How To Clean A Bathtub With Jets

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While jetted bathtubs may be a luxurious bathroom trend most people are saying goodbye to in 2025, some people find them to be a little slice of spa heaven. That is, until they start harboring grime, mildew, and that mystery gunk that floats to the surface after a soak. Whichever side you fall on in the jetted tub debate, one thing everyone agrees on is that keeping the jets clean takes some work. But honestly, with a little effort and a regular flushing of the jets using a simple cleaning solution, keeping your spa dreams alive might be easier than you think. If you've noticed any unpleasant smells, murky water, or floating bits when the jets are running, it's definitely time for a deep clean.

This jet-cleaning method might be one of the easiest ways to clean your bathtub. To start, you will want to fill the tub with warm water about two to three inches above the jets. Before adding any cleaning solution, check the jet and intake covers — if they look grimy or clogged, consider removing them for a quick scrub with a toothbrush and mild cleaner. If they are in good shape, go ahead with the next steps. Add two tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent and ½ cup of white vinegar or bleach—not both (mixing them is unsafe). 

Another alternative to the cleaning products mentioned is to use a cleaner specifically designed to clean jetted tubs like Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner. After you've added your chosen cleanser, turn on the jets for 10–15 minutes to flush out buildup. After that, drain the tub and refill it with clean warm water, then run the jets again for another 10 minutes to rinse. Once finished, wipe down with a dry cloth, stand back, and admire your clean bathtub.

Deep cleaning your tub once is great – but keeping it clean is even better. Although there are many things in your bathroom you should be cleaning daily or weekly, your bathtub jets aren't one of them. Beyond your monthly deep cleaning, there are a few things you can do to keep your bathtub jets-spa ready all the time.

After each use, you should rinse your tub with warm water and dry the surface with a towel to prevent hard water stains and soap scum build-up. If you use bath oil, salts, or bath bombs, run some clean warm water through the jets to help prevent residue build-up inside the pipes. Also, add your jetted tub to your regular bathroom cleaning routine. While the jets don't need to be cleaned every day, you will still want to scrub down the edges, the tub floor, and hardware with a non-abrasive cleanser. About once a month, you will want to do a deep clean to extend the life of your bathtub jets. Maintaining this routine will help keep your bathtub feeling spa-like, not swamp-like.