DIY: How to Clean Your Water Dispenser
Your water dispenser should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a year. If your dispenser hasn't been used in a while, we recommend flushing the equipment prior to cleaning. Here are instructions for do-it-yourself cleaning:
Before you start cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
? TIP: The best time to clean your dispenser is when the existing water bottle is empty.
What You'll Need:
- 70% rubbing alcohol or disinfecting wipes
- Dishwashing soap
- Clean cloth or soft brush
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Hot water (about a gallon)
- Heat-resistant container, like a metal pot
- Towels to absorb any water spills
⚠️ WARNING: Always use caution when handling hot water.
1. Cool Down the Dispenser
Turn off the hot tank heater switch on the back of the dispenser. Let the unit stand for one hour before cleaning to allow the hot tank to cool.
[Illustration: The back of a water dispenser showing the hot tank heater switch being turned off.]
2. Drain the Reservoir
Remove the water bottle and drain the water reservoir by dispensing water through the hot and cold spigots.
3. Clean Exterior and Grill
Clean the cabinet, bottle receptacle, and spigots with 70% rubbing alcohol or disinfecting wipes. Vacuum or wipe the grill on the back of the dispenser to remove any dust.
4. Clean Drip Tray and Grill
Clean the drip tray and grill by emptying the tray and cleaning it with dishwashing soap or by placing them on the top rack of the dishwasher.
[Illustration: A drip tray and grill being cleaned, possibly in a dishwasher.]
? TIP: The drip tray and grill should be cleaned monthly.
5. Remove and Clean the Separator
Press the cover lock on the top rim of the cooler and pull up to open. Remove the separator by lifting from one edge with slow, steady pressure. Make note of the separator positioning before removing so that it can be re-installed correctly. (Note that the separator is designed to fit tightly in the reservoir and will require force to remove.) Clean the separator with dishwashing soap and dry thoroughly.
[Illustration 1: Pressing a lock on the top rim of the dispenser to open it.]
[Illustration 2: Lifting a separator from the water reservoir.]
6. Flush with Hot Water
Carefully pour hot water into the reservoir until it is 3/4 full. Let the water sit for 5 minutes. Always use caution when handling hot water.
[Illustration: Pouring hot water into the dispenser's reservoir.]
7. Wipe the Reservoir
Wearing disposable non-latex gloves, wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean cloth or soft brush. Use caution as the water may still be hot to the touch.
[Illustration: Wiping the inside of the water dispenser reservoir with a cloth while wearing gloves.]
8. Drain Again
Completely drain the water from the reservoir by dispensing the water through the hot and cold spigots into a container.
9. Repeat Flushing
Repeat steps 6 and 8 to completely flush the dispenser. It is not necessary to wipe the inside of the reservoir a second time.
10. Reassemble and Clean Exterior
Replace the separator and close the cover. Wipe down the dispenser and the surrounding area to dry any water spills.
11. Install New Bottle and Restart
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Install a full water bottle on the dispenser. Dispense water through the hot and cold spigots. Turn on the hot tank heater switch located at the rear of the dispenser.
Important:
Follow this sequence for installing a new water bottle:
- Load water bottle FIRST.
- Dispense water from hot and cold faucets.
- THEN turn on the hot tank switch.
⚠️ WARNING: Dispense water through the hot and cold spigots before turning on the hot tank switch. Failure to follow proper installation instructions may cause damage to water dispenser.
