At the touch of a button, the water cooler delivers fresh filtered drinking water.Since they’re a common fixture in offices, gyms, and homes, you can use one of these handy dispensers almost every day.But have you ever wondered what keeps them clean?Water coolers create a humid environment that can hold mold, dirt, and bacteria.Frequent cleaning helps keep bacteria and other harmful substances out.Read on to learn how to clean your water cooler and keep your drinking water healthy.
The kettle cooler should be cleaned every time the bottle is changed or every 6 weeks, whichever comes first.Remember, it’s easier to use an empty water gallon dispenser than a full one, so it’s best to plan cleaning when you need to change the bottle.It is also prudent to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as the steps may vary by model.Earlier, we’ve outlined the basic steps on how to clean a water cooler.
Before we start talking about how to clean a water cooler, there’s one important step to remember: Always unplug your cooler before you start cleaning.This ensures that the water cooler can be safely cleaned, even in the event of an accidental spill.After unplugging, remove the empty water bottle and use the drain plug or faucet to drain the remaining water.Unplug the cooler and remove the water source, and you’re ready to start cleaning the water dispenser.
To properly clean the inside of the water cooler, you will need to remove the water guard and baffle.If they are not easy to remove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove these parts without damaging them.Wash these parts with mild dish soap and warm water.You can clean them with a non-abrasive sponge if you prefer.Rinse each piece thoroughly with clean water to ensure no soap residue or flavor remains.Allow parts to air dry completely or dry with a clean soft cloth.
Vinegar cleaning solution is a natural and safe way to sanitize your water dispenser.Fill the cooler reservoir with a vinegar solution of 1 cup distilled white vinegar and 3 cups hot water (or any 1:3 ratio).Scrub the inside of the tank with a gentle, abrasive brush with a long handle.Let the solution sit for a few minutes to soak the internal parts.After cleaning the reservoir, turn on the faucet and let some cleaning solution flow through to help clean the spout.
Place a bucket large enough under the faucet to drain the remaining vinegar cleaning solution from the tank.Refill the tank with clean water and rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar solution.Use the brush again to make sure the surface is clean and tidy and remove any remaining cleaning solution.Repeat the drain, fill, and rinse steps two to three times to ensure no vinegar smell or odor remains.Dispose of the drained solution and flush water down the drain.
Faucets and drip trays are high-touch and high-humidity surfaces that require frequent cleaning.Remove these pieces from the bottled water dispenser and clean them in the sink using dish soap and warm water.If applicable, clean the tray and screen separately.If you want a better clean, you can scrub these pieces with the same non-abrasive sponge.Rinse the parts thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely or dry with a soft cloth.If the faucets cannot be removed, clean them with a cloth and hot soapy water.
The exterior of the water cooler is also a high-touch surface that can collect bacteria, dirt, and dust.Wipe the outside of the kettle cooler with a soft cloth.For better cleaning results, add a small amount of soapy water or a non-toxic cleaner (such as vinegar cleaner) to wipe the exterior.Make sure to use only non-abrasive cloths and cleaners to prevent scratches.
Put back the parts you just cleaned and dried (waterproof cover, flapper, faucet and drip tray).Make sure they are installed correctly to avoid any leaks or spills.Install a new water bottle in the water cooler and press the tap until the water starts to flow.If needed, refill the water glass holder and taste the water to make sure there are no unpleasant aftertastes.Plug the water cooler back in and you’re ready to go.
At best, dirty water coolers are a nuisance sight.At worst, it can become a breeding ground for harmful germs and bacteria.Keeping your water dispenser clean ensures healthier, better-tasting water.Frequent cleaning (every bottle change or every six weeks) is an important step in water cooler maintenance.By following the steps above, you can ensure that no harmful bacteria are lurking in your water dispenser, and you’ll always have cool, refreshing water on demand.
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