It’s hard to imagine your water cooler becoming dirty but it will eventually. Well, you need to clean your water dispenser and sanitize it as often as possible. Remember, microbes thrive in moisture and your water cooler offers the perfect environment. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning your water dispenser in and out then sanitize it properly. It’s prudent to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning since not all water coolers are constructed the same way. Certainly, you don’t want to damage or break it in the process.
Cleaning Tips For Your Water Dispenser
Make sure the water bottle is empty before you start cleaning. That way, you don’t need to lift heavy water bottles or worry about the water pouring all over the place. For the cleaning you need:
- A pitcher or gallon jug
- 3 cups of hot water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Microfiber cloth
- Bucket
- Dishwashing gloves
Start unplugging the water cooler and remove the water bottle. With the cold tap, remove the contents of the cooler into the jug or pitcher. The water is still good enough to drink. If necessary, remove the water guard found inside the cooler. It’s the part that punctures the lids on the water bottles to allow water to flow through but might not be present on all water coolers.
Next, remove the baffle gently. It’s either a metal or plastic disc. Wash the baffle and water guard using warm water with some mild dishwashing liquid, similar to how you wash your dishes by hand. Rinse the water guard and the baffle to remove all the soap. Clean and dry using the microfiber cloth until they are completely dry. You should 3 cups of hot water with 1 cup of white vinegar then pour it in the reservoir.
You need to use the gloves here, especially if your skin is very sensitive. Wipe the inside part of the reservoir using the solution and the microfiber cloth. Next, you should drain the cleaning solution out of the reservoir and into the bucket. You can rinse the reservoir twice by pouring clean water inside then drain into the bucket. Now you can place back the water guard and the baffle. You can now place a new water bottle in the cooler and switch on the power.
How To Clean A Water Cooler On The Outside (Including The Taps)
Just like you’re cleaning the inside of your dispenser, the outside needs to be cleaned too. You need to consider how many people touch it on a regular day and imagine the germs it carries. To clean the outside you need a mild dishwashing liquid, microfiber cloths and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Start by unplugging your water cooler. Remove the tray and taps then wash them in a sink using a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Next, wipe the taps and the tray with the microfiber cloth. Spray the outside part of the cooler with some vinegar, including the area where the tray is placed. Don’t spray the vinegar on the kitchen floors because they are likely to be damaged. With the microfiber cloth wipe away the grime and vinegar residue. Place back the taps and trays in the dispenser and plug it back in.
How To Sanitize Your Water Cooler
Most manufacturers recommend sanitization of the water cooler within 3 to 6 months. However, you need to check the instructions to make sure you’re not doing this more often. Remember, if you don’t do it properly, you might end up with your water tasting differently. It might also make the water harmful to your health if the sanitizer is left in for too long.
Most people use bleach to sanitize their water coolers. Well, if you have cleaned the water cooler with vinegar as mentioned above, mixing the two would not be a good idea. You should never mix bleach and vinegar since they create toxic chlorine gas that’s harmful to your health. That’s why you are advised to follow the cleaning advice left by the manufacturer when you choose to clean it.
If you’re not sure what to do, you can always ask your water service provider if the sanitizing and cleaning is a service they offer. Make sure they follow the best cleaning practices to make the cooler clean and sanitized accordingly. Also, if you are using dishwashing liquid, make sure it’s not toxic to your hands.
You can contact us at North Atlanta Cleaning Service if you are having trouble with these tips or if you need any help.
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