Maintaining a clean and well-functioning Primo bottom loading water cooler is essential for ensuring the purity and freshness of your drinking water. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your Primo water dispenser, providing you with the necessary tools, techniques, and expert insights to keep your appliance in top condition.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
To clean your Primo bottom loading water cooler, you will need the following items:
- Bleach or Vinegar: Two tablespoons of regular bleach or two cups of distilled white vinegar.
- Empty 5-Gallon Bottle: One empty 5-gallon bottle to hold the cleaning solution.
- 2-Gallon Bucket: One 2-gallon bucket to catch any excess water during the cleaning process.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: A Phillips head screwdriver to remove the necessary components.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
- Bleach Solution: Mix two tablespoons of regular bleach with one gallon of hot tap water in the empty 5-gallon bottle.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix two cups of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of hot tap water in the empty 5-gallon bottle.
Unplug and Disassemble the Dispenser
- Unplug the Dispenser: Locate the power cord and unplug the Primo bottom loading water cooler from the grounded wall outlet.
- Remove the Water Bottle: Carefully lift and remove the water bottle from the dispenser.
- Move the Dispenser: Gently move the water cooler away from the wall, providing enough space to access the rear and bottom of the unit.
Drain the Reservoirs
- Locate the Drain Cap: Locate the drain cap, typically found at the bottom of the dispenser.
- Remove the Drain Cap: Using the Phillips head screwdriver, remove the drain cap to allow the remaining water to drain from the reservoirs.
- Drain the Water: Allow the water to drain completely from the reservoirs into the 2-gallon bucket.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
- Pour the Cleaning Solution: Pour the prepared bleach or vinegar solution into the empty 5-gallon bottle.
- Apply the Cleaning Bottle: Attach the 5-gallon bottle filled with the cleaning solution to the dispenser, ensuring a secure connection.
- Allow the Solution to Fill the Reservoirs: Allow the cleaning solution to fill the reservoirs, which may take several minutes.
- Let the Solution Sit: Once the reservoirs are filled, let the cleaning solution sit for 10 minutes to effectively sanitize and deodorize the dispenser.
Flush the Reservoirs
- Drain the Cleaning Solution: After the 10-minute soak, drain the cleaning solution from the reservoirs into the 2-gallon bucket.
- Rinse the 5-Gallon Bottle: Rinse the 5-gallon bottle thoroughly with hot tap water.
- Fill the Bottle with Hot Water: Fill the 5-gallon bottle with only hot tap water.
- Apply the Water-Filled Bottle: Attach the 5-gallon bottle filled with hot water to the dispenser and allow the water to flush through the taps.
- Repeat the Flushing: Repeat the flushing process until the water runs clear and any residual cleaning solution has been removed.
Reassemble and Restore the Dispenser
- Replace the Silicone Plug and Drain Cap: Carefully replace the silicone plug and drain cap, ensuring a proper seal.
- Return the Dispenser to its Location: Gently move the Primo bottom loading water cooler back to its original position, ensuring it is level and stable.
- Install a Fresh Water Bottle: Place a fresh, full 5-gallon water bottle onto the dispenser.
- Plug in the Power Cord: Plug the power cord back into the grounded wall outlet, restoring power to the dispenser.
Maintain a Clean Dispenser
To ensure the continued purity and freshness of your drinking water, it is recommended to clean your Primo bottom loading water dispenser every three months. This regular cleaning routine will help dissolve mineral deposits, sanitize the internal components, and deodorize the appliance, keeping your water tasting clean and delicious.