how to clean jetted tub

When we first looked at our MN home, I was excited about several features of this well-built house, but one unexpected feature that wasn't on my wishlist, but probably should've been, was a deep, jetted soaking tub. I love taking baths and I've never had an oversized soaking tub much less one with jets. The funny thing about this bathtub is that it's the exact same one my Oma & Opa had in their house and I soaked in that tub for hours after spending the day at horseback riding camp. (Oh, the dirty rings I left in that tub make me cringe today, but they never made a fuss about it.) I know how to clean a bathtub, but I wasn't sure how to clean a jetted tub, so I asked my mom. She's had a jetted tub for years and has perfected the process.

When I shared the techniques on my Instagram Stories when we first moved in, so many people commented on it and tried it in their own jetted tubs. I've been meaning to share it on here for years, but I never feel inspired to pull out my camera when I'm in cleaning mode! The nice thing about how I clean this jetted tub is that I can get it started and let the cleaners work while I'm cleaning the bedroom and the rest of the bathroom.

how to clean a jetted tub | miss mustard seed

how to clean a jetted tub | what you'll need

dishwasher tablet (I use THESE)
A gallon bottle of white vinegar
bleach cleaner (bleach-free disinfecting cleaner)
baking soda
scrub brush with a long handle
old toothbrush

how to clean a jetted tub | the steps

Fill the tub with hot/warm water, adding one dishwasher tab right as you're filling so it can dissolve. Pour in about 1/2 gallon of white vinegar. Fill tub to completely cover the jets.
Turn on jets and let them run for 10-15 minutes.
Use the long-handled scrub brush to scrub any tub ring. Drain the water.
Sprinkle the tub with baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Scrub clean. (If this is done every week or two, it should just take a quick scrub.)
Rinse cleaner with a pitcher or large cup/small bucket (or a shower spray if your tub has one.)
Spray the jets and around the drain & overflow valve with bleach or bleach-free disinfectant spray and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Scrub the sprayed areas with an old toothbrush.
Rinse tub once more.
Clean around trim and fixtures with an all-purpose cleaner.

If I'm in a hurry or the tub hasn't had much use, I'll just do steps 1-3 and wipe around the fixtures.

If the tub needs to be sanitized beyond using hot water & soap, swap out the vinegar for 1/2 cup of bleach. (SAFETY NOTE! Never, ever use bleach and vinegar together. It causes a reaction that is very toxic. Use one or the other!)

how to clean a jetted tub | miss mustard seed

I do this once a week or sometimes every other week if I have a lot going on and can't get to it. Doing it once a week, though, really helps prevent soap scrum build-up, so cleanings are quicker and easier.

If you don't have a jetted tub, this is still a nice way to get a tub squeaky clean, especially if it has a lot of build-up on the sides.