How To Clean A Refrigerator Water Dispenser | Get Rid Of Disgusting Smell

Do you have one of those refrigerators with an ice and water dispenser on the door? They can be great, but if they are not cared for properly, it can lead to a foul odor from the unit. The odor won’t be pleasant, for sure. That smell can even get into your food, making you lose your appetite. Don’t need to run away from food. We will tell you the steps to clean your refrigerator, which will help eliminate your odor.

Cleaning your refrigerator’s water dispenser is incredibly easy and doesn’t take much time. Not only that, but if done right, it will save you the trouble of having your fridge emitting bad odors. In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean your refrigerator’s water dispenser, so it keeps your fridge smelling fresh.

You may think that it is not necessary to clean it because it is always full of ice. However, if you leave it uncleaned, bacteria will grow inside and cause mold to form. Mold can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Thus, the purpose is to show you how to clean a refrigerator water dispenser.

Why It’s Important to Clean Refrigerator Water Dispenser?

Any apparatus that ensures the cleanliness of other things should be cleaned frequently. Water is a very delicate element that is important to the human body. Any appliance that comes in touch with it has to be clean always.

When you notice a change in the color or odor of the water your refrigerator dispenses, it indicates that it needs to be cleaned. You should, however, not have to wait till you notice these changes. Cleaning your refrigerator dispenser should be part of your cleaning schedule every time. Here are some reasons you need to clean your refrigerator water dispenser.

Hard water can gather calcium in the water dispenser over time, which can block the dispenser and slow the flow of water. Frequent use of water dispensers can cause a build-up of bacteria in it. Cleaning it will help wipe this out and ensure you have clean water.

Cleaning the water dispenser helps to enhance the life of the refrigerator. If the water dispenser is clogged by lime or calcium, it affects the cooling system of the refrigerator, and this can cause damage to the equipment.

How to Clean Refrigerator Water Dispenser?

Disconnect the Water Supply

This is the first step to take before cleaning. Then look for a copper water supply that connects to the water supply. Not all refrigerators have this, but most of them have it. Look for the screw that connects them, loosen it, and slide off the copper tube.

Flush with White Vinegar

With a small funnel, pour three to four cups of white vinegar through the tube into the refrigerator. You can tape it to the back of the refrigerator to support it. Ensure the tube is held upward so the vinegar can drain into the refrigerator. The purpose of the vinegar is to wipe out any calcium or lime that might have been stored in the dispenser.

If your refrigerator has an ice cube maker, switch it on to allow the vinegar to clean it alongside the dispenser and refrigerator. Steps as to how to clean an ice cube maker are not so difficult. Press the water dispenser button so the white vinegar can run through the system. This is to ensure all the internal systems and tubes are wiped out.

Have a large bowl to dispense the vinegar out of the refrigerator. Press the refrigerator button to ensure all the vinegar is out of the system. Continue pressing until there’s no more vinegar in the system. Then dispose of the vinegar.

Scrub the Water Dispenser Nozzle

Cleaning a refrigerator water dispenser nozzle is not much of a task. Dip a bottle brush in vinegar and scrub the water dispenser nozzle and its area. Scrub the inside of the dispenser well. If you don’t have a bottle brush, an old toothbrush can help.

If the calcium is so clogged that the toothbrush is not doing much of scraping it, you can use a small kitchen knife to get this done. Scrape out the calcium carefully, but be watchful of the tube, so you don’t get them cut out.

Remove any other removable units in the dispenser and spray them with vinegar. Check your owner’s manual to ensure which unit is removable, do not force anything out of the system. You should also know how to clean a refrigerator water dispenser tray.

Rinse the Vinegar

Reconnect the copper water supply, slip it into place, and screw it with a screwdriver. Turn on the water supply and allow it to flush through the refrigerator. Allow the water to continue running till there’s no more trace of vinegar in the system. Run the tap into a glass repeatedly until there’s no vinegar smell in the water. Taste a little also to be sure it doesn’t taste like vinegar.

You’re good to go with your water dispenser when the vinegar has been fully flushed out of the system. You should not use the first batch of ice cubes made because they might have a taste of vinegar in them.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners when cleaning your water dispenser. It’s an effective and safe way to eliminate dirt, grime, and bacteria that can build up over time. If you want to use your ice and water dispenser, you will need to disconnect the water supply.

