Ensuring the cleanliness of your water cooler is crucial not only for the taste of your water but also for your health. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and mineral deposits that can affect the system’s efficiency and the quality of water dispensed. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean a water cooler, ensuring it remains in top condition.
Understanding Water Coolers
There are various models, each with its own unique service needs:
- Top loading water coolers: require lifting the water bottle upside down onto the dispenser. The natural force of gravity pulls the water out, making it easy to dispense.
- Bottom loading water coolers do not require so much lifting and may in fact be easier on your back. Binding the jugs at bottom to direct cooler lets you pump water up and then dispense it.
- Point-of-use coolers: Connected directly to a water line for continuous operation without jugs, these coolers filter and dispense water; less physical service is required than with any other kind of cooler.
Knowing what type of cooler you own is important to direct the cleaning to areas that are liable to accumulate dirt and bacteria.
Before Starting to Clean
Before cleaning begin, having all materials on hand and the site prepared properly, is an important step for safe and effective work:
Materials Needed:
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaners.
- Microfiber towels for drying and cleaning without streaks left behind.
- A long-handled scrub brush can reach inside reservoirs, allowing for deep cleaning and biofilm removal.
- Unscented Bleach Ready for easy sanitizing of surfaces
- Dish soap is used for washing anything that needs it.
General Safety Precautions:
- Unplug the cooler: to prevent any electrical dangers.
- In case of top-loading or bottom-loading models, remove the empty water jug to reach internal components.
Cleaning Process
Mixing the Cleaning solution:
Depending upon what you use as a cleaning agent or your personal taste, you may substitute bleach, a chemical which is harmful if swallowed and vapors breathed in, or vinegar.
- Bleach solution: Mix one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. This solution is highly effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria and viruses.
- Vinegar solution: For a natural cleanser, add five and one third cups white distilled vinegar to one gallon water Vinegar also excels and mineral deposits, slight bacterial populations in the water.
Internal Cleaning:
- Rinse the Water Reservoir: Pour the cleaning solution you have selected into the reservoir of the water cooler. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to thoroughly sanitize the interior.
- Scrub the Interior: Use a long-handled scrub brush inside the reservoir to scrape away any remaining material. Clean no-spill guards, baffles and whatever else is in your cooler with special attention.
Rinse the Reservoir:
After scrubbing, drain the cleaning solution from the water cooler through cooler spigots into a bucket. Carefully rinse all manner of bleach or vinegar out of it and then give the reservoir several rinses with fresh water so that it is free from cleaning solution.
Rinsing the Exterior of the Water Cooler
Steps for Exterior Cleaning:
- Wipe Down the Outside: Use a damp microfiber cloth and some mild soap solution on any parts that are likely to be touched by hands (e.g. the taps).
- Disinfect Taps and Handles: Taking a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dipped in your cleaning solution and rubbing both can the taps and handles, which are `hot-spots’ around here that harbor bacteria.
- Don’t let mold and mineral deposits build up in the drip tray, which can also collect water. Wash the drip tray in the sink with dish soap and warm water. Remove all residue from it by scrubbing well before you rinse thoroughly and dry completely, replacing after washing.
It is important to keep these external components clean because they are often in contact with people who use them, and therefore can be a likely source of germs.
Post-Cleaning Steps
When you have finished cleaning both the inner and outer components of your water cooler, followed with reassembling it and ensuring that it works as intended:
- Reassemble the Cooler: Put back parts you have taken off as the no-spill guard, baffle and drip tray. Ensure that all is firmly in place.
- Attach New Water Bottle: Carefully place a brand-new bottle of water onto the cooler. For top-loading models, be sure it is put in properly to prevent leaks. For bottom-loading models, connect the intake hose properly.
- Check for Functionality: Plug the cooler in and test both the cold and hot water functions. Inspect for any leaking or odd sounds, which might signify there is a problem. Make sure that the water tastes good and clean without any residue from cleaning agents.
Maintenance Tips
To prolong the life and use of your water cooler, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning Schedule: Clean the interior of your water cooler every three to six months, depending on usage. Clean the outside and high-touch areas more frequently — ideally once a week.
- Look Out for Problems: Keep an eye on your water cooler for any signs of malfunctioning, such as leaking, funny tastes or sediment in the water. If you spot these things happening, tackle the problem early on so future trouble won’t build up.
- Choose Fresh Water: For the interest of hygiene and energy savings, use only good-quality bottled water in your coolers and stay clear of limescale.
Sum up
Regular cleaning of your water cooler is essential for making sure you get clean safe drinking water. Adhering to these detailed cleaning and upkeep guidelines ensures that your machine continues to function at its best- and does so in pristine health. Keep in mind: your water cooler maintenance directly affects the quality of water coming from it.
With a clean water cooler, you can keep both your body and the machine free from harm. An office or kitchen water cooler that is maintained well is sure to have a long life.
For people who desire professional cleaning and/or help with maintenance, Family First offers thorough same day cleaning in Denver, Colorado’s other major cities, and towns all over. With information services just a phone call away when you need them call contact the friendly staff at Families First today!
