Pool pros reveal how to clean a dirty hot tub cover in 5 simple steps – keep yours spotless all winter without compromising its insulating ability

If you're lucky enough to have a hot tub at home, you have probably spent all summer enjoying it. But, as the sunshine season is well and truly behind us, it's important to now turn your attention to keeping it clean and continue using it through the colder months.

But, how do you clean a hot tub cover? After all, they're not just handy for keeping heat in – they also work to keep dirt and debris out, which often results in them looking grubby and grimy.

So, while you may already know how to clean a hot tub, here, we spoke to our cleaning experts to get the low-down on tackling that filthy hot tub cover.

How to clean a hot tub cover

Why do hot tub covers need cleaning?

Will Cotter, COO of HappyCleans explains, 'Hot tub covers need cleaning simply because regular cleaning stops the buildup of those mold and mildew spores that can creep into your hot tub.

'If you have ever lifted the cover and caught a musty smell, I believe that's enough reason for you to start the cleanup.'

Additionally, regularly cleaning your hot tub cover can add months, or even years, to its lifespan, meaning you won't need to replace it sooner than necessary – making it a worthwhile way to save money at home.

How often do hot tub covers need cleaning?

How often your hot tub cover will need cleaning will depend on the time of year and weather conditions, but, according to Justin Carpenter, founder of Jacksonville Maids, once a month is a good rule of thumb. Aim for a deeper-clean once every three months, at the beginning of each new season.

How to clean a hot tub cover

You will need:

• A garden hose
• A mild, non-abrasive cleaner: such as the 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner available at Amazon.
• A soft-bristled cleaning brush available on Amazon
• A microfiber cloth or sponge: such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart.
• UV-protectant spray: such as the number one bestselling 303 (30306) Marine UV Protectant Trigger Sprayer available at Amazon.

Step 1: Remove the cover and hose it down

To begin with, use your garden hose to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Nocatee Pool Builders, says, 'Set your cover on the lawn and hose it off. This should do a good job of getting most loose debris off.'

If you don't already have one, we recommend the award winning Flexzilla HFZG5100YW Garden Lead-in Hose, available at Amazon, which is durable, lightweight and leak-free. Just make sure you're aware of the best ways to store a garden hose, to keep yours in good, working condition.

Step 2. Clean and scrub

Once hosed down, you're ready to get cleaning. Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, recommends using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to do so, to avoid damaging the cover.

She says, 'Spray it evenly over the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Avoid bleach-based products as they can degrade vinyl.'

Then, use a soft-bristle cleaning brush or sponge, such as the bestselling Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Zero Scratch Scrub Sponge available at Walmart, to gently scrub the surface. 'Pay close attention to areas with mildew, or visible stains,' adds Toner.

If mildew persists, Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning and The Trade Table, recommends using vinegar to kill mold in a 1:1 water and vinegar solution. Simply apply the solution, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and wipe away – removing any mildew residue.

We recommend using the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar available at Walmart, which is also great for cleaning with vinegar.

Step 3: Rinse

Afterwards, use your hose once more to spray off any residual dirt and cleaning products.

Step 4: Dry

Once your cover is clean and rinsed, cleaning expert Toner recommends using a soft, absorbent microfiber cloth to wipe it down, before leave it to air-dry.

'Place it back on the hot tub,' to do so, she says, as stretching the cover out will ensure no damp gets trapped in folds and creases, allowing mold to form and leaving you needing to get rid of black mold.

Step 5: Apply UV protectant

Finally, cleaning expert Toner recommends applying a UV protectant, particularly if your hot tub is located in a sunny spot.

She says, 'Once the cover is clean and dry, apply a UV protectant spray to help resist sun damage and extend the cover's life,' which will prevent your cover cracking and fading – keeping your backyard hot tub ideas looking their best.

FAQs

How do you clean algae off a hot tub cover?

Luckily, hot tub covers aren't one of the items to never clean with bleach, and it's an effective solution to clean away any accumulated algae.

Simply mix a diluted solution of bleach and water, in a 1:10 ratio, in a spray bottle and spray to apply. For badly affected areas, use a bucket of the solution and a microfiber cloth to wipe away algae.

Always remember to wear gloves, such as the Vgo Reusable Household Gloves available at Amazon to protect your skin from harsh chemicals.

Can you pressure wash a hot tub cover?

While it may seem like a quick and convenient solution, your hot tub cover is, unfortunately, one of the things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

The high-pressure water will not only damage the material of your cover, but may significantly affect its crucial insulation abilities, too.

Looking to invest in a hot tub? Our rundown of the best hot tubs has expert picks for every space – from small yards to spacious terraces.