Last Updated on September 6, 2023
Cleaning your hot tub cover is essential to maintaining a pristine and inviting relaxation oasis. The cover shields it from the elements as you unwind in your hot tub, ensuring every dip remains enjoyable.
To clean your hot tub’s cover, remove it and place it on a suitable surface. After that, you need to scrub the hot tub cover with a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
Once that’s done, rinse thoroughly and flip the cover over to treat the bottom side the same way.
Let’s go over how to clean a hot tub cover, including the normal procedure and how to remove stubborn stains.
How to Clean a Hot Tub Cover: Step-By-Step Instructions
To properly clean your hot tub cover, follow these step-by-step instructions.
- Step 1: Prepare the area
- Step 2: Spray water on the hot tub cover
- Step 3: Clean the top
- Step 4: Rinse the top
- Step 5: Clean the bottom
- Step 6: Dry the hot tub cover
Step 1: Prepare the Area
To begin with, make sure you’ve properly prepared the area before cleaning your hot tub cover.
You need to remove the hot tub cover from the spa to prevent dirt, debris, or cleaning agents from entering the water.
Locate the handles or straps designed for cover removal to remove the cover from your hot tub. These are usually situated at the sides of the cover. Then carefully lift the cover upwards. You may need a partner to assist you in lifting the cover.
Then, place the cover on a clean and smooth surface, like a patch of grass, to protect the cover from any potential damage during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Spray Water on the Hot Tub Cover
Now, use a hose with a gentle spray setting to clean off all dirt, leaves, and debris on the cover. Start with the underside to remove any chemicals splashed onto it. Ensure you thoroughly wet the cover.
The gentle spray setting will prevent any damage to the cover while still effectively cleaning it. As you spray water on the hot tub cover, focus on all areas, including the corners and edges where dirt accumulates. Ensure that you cover every inch of the surface for a thorough cleaning.
Step 3: Clean the Top
It is now time to clean the top part of your hot tub cover. You can clean your hot tub cover using a mild soap solution or vinegar-water mixture.
To create the solution, simply mix warm water and mild soap, or combine water and vinegar in a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.
Once the solution is ready, dip a soft sponge or cloth into it and gently scrub the top of the cover. Make sure to pay extra attention to any stubborn spots or stains that may be present.
If regular cleaning doesn’t remove these stubborn stains, consider using a diluted bleach solution. Add one cup of bleach to one gallon of water to create a mild bleach solution. Apply it directly over the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Rinse the Top
To remove any residual cleaning solution, use the hose to rinse off the top cover thoroughly. Direct the water stream across all cover areas to ensure thorough rinsing.
Here are some important points to keep in mind during this step:
- Adjust the water pressure: Ensure that the water pressure is not too high, as it may damage or dislodge any delicate components on the cover.
- Pay attention to crevices and corners: These areas can easily accumulate debris and cleaning solution residue, so take extra care to rinse them thoroughly.
- Check for any remaining stains or dirt: After rinsing, inspect the top cover for any lingering stains or dirt. If necessary, repeat this step or move on to spot-cleaning these specific areas.
Step 5: Clean the Bottom
Once the top is rinsed, carefully flip the cover over to expose the bottom side. When flipping over the cover, ensure that you thoroughly inspect the surface where you place it to ensure it is clean.
To clean the bottom side, use the same soap solution or vinegar-water mixture that was used for cleaning the top.
Grab a soft sponge or cloth and dip it into the solution. Then, gently scrub away any accumulated dirt or debris on the cover’s bottom. Pay close attention to any stubborn areas that may require extra effort.
Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness, rinse off any remaining residue and allow it to dry before placing it back in your hot tub.
Step 6: Dry the Hot Tub Cover
Now that you’ve cleaned the bottom of your hot tub cover, it’s time to move on to the next step: drying. Properly drying the cover is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth. To ensure thorough drying, follow these steps:
- Start by wiping with a soft towel or cloth to dry the cover bottom first. This will help remove any remaining moisture and prevent water from pooling.
- Once the bottom side is dry, carefully flip it over and proceed to wipe off the top side using a separate, clean towel. Be gentle when flipping the cover to avoid damaging it.
- Also, ensure that the surface where you lay down the hot tub cover is clear and clean before placing it back onto your hot tub.
Can you use a magic eraser to clean a hot tub cover?
A magic eraser is not recommended to clean a hot tub cover as it could potentially damage the cover’s surface and finish due to its abrasive nature.
Instead, use a soft cloth and mild detergent for cleaning. Magic erasers can be better suited for specific hot tub parts, such as touchscreen panels and skirting, but you need to be careful.
Gently wiping down the touch screen panels and using it to remove stubborn dirt on the skirting is the best practice.
How long should a hot tub cover last?
Hot tub covers typically have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, but certain covers can last even longer with proper care and maintenance. The cover’s durability depends on various factors, such as the quality of materials used, exposure to weather conditions, and regular cleaning routines.
Regular maintenance and proper care can help extend the cover’s longevity, ensuring optimal protection for your hot tub or swim spa.
Make Your Hot Tub Cover Clean and Inviting Again
When you see filth gradually accumulating on your hot tub cover, just follow these six straightforward steps to restore its pristine appearance.
Remember to prepare the area, spray water to clear debris, clean the top and bottom with a gentle solution, and rinse thoroughly.
Dry the cover meticulously to prevent mold. And for ongoing care, avoid placing items on it, inspect regularly for wear, and apply appropriate vinyl protectants.
Remember, a magic eraser isn’t recommended due to its abrasive nature. With proper maintenance, your hot tub cover can extend its longevity, ensuring a clean and inviting oasis for relaxation.