Foot Spa Cleaning: A Step-By-Step Guide For At-Home Maintenance

Keeping your foot spa clean is essential for maintaining good foot health and hygiene. While foot spas are a great way to relax and unwind, they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly. In this article, we will discuss some easy and effective ways to clean your foot spa at home, so you can continue to enjoy its benefits without worrying about any potential health risks. From draining and rinsing to using the correct cleaning products, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your foot spa in top condition.

How to Clean a Foot Spa at Home

Drain the water and remove debris

Draining the water from your foot spa is an important step in keeping your foot spa clean and hygienic. After each use, drain the water from the foot spa basin or bowl. If your foot spa has a drainage plug, simply open it to let the water flow out. If there is no drainage plug, carefully tilt the basin over a sink or tub to empty the water.

Once the water is drained, it's time to remove any visible debris. This includes things like dead skin, dirt, or any other particles that may be left behind. You can use a clean cloth or tissue to wipe down the surfaces and remove any debris. If there is stubborn debris stuck to the surfaces, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub it away. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices, as debris can easily get trapped in these areas.

For hard-to-reach places, such as the filter screen and inlet jets, you may need to remove these parts to clean them thoroughly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions or a guide specific to your model to remove these components correctly. Clean them separately in a small basin of warm, soapy water, and use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge any built-up debris. Rinse them with clean water and ensure they are dry before placing them back into the foot spa.

If your foot spa has a lot of nooks and crannies that are difficult to access, you might consider using a spa vacuum to remove debris. There are battery-operated, rechargeable, and manual options available. A turkey baster can also be useful for removing small spots of debris from hard-to-reach places. Simply squeeze the baster's bulb, insert it into the water, cover the tip with the debris, and then slowly remove the baster from the water without squeezing the bulb.

Clean surfaces with soap/detergent, then rinse

To clean your foot spa at home, you should start by draining the water from the foot spa basin and removing any debris from the water. This includes things like dead skin, dirt, or any other foreign objects that may be present.

Next, you'll want to clean the surfaces of the foot spa with soap or detergent. Make sure to give the foot spa a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to areas that may be particularly dirty or prone to build-up. Use a clean brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Once you're satisfied that the foot spa is clean, rinse it with clean water and drain it again.

When it comes to choosing a soap or detergent, you can opt for a mild dish soap or a detergent specifically designed for cleaning foot spas. If you have sensitive skin, choose a soap or detergent that is gentle and hypoallergenic to avoid any irritation. It's important to ensure that the soap or detergent is suitable for use in a foot spa and won't damage the surface or leave behind any harmful residues.

By following these steps and cleaning your foot spa with soap or detergent, you can help ensure that your foot spa is free from dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants, making it safe and enjoyable to use.

Disinfect surfaces with a disinfectant

Disinfecting the surfaces of your foot spa is a crucial step in the cleaning process, as it helps eliminate harmful microorganisms such as Staphylococcus Aureus, Salmonella Enterica, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and even HIV-1. These pathogens can be transmitted between users if proper disinfection is not carried out.

To effectively disinfect your foot spa, start by draining the water and removing any visible debris from the basin. Next, fill the basin with clean water and add an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label of the disinfectant. Ensure that the disinfectant is specifically approved for hospital use and carries an EPA registration number.

For whirlpool, air-jet, or other circulating foot spas, the disinfection process can be enhanced by turning the unit on. This allows the disinfectant to circulate throughout the system, ensuring that hidden bacteria in the piping and internal components are targeted. Let the disinfectant circulate for the duration specified on the label, typically around 10 minutes.

After the allotted time, drain the disinfectant and rinse the foot spa with clean water. It is important to ensure that all traces of the disinfectant are removed by thoroughly rinsing the basin. Finally, air dry the foot spa to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria.

If your foot spa does not have circulation, the process is slightly different. After draining and removing debris, scrub the bowl with a clean brush and disinfectant or ordinary soap in warm water. Rinse and drain the basin again. Then, apply the EPA-registered hospital disinfectant to the surfaces, ensuring that they remain wet with the disinfectant for the recommended time, typically 10 minutes or as stated on the label. Finally, drain and rinse the basin once more before air-drying.

Remove and clean removable parts

Once you've drained the water from your foot spa, it's time to remove and clean the removable parts. This is an important step to ensure that your foot spa is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, preventing the spread of germs, bacteria, and infections.

First, locate and remove all the removable parts from the foot spa. This includes the drain plug, filter screen, inlet jets, and any other removable components. These parts are often found inside the foot spa basin and can be taken out by simply pulling or unscrewing them.

Next, clean these removable parts separately. Fill a separate bowl or basin with warm water and add an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. You can also use ordinary soap if you prefer. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub each of the removable parts, paying close attention to areas that might be clogged or filled with residue from previous use, such as Epsom salts or other products. Make sure to clean the jet holes properly to prevent clogging and ensure your foot spa continues to bubble effectively.

After scrubbing and rinsing the removable parts with clean water, they should be left to dry. Some sources recommend placing them back into the foot spa apparatus, while others suggest reattaching them after the entire foot spa has been disinfected and rinsed.

By thoroughly cleaning the removable parts of your foot spa, you can help ensure that the device is safe and hygienic for your next use.

Rinse, dry, and reassemble

Once you have thoroughly cleaned your foot spa, it is important to finish the process with a rinse, dry, and reassemble.

Rinsing is an important step to ensure that no soap or disinfectant residue is left on the surfaces of the foot spa. Use clean water to rinse all surfaces, including the inside of the basin, the filter screen, and the inlet jets. If your foot spa has removable parts, such as the filter screen and inlet jets, it is a good idea to remove them and rinse them separately. Make sure to rinse all the parts thoroughly to remove any traces of cleaning products.

After rinsing, it is important to dry all the components of the foot spa thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down all surfaces and parts. Pay particular attention to the removable parts, ensuring they are completely dry before reassembling. Make sure to dry any hard-to-reach areas as well, such as the areas behind the removable parts.

Finally, reassemble your foot spa by placing the removable parts back into the basin. Ensure that all parts are securely attached and correctly positioned. Refer to the user manual if needed. Once reassembled, your foot spa should be ready for use again.

If you have a whirlpool foot spa or one with a similar circulation system, there may be additional steps or precautions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for specific details on how to care for your particular model.

By following these steps of rinsing, drying, and reassembling, you can help ensure your foot spa is clean and ready for your next at-home spa experience.

Frequently asked questions