How To Clean A Home Foot Spa (easy peasy method)

To prevent the risk of infection, it is important to clean your foot spa after every use. It sounds like a simple task, but it needs to be done in the correct way to ensure your safety and increase the lifespan of the machine. 

That’s why we’ve put together this easy to follow step by step guide. So without further ado, let’s get into cleaning the foot spa.

How To Hygienically Clean A Home Foot Spa

How To Hygienically Clean A Home Foot Spa

To clean and sanitise a foot spa hygienically and to remove all threat of infection you will need:

Detergent, brush, disinfectant, and clean water

Here’s our 12 step guide on how to clean a foot spa at home:

  1. Empty the foot spa after use
    Ensure the foot spa is completely free of water and any dirt or debris.
  2. Disassemble Any detachable parts from the foot spa
    Remove any inlet filters, filter screen, drain plug, and any other parts that can be removed.
  3. Remove any debris that was lurking under the parts you just removed
    Using a damp cloth, remove any dirt, skin or any other debris from the areas where you just removed the drain plug filter screen etc.
  4. Clean all of the parts you have removed
    Using a brush, warm water and detergent, scrub each part, and then rinse off in clean water. Then reattach all of the now cleaned parts back onto the foot spa.
  5. Fill the foot spa with clean water
    Fill to just below the full marker with clean water and add detergent.
  6. Turn the foot spa on
    Run the foot spa for 10 to 15 minutes allowing enough time for the detergent to really get into every part of the foot spa. Don’t use any heat control you may have on your foot spa, this process should be done using cold water.
  7. Drain the foot spa
    Remove the detergent/water and any debris from the foot spa.
  8. Rinse The Foot spa with clean water
    To remove all traces of detergent and any dirt or debris rinse with clean water until all traces of the detergent are removed. 
  9. Refill the foot spa with clean water
    Fill the foot spa with clean, cold water  to just below the full marker. Add disinfectant and turn on the foot spa again. Let it run for at least 10 minutes.
  10. Clean the outside with disinfectant
    Pour some disinfectant onto a soft cloth, and wipe the outside of the foot spa thoroughly.
  11. Drain the disinfectant/water from the foot spa
    Completely empty the foot spa and rinse using clean water. To rinse thoroughly you will need to run the foot spa 4 or 5 times using clean water each time. Run each fill for 2 to 4 minutes. It is essential to remove all traces of the disinfectant because disinfectant can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
  12. Dry the foot spa
    Before packing the foot spa away, it should be dried completely to prevent any mould or mildew forming. Air dry the foot spa (this can take some time depending on climatic conditions and room temperature).

How To Clean A Foot Spa From Hard Water

Foot spa performance and cleanliness can suffer from mineral deposits and stains due to the hard water that’s common in most UK homes. To clean your foot spa from hard water buildup, follow this process:

  • Empty the foot spa and remove any debris
  • Create a solution with equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water.
  • Gently scrub the foot spa’s surfaces with this solution.
  • Use a paste of baking soda and water to tackle stubborn mineral deposits.
  • Clean removable accessories separately by soaking them in the distilled white vinegar and warm water solution.

After you’ve finished cleaning the foot spa, rinse it and the accessories thoroughly with clean water. Then dry the surfaces completely to prevent mould or mildew growth.

clean a foot spa with distilled white vinegar

Things To Consider When Cleaning A Home Foot Spa 

Here are a few points to bear in mind when using and cleaning your foot spa.

Drying The Foot Spa After Use

It is vital to dry your foot spa before packing it away, to prevent any mould or mildew or any other fungal or bacterial growth from forming. If conditions aren’t favourable for air drying, dry your foot spa using a blower.

Use The Correct Disinfectant

Always use an industrial or hospital-grade disinfectant for cleaning your foot spa. They’re available at most hardware stores (both in-store and online). 

This is because domestic disinfectants typically lack the strength to clean foot spas effectively.

Recommended Disinfectant

Milton PX51366 Disinfecting Fluid is a very good choice if you’re looking for a good foot spa cleaner:

Sale
Milton PX51366 Disinfecting Fluid, Kills Bacteria & Fungi, For Hospitals & Professional Kitchens, Cleans Utensils in 15 Minutes, 5 Litre
  • Milton is the ultimate sterilising fluid
  • Cleans your utensils in 15 minutes leaving them ready to use

WARNING: Never mix chlorine and ammonia cleaning products as the mixing of these two will emit a toxic chloramine gas which is very dangerous.

Always Clean The Foot Spa As Soon As You Finish Using It

Leaving the foot spa to be cleaned later after draining it is a recipe for disaster. This poses not only potential health risks (for example if you share the device with other people) but also risks damaging the foot spa. 

This is especially important if you use essential oils, baking powder, or epsom salts in your foot spa – as not cleaning it after use can cause them to solidify as they dry. This may lead to blockages and, in extreme cases, break the foot spa.

Cleaning the machine straight after use not only helps it to perform better, but also increases its lifespan too – helping you get more from the device and giving you more time to relax.

SEE ALSO: How To Use A Foot Spa Machine

How To Make It Easier Rinsing The Foot Spa

Rinsing The Foot Spa

To remove all of the disinfectant use hot water in the foot spa when rinsing. Take care not to use water that is too hot but, hot water will clean better than cold water.

Quick Cleaning Of The Foot Spa

If you and your partner both use the foot spa, to speed up the cleaning process, follow the above guide, but omit removing any internal parts and just clean using disinfectant.

Check The Foot Spa Handbook

Before commencing any cleaning regime consult your handbook for any specific instructions. Also check to see if it is ok to use essential oils and/or Epsom salts.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Now that you understand how to disinfect a foot bath at home, you’ve got no excuses! But if there is anything you’re not quite sure on, drop us a comment below and we’ll get back to you.

Feet

SEE ALSO: Using A Foot Spa When Pregnant? Here’s What You Should Know…

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a foot spa be cleaned?

Ideally a foot spa should be cleaned after every use. Check the manufacturer’s handbook that came with your foot spa, but if you can’t clean your foot spa after each use, then it should be cleaned at least once a week.

How do I sanitise my foot bath?

You can sanitise your foot bath using disinfectant. Fill the spa to the full line, add disinfectant and run for 10 minutes. Rinse with clean, hot water.

Is wiping enough to clean the foot spa machine?

No, wiping alone is not enough to thoroughly clean a foot spa machine. It requires a more comprehensive cleaning process, including using detergent, brushing, disinfecting, and rinsing with clean water to ensure all dirt, debris, bacteria and potential pathogens are removed.

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