Do you clean the whirlpool tub?

[yourgoingagain?]

What do you use? I'm not a germ-a-phobe but I think I would be more comfortable whirlpool system was cleaned/sanitized.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I use dishwasher tabs. We have a 1 bedroom at OKW soon, and I have extra ones packed.

Bobbi

 

[cbjl]

yep - we use dishwasher detergent -
from what I've read, not all of the water drains from the jets when you empty the tub (one company says 1.5 oz/jet), so all kinds of stuff can grow in there - & who wants to use "recycled" bath water form the last guest

Kohler actually recommends "flushing" whirlpool tubs a minimum of 2x/month with 2tsp. dishwasher detergent (powder) + 20 oz. bleach - water 2" above jets - let jets run for 5-10 minutes
(see http://www.us.kohler.com/tech/careandcleaning/printerfr_flushwhirlp.htm )

we don't have bleach on vacation, so we follow the old advice of using dishwasher powder alone

 

[seabright1]

I used bleach the last time we were there. Next time I'll use dishwasher detergent. Thanks all!

 

[GretchGraham]

yep - we use dishwasher detergent -
from what I've read, not all of the water drains from the jets when you empty the tub (one company says 1.5 oz/jet), so all kinds of stuff can grow in there

I had no idea. GROSS!!! We will certainly be bringing diswasher detergent with us for just this purpose. Thank you so much for the information.

 

[GoofynMickey]

Never thought of this .... So you just place a diswasher tab and run the tub for awhile?

 

[Stitch1404]

Never thought of this .... So you just place a diswasher tab and run the tub for awhile?

I'm wondering as well. You would just put the tab in once the tub is filled and then run the jets? For how long?

 

[MickeyCrazed]

I think the stores at any DVC resort sells small bottles of bleach.

 

[NMW]

I'd use dishwasher tabs AND the bleach. Dishwasher tabs alone can't kill all the really nasty stuff bleach can.

 

[yourgoingagain?]

Thanks for the info. I have already packed a little dishwasher detergent for our trip tomorrow.

 

[castleri]

If you have a jacuzzi you also have a dishwasher in the kitchen and I have always found that dishwasher soap is provided, so in case you forget to pack it just use what is already available.

 

[Hef4545]

My girlfriend told me about this. She has been a DVC member for a while now.
She says she fills the tub with hot water and then adds bleach and runs it. She says all kinds of black junk comes out of the jets. She does this process twice to be sure she gets it all. Yuk!

 

[cbjl]

I think the stores at any DVC resort sells small bottles of bleach.

It never occurred to me to check the stores for bleach - thanks for the tip! We'll be using both d/w detergent & bleach fom now on

 

[jennypenny]

I'm not a germ-phobe either, but I do a couple of things for my own piece of mind. While I'm unpacking (so it's no big deal) I run the tub with cascade/bleach and wash the blankets. I bring clorox wipes and run them over all surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom and the doorknobs. I also run most of the dishes (the ones we're likely to use) through the dishwasher. I don't find the dishes are dirty but dusty. I think we're one of the few families that cooks in those kitchens!!

It only takes 30 minutes (except for washing the blankets) and then I stop thinking about it.
Jenny

 

[jiggerj]

My girlfriend told me about this. She has been a DVC member for a while now.
She says she fills the tub with hot water and then adds bleach and runs it. She says all kinds of black junk comes out of the jets. She does this process twice to be sure she gets it all. Yuk!

Eeewwww! In response to the OPs title question...I will now!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

It's only infrequently that we have a villa with the whirlpool, and I have been prepared with dishtabs every time, and I must say that I have never had any sort of visible guck spew out. I would deal with it, of course, but it's never happened.

Bobbi

 

[BCV23]

I clean it every time too and have never seen any gunk at all come out but I do feel better. I use the dishwasher powder provided.

I run a second tub of cold water to rinse it out. It is easy to do while I unpack.

 

[jdvm]

Oh come on now, this is all getting a bit too clinical. This reminds me of the lady at the gym who sanitized the cross trainer BEFORE she used it and TWICE when she was finished. Just think of all of the unsanitary things our kids have done, My attitude has always been, "probably won't require hospitalization..." Don't take all of the fun out of it. Just enjoy the jacuzzi and if you're really worried about germs, have a glass of champagne with your partner. Maybe it will keep you from worring about stuff.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

OK.... YUCK!!!! As I was looking up the Kolher site, I found other stuff. There was a study at Texas A&M on this stuff and I cringe to think that Bleach and Dishwasher powder may not be enough(especially when shared by many). They were talking about stuff like the pipes should be disconnected and scrubbed out. I ended up (after reading about their study) e-mailing them for more info because not only would I like to use the tub in the resort BUT I have one at home!!!! If you want me to give the info they send back to me, I'll be glad to let you know.

 

[CHEBJO]

I agree with pp jdvm, this seems to be getting a little too clinical. If you feel necessary clean the jacuzzi and then vacation!!!