Last Updated on November 14, 2023
Are you over lugging heavy bottles of chemical cleaners just to keep your jetted tub clean? Then why not try something new and add a dose of Dishwasher Tablets?
Get ready to clean out the grime and dirt build-up, and follow these instructions on cleaning a jetted tub using dishwasher tablets. From turning off the power, filling the tub with hot water, adding dishwasher tablets, draining the water, rinsing and refilling, to turning on the power again, follow each step for a sparkling tub.
Not only will this cleaning process save you a ton of time and energy, but it also helps restore your jetted tub to its former glory, just like new ones.
Our guide will show you how dishwasher tablets can give major cleaning power for a thorough sanitization and all in just seven easy steps. So let’s get to it.
How to Clean Jetted Tub With Dishwasher Tablets: Steps to Unclog
Cleaning a jetted tub with dishwasher tablets is an effective and affordable method. This process requires minimal equipment and effort but has great results. Follow these steps to get your jetted tub (AKA whirlpool tub) looking and feeling brand new:
STEP 1. Turn Off the Power
The first thing you need to do is turn off your jetted tub’s power. Locate the breaker box and switch off the circuit that powers your bathtub jets or whirlpool bathtub. Make sure it is completely off before continuing with any cleaning procedure.
Always double-check that all electricity sources are disconnected when working on any electrical appliance.
STEP 2. Fill the Tub With Hot Water
Now, fill your bathtub with hot water until it’s about two-thirds full. Use hot tap water for best results & make sure it’s not too hot, as this can cause damage to some materials in some bathtubs.
Be sure to check if there are any specific temperature requirements for your particular model before proceeding with cleaning.
STEP 3. Add Dishwasher Tablet
Once you’ve filled up the tub with hot water, add one or two dishwasher detergent tablets into it, depending on how dirty it is and how much grime needs to be removed from the pipes and jets of your jetted bathtub.
Let these tablets soak in hot water for around 15 minutes to dissolve completely and release their powerful cleaning agents into the solution without being disturbed by movement or turbulence. This can occur during water agitation or suction from air pumps associated with some baths or spas.
STEP 4. Run the Jets
Now turn on your bathtub’s jets or whirlpool features to create sufficient turbulence to circulate and mix all the ingredients in the solution (hot water + dishwasher tablet).
By dissolving dishwasher tablets, you’ll get powerful cleaning agents that will reach every corner and crevice of your bathtub, making them better at getting rid of dirt, grime, and other unwanted stuff in pipes and other hard-to-reach places inside your jetted bathtub.
Allow them to run for 15 minutes before turning them off again, then drain all the solutions from your tub after use.
STEP 5. Drain the Water
After 15 minutes, drain the water from your jetted tub to clean and unclog the jets. Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the tub, usually in the center. Turn off all power to the tub and unscrew the drain plug with a flathead screwdriver.
STEP 6. Rinse & Refill the Tub
Now that you have drained all the water from your jetted tub, it is time to rinse all the soapy residue from its interior surface. For this purpose, add clean, warm water to the tub and turn on the jets for about two minutes to help flush out any soap residue left behind.
Once your jetted bathtub has been thoroughly rinsed, fill it with clean water until just below where the tub jets are located. Ensure that all valves and plugs are securely closed, so no water escapes as you refill.
STEP 7. Turn the Power Back on
Turn on the main power switches when the dishwasher tablets have worked their magic in loosening clogs inside your jetted bathtub. Turning on all necessary power switches again allows you to enjoy a revitalized, clog-free, jetted bathtub experience.
What Should You do Before Cleaning Your Jetted Tub With Dishwasher Tablets?
Cleaning your jetted tub with dishwasher tablets is a great way to keep it looking and feeling its best. But before you get started, there are a few things you should do to ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Read all labels on the product packaging carefully and follow the instructions strictly. This will help you avoid any potential damage to your jetted tub.
- Ensure the jets are covered with at least two inches of hot or warm water. As you’re filling the tub, add one or two dishwasher detergent tablets to the water. This will help break down any dirt and grime that may be stuck in the jets.
- Ensure you have all the necessary supplies for cleaning, such as dishwasher tablets, an old toothbrush or scrub brush, a clean cloth or sponge, and rubber gloves.
