How to Care for a Walk-In Tub
Checklists for daily, weekly and monthly cleaning
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Walk-in tubs are built for comfort and accessibility, but they need regular upkeep to stay clean and functional. Fortunately, they don’t require much more elbow grease than traditional bathtubs.
A consistent care routine helps prevent buildup, keeps the jets running smoothly and extends the life of the tub. Without proper maintenance, you risk clogs, surface damage and mold — especially around the door seal and fixtures.
Basic care includes rinsing and drying the tub after each use, weekly surface cleaning and a monthly deep clean to flush the internal system. This guide covers simple, effective ways to maintain your walk-in tub and avoid problems before they start, as well as recommendations for what cleaning supplies to use.
Cleaning your walk-in tub daily
To keep your walk-in tub in the best shape, you should lightly clean it after daily use. This doesn't have to be time-consuming — simply wipe down the fixtures and the tub walls with warm water to remove any body oils or soap suds. Use the shower wand if you have one.
You can also use your shower wand to spray down the tub with warm water. This should take no more than five minutes. As an optional final step, you can use a squeegee to remove excess water and prevent water spots.
Daily rinsing is particularly important for preventing limescale buildup, especially if you live in an area with hard water. The warm water rinse helps remove mineral deposits before they can harden on the tub's surface, making your weekly cleaning routine much easier.
Be sure to leave the door open after each bath. This allows the seal to dry completely, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Generally, you shouldn’t use large amounts of body oils in the shower or tub; they leave a slick buildup. A small amount of Epsom salts should be fine.
Cleaning your walk-in tub weekly or monthly
Residue can start to build up after a few weeks of regular use. Depending on how frequently you use your tub, it may need a deep clean weekly or even just once a month.
Either way, it’s a good idea to clean the tub with mild soap and a soft cloth on a regular basis. Using harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges can damage the surface of the tub. If you only have strong cleaners on hand, see if you can dilute them with water.
Focus on areas where soap residue and body oils accumulate in your tub. Don't forget to clean the door seal weekly to ensure proper function and prevent leaks. Use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to wipe down the seal, removing any buildup that could compromise its effectiveness.
According to American Standard, every few weeks you should fill the tub with hot water and add in two or three tablespoons of low-foaming detergent (dishwasher granules, for example). Run the jets for 10 minutes, drain the tub completely and fill it with clean water. Run the jets again as a “rinse cycle” and drain.
Deep cleaning your walk-in tub
Every month or two, you should give your tub a deeper cleaning to purge its entire system of water scale, soap residue and other buildups.
Before beginning the deep cleaning process, put on rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from cleaning chemicals and splashing water. This safety equipment is essential when working with bleach and other cleaning solutions.
Never run jets when the tub is dry.
According to Safe Step, this is the best way to deep clean a walk-in tub:
- Fill the tub to just above the highest whirlpool jet with warm water.
- Mix a cup of non-splash bleach and a spoonful of automatic dishwashing soap into the water.
- Turn your system on and let it run for 15 minutes.
- Drain the water.
- Refill the tub with warm water.
- Let the system run for an additional 15 minutes.
- Drain the tub, using the shower wand to rinse off the surface.
- Wipe with a clean cloth.
Multiple cycles of filling, draining, refilling and draining may feel repetitive. However, these steps are important to thoroughly rinse out the plumbing.
Your tub maker may recommend specific cleaning products or a bleaching schedule. Refer to your owner's manual or consult with your tub’s manufacturer or installer for instructions.
Cleaning supplies for walk-in tubs
For daily cleaning, use mild bathroom cleaners without harsh chemicals or abrasive granules. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar works. If you want extra oomph, foaming formulas can remove soap scum without much scrubbing.
Many manufacturers recommend specific cleaning products that are proven safe and effective for their tubs. For example, American Standard recommends Soft Scrub, while Kohler suggests their branded Tub & Shower Cleaner. Check your owner's manual for product recommendations specific to your tub model.
Harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges can damage the surface of the tub.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the walls of the tub and a soft toothbrush to clean around the jets and drain. You can also use a microfiber cloth to remove some of the residue from surface cleaners. An automotive cleaning compound can be used to restore light scratches and dulled areas, according to American Standard.
Here’s a good checklist of items to have on hand:
- Mild household detergents
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Sponge or squeegee
- Glass or faucet cleaning fluid
Cleaning products to avoid
As a rule of thumb, avoid any cleaning products that can scratch the surface of your tub. This includes wire brushes, abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals. Using these can dull the sheen of your tub and leave behind an unattractive or uncomfortable surface.
Stay away from any oil-based cleaning products that leave a residue. Slick surfaces pose a fall hazard in the home, especially for those with limited mobility.
Products to stay away from include:
- Harsh scrubbers, like metal or wire brushes
- Polishes that could make surfaces slick
- Aerosols or abrasive products
How do self-cleaning walk-in tubs work?
Some walk-in tubs include a self-cleaning feature that makes maintenance easier. Self-cleaning walk-in tubs can work in a few ways:
- Ozone sterilization: Some walk-in tubs include ozone generators that automatically disinfect the hydro massage system. These systems kill bacteria within minutes and help maintain sanitary conditions between deep cleans.
- Auto-purge systems: This feature removes leftover water and moisture from the air jet lines after each use. By keeping the lines dry, it helps prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors from forming.
- Self-cleaning cycles: Certain models offer a built-in cleaning mode that allows you to add cleaning agents to the water. The tub then runs a cycle to flush and sanitize the jets and internal plumbing.
These newer types of walk-in tubs are more expensive than traditional tubs, but they may be worth it for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty bending over to clean.
American Standard currently offers an ozone self-cleaning feature. The tub automatically cleans itself about 10 to 15 minutes after the user finishes a bath, according to a reviewer in Mississippi.
Bottom line
Cleaning your tub may seem like a chore, but some very minor upkeep can ensure your tub is clean and free of bacteria and dust. Walk-in tubs can be expensive, so protect your investment by using the tips in this guide to keep your walk-in tub clean for years to come.
How you should clean the tub is just one of the questions to ask a walk-in tub company before you buy. For more, compare top-rated walk-in tub companies and learn more about what to look for.
