Did the water you took from the dispenser taste right? Regardless, are you confident that it's safe to drink? We are talking about the presence of germs and hard layer deposits. Well, the answer to the question can either be found through lab tests or by asking when the water dispenser was cleaned the last time.
The cleanliness process may seem like it requires dedicated time and a lot of hours, which is generally impossible to find within a busy schedule, but the reality isn’t that harsh. The process is simple and can be performed easily with few materials and within some time, depending on how efficient you are. Read on to learn about how to clean water dispenser here.
Importance of Cleaning Water Dispenser
Before heading to how to clean water dispenser, let's understand why. With the direct impact on health and well-being, the hygiene of water dispensers should be the top priority of every user. With this, we shed light on the importance of cleaning both the interior and exterior of the water dispenser. While the interiors are generally untouched by humans, they still get unhygienic with time and require cleaning.
The interiors of water dispensers may get contaminated by microorganisms, whose uncontrolled growth can lead to illness and related issues. Further, the deposition of minerals present in hard water results in the development of layers affecting taste and quality. The exterior part is also prone to microbial growth coming from the hands and water splatter from cups and glasses. Further, the nozzle contamination can even impact the whole water source. But worry not, it's all avoidable.
Things Required to Clean the Dispenser
While worrying about how do I clean water dispenser, don't forget to have the necessary items for carrying out the process. The following equipment and materials are required to ensure a proper cleaning procedure:
Equipment
- Bucket for instant access to water during cleaning. It also serves to store cleaning solutions formed by mixing different materials.
- Spoon to get the required quantity of materials.
- The sponge is used for efficient cleaning without harming the dispenser's components.
- Microfiber towel and vacuum or disposable duster to clean off the dispenser
- Manual to be on the right track as per the specific model you are cleaning
- Rubber gloves to ensure your safety
Materials
- Chlorine bleach or distilled white vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
Cleaning Solution
An important aspect of the answer to your question of how do you clean a water dispenser is the access to the cleaning solution. It can be prepared using the materials mentioned above. The quantities to mix are:
- Pour a gallon of water into the bucket, followed by a tablespoon of either liquid chlorine bleach or 5.3 cups of distilled whiter vinegar. Mix the solution well.
Ensure that you never mix both chlorine bleach and vinegar. It will result in the formation and release of toxic gas.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
The following steps will offer insight into how do you clean a water cooler dispenser with the top-loading water jug:
Step 1: Unplug the dispenser from the power supply. Remove all the water from the reservoir, the jug from the top, and the drip tray from the front. Further, for internal parts of the reservoir, remove the no-spill adapter and baffle.
Step 2: Now soak the sponge in a cleaning solution and squeeze off the excess amount. Scrub the dispenser valve with the sponge. For stubborn marks, rub the part with the scrub side.
Step 3: Follow the same procedure for the removed parts and the internal reservoir until there are no marks.
Step 4: Dry the cleaned parts to remove moisture. Use microfibre cloth for the task.
Step 5: Pour the cleaning solution into the reservoir and scrub its sides.
Step 6: Now pour out the cleaning solution after some time, followed by filling it with clean drinking water. Scrub again thoroughly to remove any build-up material and drain the same.
Step 7: Fill in the water again to check for the aftertaste. You will need to repeat the steps for more cleaning if there is an aftertaste or the water doesn’t seem right.
Step 8: Put back the extracted parts and put on the water jug to start using.
Maintenance Tips for Both Hot and Cold Dispensers
After knowing how to clean water dispenser, how about having an insight into their maintenance? For those who have both hot and cold water dispensers, here is how to maintain the product:
- Cleanliness: The necessity of cleaning is inevitable. Ensure regular cleaning to access the supply of potable water. It includes both exterior and interior cleaning. While exterior cleaning should be done at least once a week, interior cleaning can be performed once every three months.
- Filter replacement: Based on the instruction manual, ensure timely replacement of filters. Also, focus on the right type and size of filters that suit your dispenser’s dimensions and functions effectively.
- Issue repairing: Regularly check the dispenser for any issues, which include leakage, wrong water temperature, poor quality or taste of water and other aspects. Timely identification and action prevent bulk maintenance charges and negative health impacts.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Contamination
Apart from knowing how do I clean my water dispenser, be also knowledgeable about contamination prevention methods. This is because water is easily prone to contamination and can be the hub for the exponential growth of microorganisms. However, mindful handling offers a promising aspect to prevent contamination. Here is what to take care of:
Dispenser Sanitisation
It is the ultimate method to prevent and remove microbial growth. Timely sanitisation of the interior and regular cleaning of exterior parts will avoid the growth of microbes.
Avoid Touching Nozzle
The bacteria from hands can easily transfer to the nozzle, making their way into the water source. The usage of replaceable nozzles is also an option to consider in case of frequent touching.
Dry the Dispenser Area
Keeping the dispenser dry has a major impact by inhibiting the growth of microbes and moulds that thrive on moisture. Hence, be sure to practice mindful usage to prevent water spills.
Use Clean Drinkware
This point is also an effective contributor to maintaining the cleanliness of the dispenser and, hence, the water source.
Conclusion
Water dispensers are frequently used items in a day at any place. Maintaining hygiene of the same is essential to ensure the well-being of the users. It can be practised by mindful usage and timely cleaning. The process of cleaning is simple once you know how to clean water dispenser. However, efforts are required to ensure proper cleanliness. Follow the mentioned step-by-step guide and the tips to ensure unhindered access to potable water.
FAQs
Q1. What type of illnesses can contaminated water dispensers cause?
Contaminated water dispensers can result in infections and gastrointestinal problems such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and others.
Q2. What features should I consider when buying a water dispenser?
Some of the essential features to look for include child safety and noiseless operation, and the dispenser must be manufactured from a food-grade premium quality material tank. These are apart from necessary features of dispenser capacity, maintenance requirements and filter change frequency.
Q3. Do I need a hot water dispenser?
While it depends on one’s needs, there are certain benefits to hot water dispensers. You get instant access to hot water to make hot drinks, which saves energy. You also get the health benefits of hot water.