clean (really clean) your whirlpool tub. With the jets and additional mechanisms, a whirlpool tub is more difficult to clean than a standard bathtub, but with regular cleaning you can soak knowing that your whirlpool tub is perfectly clean.
Cleaning Frequency
This really depends on the frequency of use, but I recommend using this method monthly to quarterly if you use your whirlpool tub frequently and biannually or annually if you use your tub infrequently.
Clean the Tub
Begin by filling your tub with hot water to about three inches above the jets. Add four tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent and 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water. The detergent will serve to loosen and remove any greasy residue left behind by soap or bubble bath from the jets while the vinegar will disinfect. Turn the jets on at full capacity and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
Rinse the Tub
Empty the tub and fill it with cold water to three inches above the jet level once again. Turn on the jets and run for an additional fifteen minutes to remove any remaining residue and thoroughly rinse the tub.
Wipe Clean and Detail Jets
After completing these two cycles, use a cleaning rag and wipe away any residue that remains. You can also use a toothbrush or similar small brush to reach into the crevices of the mechanisms and get at any particles that are hidden in the interior of the jets.
Clean the Surface
Is the surface of your tub in need of a little cleaning as well? Try using a non-abrasive cleaner to gently scrub the interior of your tub (see this post for my favorite products for deep bathroom cleaning). Be sure not to use any sort of an abrasive cleaner as this could potentially scratch the surface. Use a toothbrush around the handles and the faucet and follow with wiping down the interior with a cleaning cloth or rag.
Happy Cleaning!
Tina Batori Says
I use a soap pod for my dishwasher so don’t have powdered dishwashing product. Can I just break open the pod and add it to the hot water?
Love your ideas, keep ’em coming!
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Shelley Says
I had the same issue. I just heated up a mug of water and dropped the pod in and then dumped it in the tub when it melted.
Michelle Says
This is very helpful! I do not use powdered dish detergent, and though I could always buy some, it would only be sitting around for that one purpose. Could another cleaner be substituted? Borax perhaps, or baking soda?
Becky Says
Post authorYou could use 1 teaspoon of dish or castile soap.
Becci Says
I have used the liquid dishwasher detergent in my whirlpool tub, which already contains bleach. It also works as a good stain remover on whites.
Emily Says
This post is very timely for me but we don’t have powdered dishwasher detergent in the house. Is there a substitute for this ingredient? Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorYou could use 1 teaspoon of dish or castile soap.
Emily Says
I’m embarrassed to type this but we have lived in this house over 2 years and when we first moved in, I researched how to clean a whirlpool tub and did a vinegar rinse with it. We used the jets after that and a line of film was left behind so we stopped using the jets. I tried your method on Friday and Oh. My. GOODNESS!!! I was disgusted by what came out of those jets! and then I got that toothbrush and really got the nozzles clean! I can’t believe what we had bathed in!!! I can’t thank you enough for this cleaning advice!! It was so wonderful for my husband and I to get to take a bath and use the jets for the 2nd time since we moved in. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Bonnie Dewkett Says
I’ve found castille soap works really well. Bar Keeper’s Secret is also a big friend of mine!
Bridget Says
I used baking powder, turned up well
Teresa Says
Everyone should know that this is what the nail salons are to do after each pedicure.
Kim Says
Thank you Thank you!! I was just thinking to myself the other day… I NEED to find a good way to clean our jetted tub thoroughly! I will be doing this this weekend 🙂
Danielle Says
Holy moly…I did this today and it was equal parts gratifying and HORRIFYING!!! We never use the jets but I bathe my small children in that tub. Gross gross gross what came out of those jets. This confirmed my belief that whirlpool bathtubs (and marble showers…but that’s another story) are highly overrated.
Jo Says
Hi Danielle. Please do tell on the Marble shower situation. We’re about to remodel the bathroom and are considering one.
Jennifer Says
I agree Danielle, they ARE overated and in fact, can be a health hazard! They should actually be cleaned about every three weeks-the bacteria that can build up in the jets can cause repeated urinary infections for woman. We also know of someone who developed a serious lung infection similar to Legionaires(we’re talking almost 4 weeks in the hospital)and after ruling several things out, a simple swab of the jets in their lovely garden tub, tested positive for the bacteria. Don’t want to frighten anyone, but keep those tubs clean folks!
JL Says
I know someone that the same thing happened to, but worse. She’s struggled with her lungs for *years* since the original infection. This isn’t one of those “only super clean, neat freaks clean their jetted tubs” things. The bacteria that grows in hot tubs and jetted tubs can be very pathogenic.
Jen Smith Says
I love this technique, I also alternate with the yellow listerine (which has equally disturbing results.) On the off months I use half of a big jug in a tub of warm water and let the jets go for 15 ish minutes. I find the dishwasher detergent method works better for whitening.
Bonnie Says
I use this recipe every 4-6 weeks and it is by far the best jetted tub cleaner yet. Highly recommend this!
Maria Says
do you think OxiClean Versatile (Powder) would work instead of powdered dishwashing detergent?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYou can try it – I recommend Oxygen Whitener:
https://shop.cleanmama.com/products/oxygen-whitener