Water dispensers are water dispensing devices usually positioned at strategic places in the building to dispense water into disposable cups. There are two categories of dispensers, point-of-use (POU) water dispensers, and bottled dispensers.
In the classification of dispensers, we have types and categories. There are five types of dispensers: Wall-mounted,Bottom-load water dispensers, Tabletop water dispenser, Direct-piping water dispenser (POU), and Freestanding.
To function correctly, a water dispenser needs a source of water. This comes from two sources: Natural mineral and spring water and purified water. After being used over some time, to prevent mineral build-up in heating tanks, the water dispenser needs to be cleaned.
This cleaning process is called Descaling. Citric acid is used for the cleaning process.
What is a water dispenser?
A water dispenser is a machine that offers an unlimited supply of filtered water. It has a refrigerator mechanism that makes your drinking water cold before delivery. Other features of the machine include filtration, carbonation, and heating up of water. Of all the time of water dispensers, the freestanding designs are commonly used in the office.
To get water from a dispenser, place a container under the faucet, and press the lever above it. The machine uses a three-step filtration process to filter water: Carbon filtration, BioCote surface protection, and UV purification.
Beyond being used in offices, water dispensers are used in other places and university campuses and hospitals. Research by the Environmental Working Group reveals that drinking water from a water dispenser reduces your chance of having cancer. Tap water has at least 22 carcinogens and heavy metals, which are by-products of using chlorine as a disinfectant. Do you feel nauseouw after drinking water click here to know why?
What You Need to Know About Cleaning a Water Dispenser
When used over some time, if not cleaned, water dispensers could accumulate dirt and germs. This could, in turn, Waterborne infections, one of the deadliest you can ever.
To prevent the spread of infection in homes and workplaces, it is pertinent you clean your dispenser regularly. Cleaning your water dispenser can be done in the step listed below.
Step 1
Disconnect the dispenser from the power source. Water is a good conductor of electricity, to prevent electrocution, remove its plug from the source.
Step 2
Make sure you remove the top water bottle and empty it before you start cleaning.
Step 3
Move the dispenser to a comfortable location
Step 4
Prepare the cleaning agents in the ratio of 1:1, one teaspoon of cleaner to 1 gallon of water. Start cleaning the machine from the inside, and allow the solution to be in the dispenser for about 2 minutes.
Step 5
Drain the solution from the machine. You may want to remove the top of the dispenser to make this easy. However, ensure that you read the instructional manual before you do this.
Step 6
Pour clean water into the dispenser reservoir and drain it. Repeat the process two times.
Step 7
To be sure the cleaning agent is thoroughly rinsed from the dispenser. Rinse two more times. Drain through the tap.
Step 8
Discard the water you drained the water from the machine. Detach the drip tray, clean, and dry with a soft towel.
Step 9
Re-fix the machine’s top you removed earlier. Ensure it is properly fixed.
Step 10
Put in a new water bottle on the dispenser. Run the water through the tap and taste to ensure that there are no traces of the cleaning agent in the water.
What materials do I need to clean a water dispenser?
To have a hitch-free cleaning process while cleaning your dispenser, you need the below-listed material
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Cup
- Paper towel
- Gloves
- Lint-free towel
- Vinegar or bleach
- a waterproof apron
- smock
How to Clean a Water Dispenser with Vinegar
Vinegar has anti-microbial properties. That is, it can kill microorganisms, and it is also beneficial to our bodies. Those who want to lose weight use
The purpose of the primary use of cleaning the dispenser is to get rid of microorganisms that are harmful to our health. Vinegar is suitable for cleaning water dispensers because it kills germs and improves our health. Vinegar is also cheap.
Here are the steps to using vinegar to clean your dispenser.
Step 1
Unplug the dispenser to prevent electrocution. Remove the old water bottle and empty it
Step 2
Prepare the vinegar in the ratio of 3 to 1. 3 lire of water to 1 liter of vinegar.
