With the economy still as shaky as a three-legged dog, it’s no surprise that people are trying to stretch their dollars. One way I’ve found to save money is to make my expensive cleaning products do double duty.
For example, I have used Cascade Dishwasher Detergent Powder for nearly a decade. I am a big fan of the 2-in-1 ActionPacs with the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn, but those little two-toned squares cost quite a bit more than a standard box of Cascade powder, so I only purchase them when I have a coupon. What’s more, when I buy the box of basic Cascade I can use it to clean more than just my dirty dishes.
Did you know that Cascade (or any dishwasher detergent powder) is also great for cleaning jetted bathtubs? It’s true; the popular whirlpool bathtubs, which offer an oasis from the chaos of everyday life, can be de-germed with some dishwasher detergent and a little bleach.
Here’s how:
*Fill the tub with hot water approximately three inches above the highest jets.
*Turn off the air induction valve.
*Add 1/4 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent.
*Add 1/2 cup of household bleach to the water.
*Run the jets at the highest pressure for 10-15 minutes.
*Drain the tub and refill it with cold water.
*Run the jets for another 10 minutes to rinse.
*Drain the tub.
*Wipe the tub clean with a clean towel.
This cleaning routine should be executed at least once a month to help your bathtub jets sanitary.
If you don’t feel comfortable using dishwasher detergent in your bathtub, you could also use an all-purpose powder cleaner, such as Ajax. I use Ajax on everything from counter tops to shower stalls, even on my stove top.
To use Ajax to clean bathtub jets, simply:
*Fill up the bathtub with hot water.
*Add one cup of bleach.
*Turn on the bathtub jets to maximum power and allow them to run for 30 minutes or longer. Doing so will allow the bleach to circulate through the jets while disinfecting them.
*After 30 minutes, stop the jets and drain the water.
*Sprinkle a small amount of disinfectant scrub, such as Ajax powder cleanser on an old toothbrush and gently scrub inside the jets. Then, gently scrub the crevices surrounding the jets.
*Rinse the bathtub with clean, hot water.
*Turn on the jets and allow them to run for 20 minutes.
*Drain the bathtub and wipe dry with a clean towel.