Jacuzzi Tub Cleaning With Baking Soda
Jacuzzi tubs redefine the bathing experience. No longer is bathing just a matter of hygiene and, perhaps, a chance to steal a few moments of privacy to relax. With the right tub, it's also a form of hydrotherapy that kneads tight, painful muscles into submission. The difference is in the jets. A Jacuzzi tub has a sophisticated plumbing system that makes proper maintenance vital to your safety and the tub’s functioning. Good maintenance begins with thorough cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Anatomy of a Jacuzzi Tub
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A jetted tub contains a circulation system that draws water from the full tub, mixes it with air and then pushes the combination out with a great deal of force. The water continually is circulated, so any substance in the bathwater winds up in the lines that transport the water.
Importance of a Clean Tub
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Skin particles, residue from soap, body fluids and bacteria from your skin and hair all make their way into your bathwater and thus your tub's plumbing system. Although tubs are designed to drain fully, it's not possible for the plumbing to drain completely, according to the Professional Home Inspection Service of Binghamton, New York. In fact, manufacturing standards allow a tub with four jets to retain nearly 1 cup of water -- water that could have bacteria, mold and other harmful substances growing in it. Mineral buildup from hard water and oily residues can also harbor mold and bacteria and interfere with your tub’s proper functioning.
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Clean the Surface
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The cleaner the surface of your tub, the cleaner the plumbing. Wash the tub frequently with baking soda, which is a gentle abrasive and water softener. Mix the soda with vinegar to form an astringent paste that cuts through grease and soap scum. Apply it to the surface of the tub with a sponge, and scrub as you would with a commercial cleaner. Rinse the tub completely after you've cleaned it.
Clean the Plumbing
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A common way to clean a tub's plumbing is to fill it to the minimum water level it needs to run and add several tablespoons of liquid dishwasher detergent and about one-half cup of bleach to the water before flushing it through the tub's air-induction system, draining the tub and repeating the process with fresh water. Some people add a small amount of baking soda to the flushing solution and to bathing water to soften the water and discourage mineral buildup in the tub's plumbing. The Professional Home Inspection Service disputes the effectiveness of these methods. It recommends flushing the system after each use with a commercial circulation-system cleaner and sanitizer.
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References
- Photo Credit Steve Mason/Valueline/Getty Images
