How to Clean a Water Cooler & Dispenser Like a Pro

It’s fairly common for people to prefer drinking water that’s nice and cold to drinking it at room temp. If you’ve got any type of water cooler in your home (or in a client’s home), then you’ve got to know the best methods and products to clean it, especially since these coolers and dispensers can provide growing space for mildew, mold and bacteria.

Luckily for you, our pros have the guidance that’s needed to help you out. Whether you’ve got your own cleaning business, you’re looking to DIY water cooler cleaning to save money, or you’re a homeowner considering buying a water cooler, continue with this article to learn what you need to know.

Types of Water Coolers

It probably won’t shock you to learn that there are multiple varieties of water coolers to choose from. 

• Bottled water coolers (a company provides the stand and delivers water to your home)
• Countertop water coolers are small and may be connected to your water supply or use bottles that are delivered.
• Refrigerator coolers are built into refrigerators, and some dispense both chilled water and serve as ice makers.
• A plumbed-in water cooler is one that’s connected to the water main and is a preference of people who don’t want to pay for (or wait for) water delivery. These may include countertop and under-sink chillers.

The best cleaning method will depend on which type of cooler you’ve got and which products you prefer. Some people greatly prefer natural products, while others like the convenience of buying a ready-made product at the store.

What Are the Challenges of Cleaning Water Coolers & Dispensers?

Water cooler cleaning and disinfecting isn’t the easiest chore in the world and there are some things that may make it challenging to some cleaners.

• You’ll be required to use a cleaning method that gets rid of bacteria growing in the interior parts of your cooler.
• A few small parts must be taken off the cooler and washed separately.
• Bleach is effective as a sanitizer but you’ll need to rinse everything carefully after cleaning.
• Some water coolers are unwieldy and difficult to clean.

We’re confident that our methods work, but you should refer to any instructions provided by the manufacturer before cleaning.

Cleaning Products and Supplies to Clean Water Coolers

How to Clean Water Dispenser in Fridge

Refrigerator water dispensers are finicky to clean and require more tools than you’d need to clean other types of water coolers.

Step 1: Disconnect the water supply to the refrigerator. In most cases, there’ll be a shutoff valve under the sink.

Step 2: Remove the screw holding the copper tubing in place.

Step 3: Place the small funnel into the copper tubing and carefully pour 2 to 3 cups of plain white vinegar into it, which will move it into the reservoir. Allow it to sit in the reservoir for at least 5 minutes and no more than 10 minutes.

Step 4: Go to the refrigerator and dispense the vinegar into your bowl.

Step 5: Dip a clean toothbrush into fresh vinegar and use it to scrub the dispenser’s exterior.

Step 6: Reconnect and secure the copper tube, then flush with clean water until all vinegar is rinsed away.

How to Clean a Top Load Water Dispenser

Top load water dispensers are the ones with bottles that you tip upside down on top of the cooler stand. Here’s how to clean them.

Step 1: Prep for cleaning and sanitizing by unplugging the cooler and removing all other plugs from the outlet.  If your cooler also dispenses hot water, turn the heating switch – usually located at the back of the cooler – off.  Remove the emptied bottle and holding a bowl beneath the spigot, drain any water that remains in the reservoir.  Remove the spill guard and baffle from inside the reservoir, too.

Step 2: Mix up a DIY cleaning solution for sanitizing water dispensers, which you can do by mixing a tablespoon of regular bleach into a gallon of water.

Step 3: Soak a clean sponge in your bleach and water solution and use it to clean the bottle collar and the top part of the dispenser.

Step 4: Fill up the reservoir with the bleach and water solution. Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the interior, then soak the reservoir with the solution for at least 10 minutes. 

Step 5: Wash the spill guard and baffle with dishwashing liquid and hot water.

Step 6: Drain the bleach and water solution into the bowl and pour it down the sink.

Step 7: Pour clean water into the reservoir and flush it out through the dispenser, repeating at least twice to get rid of all traces of bleach.

Put any parts you removed back, plug the cooler back in, and you’ll be ready to go with a sparkling clean cooler.

Watch the video below to see the entire process in action.

How to Clean a Bottom Load Water Dispenser

The main difference between a top and bottom loading water dispenser is that in the latter, the water bottle sits upright at the bottom of the dispenser and the water is pumped out.  Here’s the method to clean one.

Step 1: Remove the empty (or nearly empty) bottle from the dispenser.

Step 2: Rinse out the bottle and clean the mouth of the bottle with soap and water.

Step 3: Put equal parts plain water and white vinegar in the bottle, then replace the bottle in the dispenser. 

Step 4: After 10 minutes, use the dispenser to pump as much of the vinegar mixture as possible into a bowl. This process will sanitize the interior of the machine.

Step 5: Empty any remaining mixture into the sink. Rinse the bottle and refill with fresh water. Dispense and dispose of the water to remove any vinegar. Repeat at least twice to make sure the interior of the machine is clean.

Step 6: Use a fresh mix of vinegar and water to wipe down the exterior of the machine, then use a new sponge to wipe again with hot water to remove the vinegar and any lingering smell/taste.

Signs That It’s Time to Clean Your Water Cooler or Dispenser

Here are some signs to help you know that it’s time to clean your water cooler or dispenser.

• It’s been more than six months since you last cleaned it.
• The water has a funky smell or taste.
• There’s visible dirt or mold on the interior or exterior of the cooler.

If you notice any of these signs, then get out the bleach and get to work!

FAQ About Cleaning Water Coolers

How do I clean a specific brand of water cooler?

Whatever brand of water cooler you have, whether it’s a Toshiba, a Whirlpool, or a Glacier Bay dispenser, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a printed copy, Googling should help you find what you need. Our instructions are likely to work for any brand you have.

Can I use vinegar instead of bleach?

Yes, vinegar will get the job done and in some cases it’s the best choice. Just remember that it’s not as good at disinfecting as bleach is. That means if you’ve got mold or bacteria in your cooler, you should use bleach.

Can I scrub the exterior to remove dirt?

You can, but make sure to be gentle. You don’t want to create scratches or abrasions that give bacteria an environment to grow.

Can exterior parts of my water cooler be run through the dishwasher?

In most cases, yes. You’ll want to double check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure, but the dishwasher is very effective at cleaning and sanitizing plastic parts of a water cooler.

How often should I clean my water cooler?

Our pros recommend cleaning and sanitizing once every six months at minimum. You should clean more frequently if you notice any of the signs that your water cooler needs cleaning, such as obvious dirt or mold or off-tasting water.

Comparison of Water Cooler Cleaning Methods

Here’s our quick comparison of water cooler cleaning methods and when to use them.

Conclusion

A water cooler might not be the quickest thing to clean, but it’s truly not difficult if you follow the straightforward steps that our cleaning pros have laid out here. Regularly cleaning your cooler is the best way to reduce the risk that mold or bacteria will move in and taint your drinking water.