Drinking Water Cooler Maintenance

Proper maintenance of water cooler equipment increases the chances that the water will remain fresh and sanitary. Cleaning and care of a cooler is relatively easy.

Cleaning Frequency

Clean the cooler every six weeks, or each time you change the bottle. If the bottle is changed sooner than six weeks, clean the cooler then. Regular cleanings help to prevent bacterial contamination.

Cleaning Solution

Use a bleach solution to clean the water cooler. Fill a sink or a bucket with a gallon of water. Add one tablespoon of bleach to the water. Allow the bleach to mix thoroughly with the water before you begin to clean the cooler. If you decide to prepare enough solution to last for several days, make sure that you use the solution or pour it out after 30 days. It is important that you use a fresh solution to clean the water cooler with every 30 days or less.

Water Dispenser

Before you start to clean the water dispenser, unplug the cooler from the electrical outlet. Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands while you work with the bleach solution. You can use a sponge or wash rag to scrub the dispenser. After you clean crumbs and stains from the dispenser, drop the equipment inside the bleach solution. Let the dispenser soak for two to five minutes. Rinse the dispenser and the reservoir thoroughly. A good way to do this is to run cool sink water over the dispenser for several seconds. Clean the reservoir by pouring four glasses of clean sink water into the reservoir. Use a bucket to catch the water as it comes out of the reservoir.

Dip Tray

Clean the dip try with a mild detergent. Feel free to use your dish detergent to clean the tray after you remove it from the cooler. Rinse the tray thoroughly before you reattach it to the water cooler.

Bottle Replacement

Wash and rinse your hands before you handle a new water bottle. Wipe the neck of the new bottle with a paper towel before you place it in the cooler. Ensure that the expiration date on the bottle has not elapsed. It is also important that you are comfortably strong enough to lift the bottle to avoid personal injury. Remove the cap off of the mouth of the bottle and place the mouth in the cooler. Avoid touching the cooler spigot with your hands or other objects, to prevent bacterial growth.

Storing Bottles

Water bottles should be stored in clean, well-ventilated areas. Bottles should not be stored near paint, other chemicals or in small bathroom or janitorial closets. To keep the water fresh, avoid storing bottles in direct sunlight.