Step 3
Put the vinegar in the reservoir of the water dispenser
Step 4
Wait for 15 minutes
Step 5
Drain the water through both the hot and cold tap channels
Step 6
Ensure to drain out all the vinegar.
Step 7
Rinse the reservoir of the water dispenser over and over again till you can no longer smell the vinegar.
How to Clean a Water Dispenser with Bleach
Cleaning with Bleach is almost the same as cleaning with vinegar. Both have the same goal, but the processes are different. The bleach is a disinfectant, e.g., Chlorine
While using bleach like chlorine, unlike vinegar, is not friendly to your body. Make sure you wear a glove when you are mixing the bleach, and don’t let it touch your cloth.
Here are the steps to using bleach to clean your dispenser bleach
Step 1
Unplug the dispenser to prevent electrocution. Remove the old water bottle and empty it
Step 2
Prepare the vinegar in a ratio of 1: 1. That is 1 liter of water to 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
Step 3
Put the bleach in the reservoir of the water dispenser
Step 4
Wait for 15 minutes
Step 5
Drain the water through both the hot and cold tap channels
Step 6
Ensure to drain out all the bleach solutions.
Step 7
Rinse the reservoir of the water dispenser over and over again till you can. There are no traces of chlorine solution.
How to Clean a Water Cooler Run Using Your Cleaning Solution
The process is still the same as stated above for cleaning through vinegar and bleach. If the already listed process is followed, the cleaning solution will clean the Water cooler run.
Follow the either of the above-listed steps you will get the water cooler run cleaned
Cleaning a Water Dispenser on the Exterior
When cleaning the exterior of the Water Dispenser. Do not use bleach; instead, use mild liquid detergent. And follow these steps
Start using your machine again. 
Step 1
Unplug your water dispenser
Step 2
Unmount the water bottle
Step 3
Unscrew and remove the baffle disk. Prepare your cleaning agent.
Step 4
Dip a clean towel into the cleaning solutions you have prepared. Use it to clean the internal reservoir, faucets, and battle disk.
Step 6
Rinse the reservoir with water
Step 7
Insert a new battle disk and reassemble your water dispenser.
Step 8
Mount a new water bottle on the dispenser, and draw at least a cup of water, both hot and cold faucets.
Step 9
Watch How To Clean Water Dispenser:
How to add the New Water Bottle?
Changing your water bottle is easy. Place the new water bottle a few meters to your machine. Tear the nylon around the neck of the new bottle.
Gently remove the old water bottle. Stand straight and start lifting from your knees. Turn upside down and fit properly into the machine. Your machine is ready to use.
How To Clean Water Dispenser FAQs
How Often Should I Sanitize A Water Dispenser?
You should clean your dispenser every 3 to 6 months.
I see black mold on my machine’s drain, what does it mean?
Black mold is hazardous to your health. They can cause harm to your health. Stop drinking that from the Dispenser till you get rid of the mold, and ensure the water is safe before drinking again.
Which is better to clean my dispenser white or cider vinegar?
You can use either for cleaning. However, Apple Cider Vinegar is more expensive than white vinegar.
Will cleaning my machine improve the taste of my water?
Not. If you are experiencing that, we would advise that you stop drinking the water and check if the water is not contaminated
My dispenser is leaking. What should I do?
To prevent electrocution, unplug the machine, drain the water and call a professional for help.
How often should I clean my dispenser?
Cleaning should be done often to prevent the accumulation of germs. Do it at an interval between 3-6 months.
Wrapping Up!
From the review, we have two major products that can be used to clean your water dispenser: bleach and apple cider vinegar.
Looking at the two products, as an agent of cleaning your machine, it can be concluded that using apple vinegar to clean your dispenser is slightly better than using bleach.
Though both have the same effect, Vinegar is friendlier to use than bleach. People still take vinegar for weight reduction, but bleach harms the skin.
Sources:
https://www.newair.com/blogs/learn/clean-water-cooler
Sarah J. Gregory
352 Hershell Hollow Road
Anaheim, CA 92805