- Remove all items from around the hot tub, including towels, clothing, toys, and items that may be in contact with standing water. Doing this will help you avoid slipping on wet surfaces or accidentally damaging items.
- Check for any visible signs of damage or wear on parts of the tub, such as jets, pipes, and other fixtures, so they can be addressed before further damage occurs.
- Inspect your hot tub drain plug to ensure that it is firmly in place so that no water escapes while cleaning it with dishwasher tablets.
- Fill your whirlpool tub with approximately 2-3 inches of warm water so that it does not cause splashing or overflow when you add the dishwasher tablets. You should know that too much water can decrease the effectiveness of your cleaning process.
- Most importantly, always wear rubber gloves when using dishwasher tablets for safety. Because these products can cause skin irritation if exposed for an extended period without protection.
How Much Water Should You Fill the Jetted Tub During the Cleaning Process?
Generally, for a standard-sized rectangular jetted tub, you should use two-thirds of its total capacity when cleaning. If your jetted tub is particularly large or unusually shaped, use a cup filled with water to measure the recommended amount instead.
The reason why it’s essential to only use two-thirds of the total capacity during a deep clean is because too little or too much water can affect the performance and pressure of the jets when they are in operation.
Too much water can cause the motor that powers the jets to become overworked and eventually break down. On top of this, excessive amounts of water will also require more energy (often electric) to heat up, which translates into higher monthly utility bills.
So filling one’s jet tub with more water than necessary can be expensive in more ways than one.
How Often Should You Clean the Jetted Tub With Dishwasher Tablets?
The general consensus is that cleaning your jetted tub with dishwasher detergent tablets at least twice a month is the best practice. This ensures that any build-up of grime or scum is removed before it begins to accumulate and cause problems.
Dishwasher tablets are great for breaking down soap scum, calcium deposits, and other debris, which can easily accumulate in the plumbing system of your jetted tub over time. When using dishwasher tablets, remember that you do not need to use large amounts to achieve effective results.
Even small doses can help keep your jetted tub looking its best. It’s also important to remember that these types of cleaners may include harsh chemicals which can damage the pipes if used too often or without proper precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection when handling them.
Is Vinegar Safe for Cleaning Jetted Bathtubs?
Vinegar is an effective and safe solution for cleaning a jetted tub. Its acidic nature works wonders on hard water deposits and soap scum while simultaneously killing germs, bacteria, and other viruses.
When using vinegar to clean a jetted tub, it is essential to dilute the vinegar with water before application. A mixture of one part white vinegar with two parts water should be sufficient. The diluted solution should then be sprayed onto the surfaces of the jetted tub, including the tub’s walls and any exposed pipes or jets.
Is There Anything You Can’t Put in a Jetted Tub to Clean it?
Jetted tubs should never be filled with bubble baths, body oils, disinfectants, shampoos, soaps, fabric softeners, or any other chemical-based cleaning agent. These substances can create foam that may get stuck in pipes and clog the jets.
Also, they may coat the walls of the pipes with residues that further block water circulation and cause bacterial growth inside the tubing system. Such foam also impacts filters in some models of jetted tubs.
Even granulated salt crystals can cause problems in a jetted tub since their sharp edges could damage internal hardware such as valves and pumps over time due to abrasive particles rubbing against them repeatedly.
Can You Run Bleach Through a Jetted Bathtub to Clean it?
Bleach is a popular household cleaner and disinfectant used for many cleaning tasks, but chlorine bleach in jetted tubs is generally not recommended for several reasons.
Jetted tubs have several components that bleach can damage, including circulating pumps, filters, and pipes. The pipes are especially vulnerable because their material is usually plastic or PVC.
In addition to possibly damaging the tub, bleach has a much higher chlorine concentration than what you’d typically see in tap water and bathing water. This high concentration can damage the skin if it comes into contact with it (if left after cleaning).
Get Your Jetted Tub Clean & Sparkling: Try Dishwasher Tablets
Cleaning a jetted tub using dishwasher tablets is the solution. Without having to buy costly special equipment or use abrasive chemicals, the process couldn’t be simpler. All you need is some hot water and a dishwasher tablet, then follow our easy steps to get sparkling results, no back-breaking scrubbing required.
Not only is it easy to do, but it doesn’t require any special equipment or harsh chemicals. So don’t wait any longer, and enjoy evenings of restful relaxation while your jetted tub gleams like you just bought it.
