Have you ever wondered how to clean and maintain a water dispenser? Yes, the efficiency and advantages of a water dispenser depend on how you maintain it. If the water dispenser is poorly maintained or cleaned in the wrong way, it could turn into a worthless piece of appliance. Based on the experts and the organizations around the world related to water, it is best recommended to clean a water dispenser every 6-weeks.
Cleaning a water dispenser is not a task that should be taken lightly, the efficiency of the water dispenser depends on how you clean the water dispenser. We have personally seen water dispensers turning into a worthless appliance after regular poor cleaning and maintenance. Here is how to clean a water dispenser efficiently.
Pre-requisite tools and accessories –
- Plastic or reusable gloves
- Cleaning agent (dishwasher soap)
- Sponge or scrubber
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Fluid sprayer setup
- Water
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Funnel
- Hose
General cleaning instructions to follow, no matter what type of water dispenser you are using.
There are different types of water dispensers available on the market today. Each of them serves the same purpose. But, the water reservoir would be mounted at different positions. However, the general outline of the steps to be followed is as mentioned below.
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Disassemble the parts –
The first and basic thing you need to do before cleaning a water dispenser is to disassemble the appliance. Remember, it is best recommended that you wear gloves while doing it. Before disassembling the product, unplug it and make sure, you can access all the sides of the appliance with ease.
If the appliance is held together with screws, unscrew them and store the screws safely. Take apart each part of the water dispenser and keep them organized and separate.
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Clean the dispenser body –
Most people do not consider doing this, after disassembling the appliance, make sure there are no electronic parts attached to the exterior case of the dispenser. If there are any electronic parts, cover it and then spray some water on the body and clean it. Use soap or shampoo for enhanced cleaning efficiency. Using lukewarm water is also recommended. After cleaning the cover, keep them in sunlight to dry it.
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Prepare a cleaning solution –
The best way to clean a water dispenser is to use water and bleach solution in the right proportions. The best cleaning solution could be made with a gallon of water and two tablespoons of bleach. Use this solution first to clean and when the solution is finished, prepare the same solution again.
Bleach solution could be used to clean almost any part of the water dispenser, this includes the storage tank, drip tray, tubes, pipes, etc. This bleach solution could get rid of the odor and stains. If any stains cannot be removed with this solution, simply use vinegar and baking soda solution to remove it.
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Use a vinegar solution to clean the tubes and pipes –
After using the bleaching solution to clean, you should use a 3 to 1 combination of water and vinegar to clean the tubes and pipes in a water dispenser. The best way to do it is to, fill a bottle with a water-vinegar solution and then allow this solution to flow throw the tube or pipe. Open the spout for the free flow of the solution. This solution could get rid of harmful bacteria and germs in the pipes and tubes.
Allow the solution to pass through the tubes more than two times. Then, allow some water to pass through to rinse off the remaining vinegar inside the pipe.
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Allow the parts to dry –
Keep the parts in the sun to allow it to dry. Remember, even if a water dispenser is designed to handle hot and cold water, some of the parts might not be able to handle moisture for a long time. Therefore, dry the parts before reassembling the dispenser.
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Reassemble the dispenser –
Once you have made sure that each part is dry, start reassembling the parts. Remember, not to hassle while reassembling the parts. Try to do the reassembling carefully and gently.
Here is how to clean a top loading water dispenser –
Step 1: Unplug the power cord
Step 2: Take down the plastic water can from the top
Step 3: Remove the water guard from the dispenser
Step 4: Remove the drip tray carefully
Step 5: Disassemble the water dispenser
Step 6: Clean the water guard, plastic can, and the drip tray with bleach solution
Step 7: Now, allow the vinegar solution to flow through the tubes and pipes to clean them. Keep the spout open for the free flow of the solution. Rinse the pipes and tubes with regular water.
Step 8: Dry the drip tray, water guard, and plastic can. If you find any spots on the guard or can, rinse it with regular water.
Step 9: Reassemble the dispenser and then plug in the power cord.
Here is how to clean a bottom loading water dispenser –
Step 1: Unplug the power cord
Step 2: Remove the plastic can from the bottom
Step 3: Fill the can with 3:1 water and vinegar and load the can in the dispenser. Allow the solution to flow through the internal parts to remove the germs and bacteria in it. Once, this process is completed, remove the can again.
Step 4: Now, remove the water guard and drip tray carefully
Step 5: Start disassembling the water dispenser
Step 6: Clean the water guard, plastic can, and the drip tray with bleach solution
Step 7: Dry the drip tray, water guard, and plastic can. If you find any spots on the guard or the can, rinse it with regular water.
Step 8: Reassemble the dispenser and then plug in the power cord.
When it comes to the cold or hot water dispenser, the same steps have to be followed. However, different models would have different designs. Read the user guide before you do the cleaning, this could provide some general knowledge on the product.
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