Have you ever gone to a glass of drink water from your water cooler and noticed the water tasted a little funny? Well, maybe it’s time to clean your water cooler! Water coolers are largely maintenance free, but you should clean it every six months or so to ensure you’re drinking the cleanest water possible.
When it comes to keeping your water cooler clean, there are two questions people generally ask:

  • Why should I clean my water cooler?
  • How do I clean my water cooler?
  • Make a mild cleaning solution, which isn’t as hard as it sounds. Cleaning your water cooler with regular dish soap won’t suffice.
    • To make the cleaning solution, you simply need to either add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water or add four ounces of white vinegar to about a quart of water (Remember, if you have a hot and cold water cooler, the hot tank itself is a sufficient cleaner, so you might want to block it off with a small cork or plug!).
  • Use your cleaning solution (preferably on a soft sponge) to thoroughly scrub the inside of the cooler. Let the solution stand for two or three minutes in the cooler reservoir.
  • Now drain the cleaning solution. If you have a hot and cold cooler, drain it through the cold water faucet. If you have a cold and cook cooler, drain the solution through both faucets.
  • Rinse the water cooler well with either bottled water or clean tap water (an ideal amount to rinse with is three or four gallons).
  • Remove the drip tray and clean it, then rinse it well.
  • Wash your hands before handling the new bottle – or use disposable gloves. You don’t want the sanitizing solution to get into the bottle!
  • Clean the top and neck of the new bottle.
  • Before inserting the new bottle on the cooler, check the expiration date to make sure it’s still fine to use.

Once your water cooler is clean, we recommend the following small steps to help make sure your work pays off and it stays clean!

  • Keep your water cooler in an area that isn’t too cold or too hot.
  • Avoid putting it somewhere that is exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Try not to use mists, vapors or sprays (cleaning products, perfume, etc.) near the water cooler.

If you have any questions about how to clean your water cooler or you want a new water cooler for your Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC home or office, call Endless Waters today!