How to Clean a Jetted Tub

A jetted tub can become backed up with mold, bacteria, and other debris if not tended to regularly.

Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home.

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A jetted tub is a luxurious addition to any bathroom, but if it isn't cleaned regularly, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Over time, jetted tubs can build up with bacteria, mold, and other debris as stagnant water gets trapped in the pipes. While it may seem difficult to deep clean all of the nooks and crannies of a jetted tub, it is doable. With a few common household supplies, your jetted tub will be returned to its former glory—and you'll be back to enjoying relaxing baths in no time.

How often you clean your jetted tub depends on how regularly you use it. "If you are using it multiple times a week, a rinse every two weeks and a deep clean once a month is recommended," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "Oil, skin, dirt, and bacteria collect on the sides of the tub and in the jets and need to be cleaned to prevent buildup and mold growth."

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

Generally, you should keep the air induction valves on your jetted tub closed during cleaning. "By keeping the valves closed, the water and vinegar will clean the internal jets instead of flowing through plumbing," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. However, you should always check your tub's manual for guidance on whether the air valves should be opened or closed—and if there are any restrictions on products that can or cannot be used, says Parnell.

Before doing any scrubbing, you must start by flushing the tub. "Fill the tub with cold water at least 2 inches above the jets," says Parnell. "Run jets without soap or additives for at least 10 minutes. Turn off jets and drain the water."

After flushing the tub, you will want to soak the tub with hot water and distilled white vinegar. "The acidity aids in cleaning without damaging the components," says Parnell.

Once the tub drains, scrub it with a homemade baking soda paste to treat any lingering stains.

Once all of the baking soda and soap residue is gone, let the tub soak in warm water for a final time.

After the tub has drained completely, wipe it dry with a microfiber towel to prevent water stains.

If you want to ensure that your jets stay clear in between deep cleans, aim to give them a quick tune-up every time you take a bath. "After each use, fill the tub with hot water and let the water sit for 10 minutes," says Leanne Stapf, the COO of The Cleaning Authority. "This will break up leftover soap residue."

Then drain the water and wipe down the tub with a microfiber cloth that has been soaked in a part alcohol, part vinegar solution. "This will help largely reduce the amount of residue that circulates through your jets," says Stapf. Best of all, keeping up with this maintenance routine will make those monthly cleans a cinch.

While it's okay to use Epsom salts and even bath bombs in jetted tubs, it's best to do so occasionally. The acidity in Epsom salts and other ingredients in bath bombs may cause damage in the long run (as little as cosmetic, like some peeling, or more severe, like pipe corrosion), especially if you don't follow the proper steps above to clean your jetted tub thoroughly.

If left alone, mold, mildew, and other residues, like soap or dead skin, can cause a black gunk or build-up in your jetted tub. That's why it's essential to clean the tub regularly to help purge mold and dirt.