A DIY Cleaning Hack For Keeping Your Water Cooler Flowing Fresh

A water cooler, commonly known as a water dispenser, is a device that cools and dispenses water. Like any appliance that dispenses food or drink, water coolers need regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and prevent funky tastes. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or harsh chemicals. This guide reveals a simple DIY cleaning hack using white vinegar to clean your water cooler effectively and affordably.

Unplug the Cooler: Safety first!

The first step before starting any cleaning process is to ensure the appliance is completely disconnected from any power source. Locate the power cord and safely disconnect it from the wall outlet. This step is crucial as it eliminates any risk of electrical shock and makes the cleaning process safer.

Remove the Water Bottle and Drip Tray

Carefully remove the water bottle from the cooler. If your cooler is equipped with a bottle, and there’s still water left, you should either wait until the bottle is empty or use a controlled method to prevent spilling when removing the bottle. This step is important because it prevents any contamination of the cleaning area and makes the internal components more accessible for thorough cleaning.

Remove the Dip Tray

Carefully detach the drip tray from the bottom of the water cooler. Most drip trays are designed for easy removal, typically sliding out or popping off with gentle pressure. Removing the tray allows for more thorough cleaning and access to areas where spills and drips accumulate.

Wash the dip Tray and Faucet.

Now, wash the drip tray with warm, soapy water. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a mild dishwashing soap. Submerge the drip tray in the solution and use a sponge or a soft cloth to scrub away any dirt, grime, or water stains. Pay special attention to any grooves or edges where mould and bacteria gather.

While the drip tray is soaking, focus on the water cooler’s faucet. Dip a cloth or sponge into the same soapy water and thoroughly wipe the exterior and interior of the faucet. Use a small brush or a pipe cleaner soaked in soapy water for hard-to-reach areas, such as the inside of the faucet spout.

After scrubbing, rinse the drip tray and faucet under running water to remove all soap residue. It’s important to rinse thoroughly because any remaining soap can affect the taste of the water and could contribute to residue buildup.

Use a clean, dry towel to wipe down the drip tray and faucet, ensuring they are scorched before reassembling. Removing all moisture is critical to preventing mould and bacteria from developing.

Drain Reservoir

Open the spigots to allow any remaining water in the cooler’s reservoir to drain completely into a bucket or sink. This step is essential to avoid diluting the cleaning agents you will use later and ensures that you start with an empty system for more effective cleaning.

Cleaning Solution

To prepare a standard cleaning solution that is effective for general use, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 3 cups of warm water. Start by measuring the vinegar and pouring it into a large bucket or bowl. Follow with the warm water, which helps dissolve the vinegar more efficiently, enhancing its cleaning capabilities. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the ingredients are fully blended. This diluted vinegar solution is ideal for regular maintenance and cleaning tasks where a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner is needed.

A stronger solution may be necessary for more challenging cleaning tasks involving stubborn grime or mineral deposits. Mix equal white vinegar and warm water to create this potent cleaner. For example, if you need a substantial amount, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Adjust the quantities based on the scope of your cleaning project, ensuring you maintain a 1:1 ratio. Mix the solution thoroughly to integrate the vinegar and water completely. This more robust mixture is especially useful for areas with significant buildup or requiring more intensive disinfecting.

Clean Reservoir Interior

Pour the cleaning solution into the empty water cooler reservoir. Grab a clean sponge or microfiber cloth and get scrubbing! Reach all the internal surfaces, including the walls and base. If those hard-to-reach areas need some extra muscle, consider using a long-handled brush designed explicitly for cleaning water more excellent reservoirs. These brushes can be found online or at some home improvement stores.

Soak Reservoir (Optional)

A little soaking can work wonders for water coolers that haven’t been cleaned in a while. After scrubbing, leave the cleaning solution in the reservoir for 30 minutes. This allows the vinegar to loosen any stubborn grime buildup, mineral deposits, or biofilm that may have formed inside the reservoir.

Rinse Thoroughly

Once the cleaning magic has happened, it’s time to remove the vinegar solution. Drain it entirely from the reservoir. Then, rinse the reservoir multiple times with clean water. Keep rinsing until you don’t detect any vinegar smell – this ensures a fresh, clean taste for your dispensed water. This step is crucial to remove any lingering vinegar residue that could affect the taste of your water.

Clean Water Baffle/Guard (Optional)

Some water coolers have a removable water baffle or guard, also known as a water filter guard. If yours does, take this opportunity to wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the cooler. These baffles or guards help filter out impurities from the water, so keeping them clean is vital for maintaining water quality.

Dry Completely

After the cleaning is complete, leave the reservoir lid open to allow the interior to air dry completely. This prevents moisture buildup and discourages mold growth. Moisture buildup can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can contaminate your water supply and pose health risks.

Replace Bottle and Drip Tray

Once everything is dry, refill your water bottle with fresh, filtered water or prepare the new bottle by removing any seals or caps. Lift the bottle and position it securely on top of the water cooler, aligning it with the receptacle. Insert the bottle cap or probe into the bottle’s opening if necessary. Secure the bottle in place according to the cooler’s design.

To reattach the drip tray, hold it near its position and align it with the designated slots or guides on the water cooler. Most drip trays are designed to fit easily and specifically to their respective models, so it should be clear how to fit them back into place.

Depending on your cooler’s design, gently slide the drip tray into the slots or rest it in its holder. Push it firmly but gently until it snaps into place or is securely seated. There should be no gap between the tray and the cooler, and it should not move when lightly tugged.

Once the drip tray is in place, gently pull it to ensure it is secure and won’t easily dislodge. This ensures that it will safely catch any drips or spills without shifting or spilling.

Plug Back In

Once everything is dry, plug the cooler back in and enjoy clean, refreshing water!

Cleaning Routine and Pro Tips

We recommend cleaning it every 1-3 months for optimal water cooler hygiene. If you notice a build-up of grime or an unpleasant taste in the water, a cleaning session might be due.

• Regular cleaning helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can contaminate your water supply and lead to health problems.
• Using filtered water in your water cooler can further reduce impurities and improve the taste of your dispensed water.
• Refer to your water cooler’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions or warnings. The cleaning process may vary slightly between different models.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage your cooler and potentially leach harmful chemicals into your water.

Following these simple DIY cleaning steps, you can ensure your water cooler dispenses pure, refreshing water, keeping you hydrated and healthy!