Hot tub covers are important to keep dirt and leaves out of your hot tub. They also help conserve energy by keeping the water warm. Just like your hot tub, your hot tub cover is an investment. Keeping it clean will prolong its life, preventing cracks and color fading, as well as mold and mildew. Just follow these five easy steps to clean your hot tub cover. Brush off your hot tub cover before you remove it. Regularly brush off any debris with a small nylon brush. Doing so will help ensure that dirt and leaves don’t fall into your spa. In the winter, brush off snow before it accumulates. Don’t use a snow shovel as it could tear the cover. Remove sap. Remove any sap that may be stuck on the cover. Harden the sap by cooling it with an ice cube and then gently peel it off with your fingers. Do a deep cleaning once a month. Scrubbing your hot tub cover once a month is an important part of hot tub care. After brushing off debris and removing sap, remove the hot tub cover for a scrub-down. Do not use cleaners on the inside of your hot tub cover, as they may get inside your water. Simply use a garden hose and sponge or soft brush to wash the underside of the cover, following manufacturer instructions to prolong the life of your cover. Use proper hot tub cover cleaners. Cleaning your hot tub cover regularly can help prolong its life, but the type of cleaner you use depends on the type of cover you have. We recommend every 3 months or as needed. Meaning draining and refilling the hot tub, cleaning the cover and the hot tub. We don’t sell those products but we do sell a Sundance® Spas Vinyl Cover Conditioner and Sundance® Spas All Purpose. Whatever kind of hot tub cover you have, steer clear of alcohol- or bleach-based cleaners, abrasive cleaners, or any kind of cleaner not specifically designed for hot tub cover care, including dishwasher soap. When you’re done washing the cover, allow it to air dry before placing it back on the hot tub. With the cover off, it’s a great time to enjoy a soak. Inspect your hot tub cover regularly. It may be easy to tell when it’s time to invest in a new spa cover. If your spa cover is cracked, brittle, has any rips or tears, or has gotten very heavy (from water accumulation), it’s time to start shopping for a new one. Every few months, you should unzip the cover liner and inspect the vapor barrier for signs of damage. Keeping your hot tub cover clean protects your hot tub, maximizes energy efficiency, improves the overall look of your backyard spa and helps ensure years of enjoyment from your investment – and only takes a few minutes per month. Hot tub care is easy if you know the right steps to take. Learn more about how to care for your spa here.