How to Clean Water Dispenser

When you want a glass of fresh water, you naturally head to your water dispenser. Because the water in the tank is pristine, it may never cross your mind that the water going into your cup may not be so clean and healthy.

However, if you don’t clean your water dispenser regularly, you may be drinking more than water. How do you clean a water dispenser?

Does a Water Dispenser Need to Be Cleaned?

A water dispenser needs to be cleaned regularly. On the exterior, the germs on your hands and floating in the air can build up on the various buttons and controls.

The interior of the water dispenser can also get dirty. The moist, dark environment is an ideal place for microbes to grow.

How Often Should You Clean a Water Dispenser?

Generally, the water dispenser should be cleaned every one to three months. A smart idea is to habitually clean it when you change the water bottle. Water dispenser manufacturers have established recommendations for specific models.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Water Dispenser?

If you don’t clean your water dispenser regularly, the grime on the exterior controls will grow. It will make your dispenser look dirty, and the filth will get on your hands each time you refill your cup. Inside, mildew and mold can grow.

As this happens, the water from your dispenser gets dirtier, and the likelihood of illness increases. In addition, the water will smell unusual and taste funny until it is cleaned.

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Water Dispenser?

It’s easiest to clean a water dispenser when replacing the bottle. Common cleaning ingredients, such as bleach or vinegar, are effective at killing bacteria, mold and other microbes.

Bleach has more cleaning power and is more effective. However, if you are averse to cleaning with bleach, distilled white vinegar will get the job done.

White vinegar is beneficial if you have hard water as it will remove the buildup. Do not mix bleach and vinegar together. This will create a harmful gas.

How to Clean Water Dispenser

First, unplug the dispenser and, if applicable, turn off the hot water heater separately. For safety, ensure good ventilation and wear gloves and a face mask when handling bleach. Next, remove the water bottle, baffle, and spill guard according to your owner’s manual. Drain any remaining water from the reservoir using the controls.

Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a gallon of water with a tablespoon of bleach, or use a vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water). Pour this into the reservoir until it’s about one-third full. Scrub the reservoir with a small brush, then let the solution sit for 10 minutes.

Drain the solution from the reservoir and use both the hot and cold water controls to clean the internal components. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly by running fresh water through it three times, using both temperature settings to remove any residual bleach or vinegar.

While waiting for the removable parts to dry, clean the drip tray with warm, soapy water. Rinse it and let it dry completely. For the spill guard and baffle, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to air dry.

Clean the exterior and taps of the dispenser with a disinfecting wipe or a cloth dampened with soapy water. Dust the vents, usually located at the back of the machine. Finally, wash your hands, reassemble the dispenser, and before installing a new water bottle, wipe its neck with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol.

Tips How to Keep Your Water Dispenser Clean for Longer

To keep your water dispenser clean for a longer period of time, always wash your hands and disinfect the top of the new water bottle when replacing the bottle. Follow the steps to clean the water dispenser each time the bottle is replaced. You also should clean the exterior of the dispenser and the drip tray weekly.

Your water dispenser is only one of many areas of the home that may be overlooked on cleaning day. You can avoid potential health concerns and enjoy a cleaner home with regular cleaning services from Cleanzen. Book your first service with our professional housecleaners today.