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Clean Your Hot Tub Without Resorting To Harsh Chemicals

If you want to clean your hot tub without resorting to harsh chemicals and spending a lot of money, there are several household items that can be used as effective cleaning agents. This comprehensive guide will provide you with natural and affordable options for maintaining a clean and healthy hot tub.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent and cost-effective cleaning agent, suitable for removing scum lines from your hot tub shell. To clean with vinegar, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray it onto the scum lines. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away the residue with a soft cloth or sponge.

Keep in mind that while vinegar is great for cleaning many surfaces, it is not recommended for cleaning hot tub pipes. To ensure your pipes are free of biofilm, always use a hot tub line flush product specifically designed for this purpose.

Removing Scum Lines:
  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution onto the scum lines around the hot tub shell.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the buildup.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the area gently.
  • Rinse the area with clean water to remove the vinegar solution and any residue.
Cleaning Hot Tub Filters:
  • Remove the filters from your hot tub.
  • Prepare a solution by mixing one part white vinegar with three parts water in a bucket or container large enough to submerge the filters.
  • Soak the filters in the vinegar solution for 2-4 hours.
  • Remove the filters and use a soft brush to gently scrub away any debris.
  • Rinse the filters thoroughly with clean water before reinstalling them in your hot tub.
Cleaning Hot Tub Covers:
  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution on the cover, focusing on any dirty or stained areas.
  • Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break down dirt and grime.
  • Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the cover.
  • Rinse the cover thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.
Deodorizing and Disinfecting:
  • Add a small amount of white vinegar to your hot tub water (about one cup per 100 gallons of water).
  • Run the hot tub for 10-15 minutes to circulate the vinegar throughout the water.
  • Drain the hot tub and refill with fresh water.

By using white vinegar in these ways, you can maintain a clean and healthy hot tub without relying on harsh chemical cleaners.

Olive Oil

Olive oil may seem counterintuitive for cleaning purposes, but its oil properties make it effective in removing other oil-based stains, such as sap or grease.
To clean sticky stains, apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and gently rub it onto the affected area. Once the stain is removed, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. 

Benefits of Olive Oil for Cleaning:

  • Olive oil is a natural and non-toxic option for cleaning your hot tub.
  • As a detergent, it helps remove sticky stains and oily residues without damaging surfaces.
  • It is safe to use around children and pets.

Why Olive Oil Works:

  • Olive oil works by dissolving and breaking down other oils that trap dirt and stains.
  • When applied to a surface, the oil molecules in olive oil attach to the oil molecules in the dirt or stain, allowing it to be lifted and removed more easily.
  • This makes it particularly effective for removing stubborn, oil-based stains such as sap or grease.

After cleaning, consider applying a surface protectant to prevent future stains from adhering too strongly, saving you time and effort in the long run..

Diluted Bleach

If your hot tub requires thorough cleaning and sanitization, diluted bleach can be used as a powerful agent to eliminate bacteria and tough stains.
To use bleach, mix one part bleach with nine parts water in a bucket. Wearing gloves, dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe down the surfaces of your hot tub.

Preparation
  • Ensure that your hot tub is drained and turned off before starting the cleaning process.
  • Protect your skin, eyes, and clothing by wearing gloves, safety goggles, and old clothes.
Dilution
  • Mix one part bleach with nine parts water to create a 10% bleach solution. For example, mix one cup of bleach with nine cups of water.
  • Make sure to use a non-reactive container, like plastic or glass, for mixing the solution.
Cleaning Process
  • Apply the diluted bleach solution to a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
  • Gently scrub the hot tub shell, paying attention to scum lines, stains, and any areas with visible algae or bacteria growth.
  • If you encounter stubborn stains, let the bleach solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.
Sanitizing Hot Tub Accessories
  • Remove the hot tub filter and soak it in the diluted bleach solution for about 30 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with water.
  • If your hot tub has removable headrests or other accessories, clean them with the diluted bleach solution and rinse them well.
Safety Precautions
  • Never mix bleach with other cleaning products, as this can create harmful fumes.
  • Store bleach and the diluted bleach solution out of reach of children and pets.
  • If you accidentally spill bleach on your skin, rinse it off immediately with water.

Be sure to rinse the surfaces thoroughly with water afterward to remove any bleach residue. Remember to never mix bleach with any other cleaning agents, as this can create toxic fumes that are harmful to your health..

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and mild abrasive cleaner that can be used to tackle stubborn scum in your hot tub. To use baking soda, make a paste by mixing it with a small amount of water.

Cleaning the hot tub shell:
  • Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the shell, focusing on any stained or dirty areas.
  • Gently scrub the surface using a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge.
  • Rinse the shell thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
Removing stubborn scum and stains:
  • Apply a small amount of dry baking soda directly onto a damp sponge or cloth.
  • Gently scrub the affected area to remove the scum or stains.
  • Rinse the area with water to ensure all baking soda residue is removed.
Cleaning hot tub filters:
  • Remove the filter from your hot tub and rinse it with water to remove any loose debris.
  • Mix one part baking soda with three parts water to form a cleaning solution.
  • Submerge the filter in the solution and let it soak for at least an hour.
  • Remove the filter from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water before reinstalling it in the hot tub.
Neutralizing hot tub odors:
  • If your hot tub has an unpleasant odor, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the water's surface.
  • Allow the baking soda to dissolve and work its magic for a few minutes.
  • The baking soda will help neutralize the odor, leaving your hot tub smelling fresh.

Apply the paste to a sponge or cloth and scrub the stubborn scum until it is removed. Aside from cleaning your hot tub, baking soda can be used throughout your home as a gentle cleaning alternative to harsher chemicals. 

Rubbing Alcohol

Diluted rubbing alcohol is an effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean various parts of your hot tub, particularly chrome or stainless steel fixtures. You can use diluted rubbing alcohol (at least 90% alcohol content) to clean and shine chrome or stainless steel fixtures in your hot tub. Rinse your hot tub thoroughly before refilling.

Cleaning Acrylic Surfaces
  • Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution onto the acrylic surfaces of your hot tub.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface, removing dirt and residue.
  • Rinse the surface with water and dry with a clean cloth.
Disinfecting Hot Tub Filters
  • Remove the filter from your hot tub and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any loose debris.
  • In a large bucket or container, mix a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 5 parts water.
  • Soak the filter in the solution for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the filter and rinse it again with water to remove any remaining alcohol residue.
  • Allow the filter to air-dry before reinstalling it in your hot tub.
Shining Metal Fixtures
  • Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a microfiber cloth or soft sponge.
  • Gently rub the metal fixtures, such as chrome or stainless steel, to remove fingerprints, water spots, and other marks.
  • Buff the fixtures with a dry, clean cloth to restore their shine.
Cleaning Hot Tub Accessories
  • You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean and sanitize various hot tub accessories, such as spa pillows and floating drink holders.
  • Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution onto the accessory and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

By using diluted rubbing alcohol to clean your hot tub, you can effectively remove dirt, grime, and fingerprints from your fixtures, leaving them shiny and clean. This method is not only affordable but also less harsh compared to using chemical cleaners.

Save Money and Clean your Hot Tub without Harsh Chemicals

If you want to clean your hot tub without harsh chemicals, follow these natural and affordable options. By using these household products, you can save money and clean your hot tub without harsh chemicals, allowing you to relax without any worries.

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