Then, soak a few paper towels in a bowl of vinegar for one minute before spreading them over the dispenser. Let the vinegar-soaked paper towels sit for about five minutes before wiping away any residue with a damp cloth.

Once you’ve wiped down the surface with the vinegar-soaked paper towels, sprinkle some baking soda onto the surface and use a damp cloth to scrub it into the crevices of your water dispenser. This will help remove any stubborn stains or odors that may have built up over time.

After scrubbing with baking soda, rinse off the surface with warm water and dry it off with a clean towel. With regular cleaning using baking soda, you can keep your water dispenser looking like new.

How Often Should I Clean My Refrigerator Water Dispenser?

Your refrigerator water dispenser and ice cube makers must be cleaned regularly for proper maintenance. In cases where you have hard water, lime and calcium deposits tend to clog the dispensers or build up around the water spout. In such instances, you should clean the water dispenser more often.

It is generally advised to carry out a thorough cleaning of your water dispenser every six months. You should also know how to clean the water dispenser nozzle and clean it weekly or every fortnight. The cleaning depends on how quickly lime and calcium build up in your system.

How to Maintain a Water Dispenser?

It is not just enough to clean the refrigerator water dispenser. There is some routine maintenance to carry out regularly. Each time you clean your dispenser and scrape out the calcium or lime build-up, it results from handling the dispenser. Most of the bacteria that build up in the water dispenser come from all the touching and pushing of the buttons.

1. Ensure to clean the water dispenser often by using alcohol to wipe the surfaces.
2. Clean the ice cube tray and dispenser buttons every day if you frequently use them or if a lot of people it.
3. The inner part of the refrigerator should be cleaned often with baking soda and warm water. This helps remove bacteria; you don’t have so much bacteria build up when you want to do a deep cleaning. You can do this once in three weeks or once a month.

Water Dispenser Mineral Buildup Tips

Mineral buildup in your refrigerator’s water dispenser can cause a foul odor that lingers in the fridge. To keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean, you should periodically clean the water dispenser. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning a refrigerator water dispenser:

1. Start by emptying any remaining water from the reservoir and unplugging it from the power source.

2. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the reservoir, removing debris or dirt.

3. Rinse the reservoir with warm water and gently scrub it with baking soda and water.

4. Fill the reservoir with white vinegar and let it sit for about an hour before draining it completely.

5. Rinse the reservoir with warm water and let it air dry before reassembling and plugging the water dispenser back in.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. Why is My Refrigerator Water Dispenser Slow?

A clogged filter can cause the water dispenser to be slow. It can also result in the refrigerator not dispensing water at all. All you have to do is change the filters. Ideally, filters should be replaced every six months.

2. How often should I clean the water dispenser in my refrigerator?

The frequency of use depends on the refrigerator. For example, if you only open the freezer once every few months, you probably won’t have much buildup. However, if you frequently leave the doors wide open, you’ll likely see dirt sooner than someone else. However, we recommend cleaning your refrigerator water dispenser twice a year.

3. Is it necessary to clean refrigerator water lines?

Yes. If they’re dirty or corroded, bacteria could grow inside the line, eventually leading to food poisoning. To prevent this, run cold water over the lines regularly. This keeps everything free of contaminants.

4. Can a refrigerator water line get clogged?

Water can clog a refrigerator water line if it gets hard or leaves residue on top of the water. A problem with your refrigerator’s water line may be causing a decrease in temperature. If you suspect your water line is clogged, it’s best to call a professional.

5. Can bacteria grow in water dispensers?

The water dispenser in your refrigerator is an essential part of keeping your food and drinks cold. Unfortunately, it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained. Bacteria can grow in water dispensers if the moisture level is too high or if there’s food residue stuck in the reservoir.

Wrap Up

A refrigerator is cool, but a refrigerator water dispenser is a bomb. With a water dispenser, you can enjoy cold, safe, and clean water. A water dispenser is not all that expensive to invest in for your refrigerator, considering the benefits you get from it. In order to get benefits out of it, you need to keep them neat and clean otherwise; they won’t give you anything rather than an unpleasant smell. So keep your refrigerator clean by following the above steps.