How to Take Care of Your Walk-In Tub

If you’ve purchased a walk-in tub, you’ll want to ensure it remains in working order for years to come. This guide explains how to clean a walk-in tub and which products to avoid to prevent damage to the tub’s surface or mechanics.

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The Best Cleaning Supplies for Walk-In Tubs

If your walk-in tub was recently installed, use the manufacturer-provided cleaner samples first before purchasing your own cleaning products. Most walk-in tubs are made of fiberglass coated with acrylic or gel coat, which can be scratched easily. Always use a non-abrasive fiberglass-safe cleaner.

Never expose an acrylic tub to water temperatures exceeding 167 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can soften the acrylic and cause it to lose its shape. Check your water heater settings before filling your walk-in tub for cleaning.

For everyday cleaning and maintenance, ensure you have a few microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or brushes on hand to use with the recommended surface cleaners listed below.

Approved Surface Cleaners

Non-scratch cleaners, gentle spray solutions, or a simple vinegar and water mixture are ideal for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of a walk-in tub. It’s best not to use a cleanser that polishes, as this can make surfaces slick while bathing. 

We recommend:

• Mild liquid dish soap or Soft Scrub
• A 1:1 vinegar and water spray (e.g., two cups of vinegar + two cups of water)
• Weiman Tub, Tile, and Fiberglass Cleaner
• Foaming cleaners like Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner or Kaboom Foam-Tastic
• Non-toxic disinfectant options like Method Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner or Simple Green
• Jet and pump cleaners like Tub Jet Clean, Oh Yuk Jetted Tub System Cleaner, or Sunny and Honey’s Jetted Tub Miracle
• Long-handled cleaning tools with non-abrasive tips
• Gentle, non-abrasive cleaners like baking soda

Cleaning Products to Avoid

• Cleaners mixed with bleach. This combination can be dangerous, and harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your tub.
• Abrasive scrubbers, like metal or wire brushes
• Oil-based cleaners that are slick and can leave a residue. These cleaners can be a fall hazard.

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Cleaning Your Walk-In Tub After Installation

Before using your walk-in tub for the first time, it is best to remove any dust and soap residue from the tub surface that may have accumulated during the installation. Spray a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water onto the tub’s exterior, then wipe with a damp cloth

To clean the tub’s interior, grab your vinegar solution, cleaning cloth, and a dry towel or cloth. Spray down the interior surfaces, and then wipe with a damp cloth and buff dry. Dry the tub floor thoroughly to avoid slipping. For safety, it’s best to sit on the tub seat while cleaning. Step out of the tub and use the shower wand to thoroughly rinse your walk-in tub.

If you have a walk-in tub with whirlpool or air jets, consider flushing the pump and pipes before using it.

• Fill the tub with hot water until the water is two to three inches above the jets.
• Add a bit of one of the jet system cleaners mentioned above.
• Turn off the air controls and run the jets for 10 minutes.
• Drain the tub.
• Rinse any residue from the sides and floor.
• Fill the tub again with cool water.
• Run the jets (without air) for 15 minutes.
• Drain the water, then rinse the sides and floor again.

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Light Cleaning After Each Use

At a minimum, remember to wipe down and rinse your walk-in tub after each use to prevent buildup from hard water and remove any soap scum, bath salts, shampoo residue, or body oils left behind on the walls and floor. For daily cleaning, set the water to a warm setting and use the shower wand to thoroughly rinse the interior of the tub and its fixtures.

As part of your weekly cleaning routine, spray the interior thoroughly with a mixture of vinegar and water, or use a bathtub cleaner, then rinse again. Remember to visually inspect key parts and features (listed below) for signs of mold or mildew, and clean them weekly to prevent bacterial buildup.

• The seat
• Door seals
• Handrails 
• Jets
• Faucet and showerhead
• Drains
• Floor mats and other spaces

Be thorough in your inspections, as bacteria can harm individuals with open scratches and pose infection risks for those with diabetes and slow-healing wounds.

It’s also a good idea to open a bathroom window after you bathe or turn on the exhaust fan. It circulates the air and stops bacteria from growing in moist, humid environments.

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Monthly Deep Cleaning

Monthly cleaning is essential if your walk-in tub has a water or air jet system; you must flush the pipes, jets, and motor monthly. Never run the jets when the tub is dry.

Here is the best way to get a deeper clean on a walk-in bathtub:

• Fill the tub to seat height or a few inches above the highest jets
• Put on rubber gloves and safety glasses to avoid injury from splashing
• Add a half-cup of bleach–if permitted by the manufacturer–to the water
• Once the water is above the jets, turn on the water and/or air jets, and run the system for 15 minutes. Turn off the system and let it sit for five minutes.
• Drain the tub
• Refill it with clean water
• Run the jets with the clean water for 15 minutes to rinse the tub
• Drain the tub for a second time, and wipe down the tub

Important: Although some sources recommend mixing bleach with dish soap during deep cleaning, we do not. Combining bleach with other cleaners can release dangerous and harmful fumes. Always follow your walk-in tub manufacturer’s recommended deep cleaning product.

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Self-Cleaning Walk-In Tubs

Some walk-in tubs come with self-cleaning features and technologies that help to keep the tub clean and promote good hygiene.

• Automatic purge systems flush out air lines to prevent mold buildup in air jet tubs
• Ozone whirlpool sanitation systems remove viruses, bacteria, manganese, iron, and hydrogen sulfide
• Medical-grade ultraviolet (UV) light to help clear bacteria, viruses, mold, algae, and yeasts

While these features are helpful, we recommend that they not replace regular cleaning.

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Walk-In Tub Maintenance

As with any household system or product, regularly inspecting your walk-in tub for damage is critical. Walk-in tubs are durable, but their parts and fixtures require occasional maintenance and repair. Check for leaks around faucets, hoses, and seals, and look for loose handles or issues with the door hinges. Repair this damage immediately to ensure your tub is safe to use.

Most walk-in tub dealers include a service warranty with purchase, so contact your manufacturer if you notice any damage. Before your warranty expires, consider asking about supplemental warranties or extension options. 

And before tackling any repairs, read your warranty’s fine print to ensure you follow the proper repair and maintenance protocols. Many contracts require regular maintenance and stipulate that only licensed contractors affiliated with the dealer are authorized to perform repairs. Otherwise, the warranty may not cover the repair costs.

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Bottom Line

Investing in a walk-in tub makes bathing safer and more luxurious for seniors who want to age in place. Many people don’t think beyond basic wiping and rinsing, but it’s important to keep all parts of your walk-in tub clean and free of bacteria, grime, mildew, and mold. Avoiding cleaners that can damage the tub’s surface and keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure your walk-in tub stays safe, sparkling, and enjoyable for years to come.

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