Maintaining a clean and well-functioning water cooler is essential for providing your family or office with fresh, safe, and great-tasting drinking water. One effective way to achieve this is by using a gentle bleach solution to disinfect and clean your water cooler. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning a water cooler with bleach, ensuring your appliance remains in top condition.
Preparing the Cleaning Solution
To create the cleaning solution, you will need:
– 1 gallon of tap water
– 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach
Mix the water and bleach together in a clean container, stirring well to ensure the solution is thoroughly combined. Be sure to wear clean rubber gloves and avoid spilling any bleach on your clothes during the mixing process.
Unplugging the Water Cooler
Before beginning the cleaning process, it is crucial to unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. This step not only prevents the risk of electrical shocks but also allows you to move around the cooler freely without tripping over the cord.
Removing and Inspecting the Water Bottle
Carefully remove the water bottle from the cooler and inspect it for any signs of mildew or dirt buildup. Wipe away any visible debris using a paper towel. For more stubborn spots, create a gentle abrasive paste by mixing water and baking soda, then use a scrub brush to scrub the affected areas. Once the bottle is clean, set it aside.
Cleaning the Water Guard
Next, remove the water guard and rinse it under running tap water. Dip a clean sponge into the bleach cleaning solution and thoroughly wipe down the water guard, ensuring it is disinfected. Rinse the guard thoroughly and set it aside to dry.
Cleaning the Drip Guard
Similar to the water guard, remove the drip guard, rinse it under the tap, and then wipe it down carefully with the bleach cleaning solution. Rinse the drip guard thoroughly and set it aside to dry.
Disinfecting the Reservoir
To disinfect the reservoir, pour the remaining bleach cleaning solution into the reservoir through the top of the water dispenser. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes before draining it through the spigots. You can alternate between the spigots to ensure both lines are thoroughly cleaned.
Rinsing the Reservoir
After disinfecting the reservoir, rinse it by pouring 2 gallons of clean water into the reservoir and draining it through each spigot. Once the reservoir is empty, fill it with another gallon of water and taste it. If you detect a vinegar taste or bleach smell, add an additional 2 gallons of clean water, drain, and retest until the water is free of any undesirable flavors or odors.
Reassembling and Chilling the Water Cooler
Replace any parts you removed, such as the water guard and drip guard, and add a new water bottle. Plug the water cooler back into the electrical outlet and allow it to chill the water for 30 minutes to an hour before use.
Cleaning the Water Drip Tray
Finally, remove the drip tray cover and use a cloth to remove any excess water. Clean the drip tray using either the bleach cleaning solution or a vinegar-water solution. Dry the water cooler thoroughly using a lint-free towel.
Maintaining a Clean Water Cooler
It is recommended to clean your water cooler every 1-3 months or whenever you change the bottled water. Regular cleaning will prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, ensuring your water cooler provides safe, great-tasting water for an extended period.
Technical Specifications
- Cleaning Solution: A gentle bleach solution made by mixing 1 gallon of tap water with 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach.
- Cleaning Tools: Clean rubber gloves, paper towel, scrub brush, clean sponge, and lint-free towel.
- Cleaning Steps: Unplug the power cord, remove the water bottle, clean the water guard, clean the drip guard, disinfect the reservoir, rinse the reservoir, replace any parts, add a new bottle, and clean the water drip tray.