Inside: Does your bathtub jets need cleaning? Check out how to clean a whirlpool tub. Skip the expensive store-bought cleaners and make your own jetted tub cleaner.
When we first moved into our house years ago I cleaned our jetted tub with a cleaner from Home Depot. It was expensive, however, I was so grossed out by someone using it before us so it was well worth the money. But as time went on I figured there had to be a cheaper way. I finally found that Kohler has instructions on how to clean a whirlpool tub and I have been using the instructions with a few changes for the last couple years. It’s cheap and it doesn’t take much time to do. So if your jetted tub is looking gross check out these great tips on how to clean a whirlpool tub.
Start by adjusting the jets pointing down, you don’t want them to spray up as they are running. Then fill up the tub with warm water, until the jets are covered by at least two inches. You want to make sure that they are well covered so you don’t get sprayed when you turn them on.
Add 20 ounces bleach and 2 teaspoons automatic dish detergent (I use Cascade) to the water. The bleach will kill off any germs that are in the bathtub jets and the dish detergent will break down any body grease that is stuck in the jets. I know, so gross right?
Now turn on the jets and set the timer for 10 minutes. This will let the bleach and dish detergent fully circulate. When 10 minutes are up you can turn off the jets and drain the water.
If you are a baby like me about putting your hand in the dirty water, you can use a plastic hanger to pull up the drain. You can’t see it, but it produced a lot of sandy like dirt in the bottom of the tub. I like to fill the tub up again a second time and run the water through the jets for 2-3 minutes. This helps get out any of the cleaning solution left in the jets. Drain the tub again and wash the debris down the drain. You can now clean your tub down with the normal cleaners that you use. I like to use scrubbing bubbles.
Kohler recommends doing this every two weeks, however, I find this to be a bit excessive. Since I don’t run my jets that often I try to do it once every month or two. Usually, I notice that the tub jets are starting to look a little gross and know it is time for a cleaning.
Now that you know how to clean a whirlpool tub you can clean it and then grab a glass of wine and book and enjoy your nice clean tub. 😉
How To Clean A Whirlpool Tub
20 ounces bleach
2 teaspoons automatic dish detergent
Fill up the tub with warm water, until the jets are covered by at least two inches. You want to make sure that they are well covered so you don’t get sprayed when you turn them on. Add 20 ounces bleach and 2 teaspoons automatic dish detergent to the water. Turn on the jets and set the timer for 10 minutes. Drain the tub and refill the tub up again a second time and run the water through the jets for 2-3 minutes. Drain the tub again and wash the debris down the drain. Clean the tub as you normally would from here to remove any dirt that was washed out of the jets.

P.S. For more cleaning tricks and frugal tips delivered to your inbox subscribe here!
Cynthia L says
I am so glad you shared this post. I have always wondered how to clean my jet tub. Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party!
Julie Sellers says
Thanks for hosting! I love seeing all of the great recipes and diy projects.