Tools and Materials
How Does A Water Cooler Work
A water cooler uses simple refrigeration techniques to function. Here’s a quick explanation of what is in your water cooler and how it works to make your water cold:
- For a bottled system, a water jug feeds water into a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber consists of a cold plate that cools your water as it passes over.
- A bottle-less cooler connects directly to your water line. The water flows through multiple filters before being transferred to the cooling chamber.
How Often to Clean Your Water Cooler
Prolonged use can lead to mineral and bacteria buildup on the inside of a water cooler. Your water cooler ideally needs cleaning every six months. Since the exterior is exposed to dirt and bacteria, it should be wiped down and cleaned more frequently.
How to Clean Your Water Cooler
Before cleaning your water cooler, it's best to refer to the manual and follow any specific instructions.
Follow all use and safety instructions and make sure to wear safety gear such as cleaning gloves and eye protection.
- Unplug the cooler and any nearby electrical devices from their power source to prevent any hazards while cleaning.
- Proceed with the cleaning process after emptying the attached bottle. Simply lift it straight up from the cooler to detach.
- With the bottle removed, some water could still remain in the reservoir. Lift the taps to get rid of any last drops.
- If you notice any mold or mildew buildup in or around the support collar, scrub it lightly with a mold remover.
Use the mold cleaner only for the exterior parts of the water cooler. Avoid getting the mold remover into the reservoir, or it can contaminate your drinking water.
- Refer to the manual to locate and remove the no-spill guard and baffle. Use mild detergent and warm water to clean and then dry completely.
How To Prepare a Vinegar Cleaning Solution
One of the easiest and best ways to clean your water cooler is by using a vinegar or bleach cleaning solution. This solution can easily be made at home. Here’s how:
Vinegar solution:
- Take a bowl and add 1 tbsp of vinegar.
- Dilute it with 3 tbsp of water.
- Alternatively, you can mix in a 3:1 ratio depending on the quantity you need. For every 1 part vinegar, add 3 parts water.
- Use this solution for hard water and mineral buildup.
If you want to reduce the scent of vinegar, add 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Alternatively, you can use a chlorine bleach solution as a disinfectant. To use it for sanitizing your water cooler, you just need to know how to properly dilute it. Mix 1 tbsp of bleach with a gallon of water.
Use bleach sparingly. Always refer to the manual for specific dilution instructions, as too much bleach can damage your cooler.
Never mix cleaners; use either bleach or vinegar. Mixing both can cause toxic fumes.
Cleaning Process
- Pour the solution directly into the reservoir.
- Let the cleaning solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes if it's vinegar and 5 to 10 minutes if it's bleach.
- You can use a soft brush to scrub the inside of the reservoir.
- Drain the cleaning solution through the taps.
- Rinse 2–3 times with clean water by pouring it into the reservoir and draining it from the taps. Start with a gallon of water and make sure that you keep repeating this step until the cleaning solution is out of the cooler and that no aftertaste remains.
Replacing the Bottle
- Use a soft cloth dipped in the vinegar solution to wipe the bottle collar and the top of the dispenser. Avoid using a bleach solution for the exteriors as the plastic can get brittle over time.
- Unscrew the taps if possible and the drip tray. Wash with detergent and let them dry.
- Replace the water bottle and wipe with a cloth dipped in a cleaning solution.
If the water from the water cooler tastes strange even after cleaning, rinse the reservoir with water again.