Water dispensers are convenient and appreciated features, and are more and more present in offices and waiting rooms, as well as in private homes. They are quite inexpensive, and the multitude of available models allows everyone to find a water dispenser suited to their needs. However, for sanitary reasons and environmental concerns, it is recommended you clean your water cooler every 4-6 weeks. It is a simple task that you can definitely carry out yourself. And of course, don’t forget to unplug your water cooler from the mains, as electricity and water don’t get on very well!

Cleaning a bottled water dispenser  is really quick, and will take only around 30 minutes. You will need a lint-free cloth dipped in a highly diluted solution of water and vinegar. Scrub the outside of your dispenser and rinse it. These units are mostly made of plastic, so refrain from using detergents or aggressive chemicals. To clean the back of the unit, use the small brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust from the wire and the tube condenser. To clean the inside, remove the empty bottle and the water guard if there is one. Fill the tank with a gallon of warm water-and-vinegar solution, let it soak for five minutes, and drain the tank. Replace the water guard and a new bottle, then drain a pitcher of water to get rid of any unpleasant taste.

To clean a plumbed-in water coole r, follow the same process for the outside. For the inside, just remove the top cover and tank lid. Use the same water-and-vinegar solution to fill the tank, drain it and finally pour a pitcher of fresh water to rinse. Replace the lid and cover. Don’t forget to replace the filtration system cartridge  with a new one to make sure your drinking water stays as pure and safe as can be.