Do not use bleach on water cooler systems with a hot water dispenser. To clean water cooler systems with a hot water dispenser, see the instructions below.
How can I be safe when working with a cleaning solution?
Whenever you make or use a cleaning solution, protect yourself by wearing:
- safety glasses with side shields
- disposable gloves
- a waterproof apron, smock, or overalls
If you use a chemical product to clean, descale, or disinfect your water cooler, make sure you:
- check that it's approved to use on surfaces that have contact with food
- use the right amount and use it in the correct way (follow the instructions)
- store it properly
After cleaning your water cooler with a chemical product, flush it out with water that's safe to drink.
How do I clean my cold water cooler?
The best time to clean a water cooler is when you replace an empty water bottle. To clean a cold water cooler:
- Unplug the water cooler.
- Remove the empty water bottle.
- Drain all water left in the cooler through the peg or plug (spigot).
- Remove the no-spill guard and baffle (a disc-shaped part). Be careful not to break or damage these parts. Clean these parts in a dishwasher or see "How do I clean the plastic parts?" below.
- Fill the cooler reservoir with cleaning solution and scrub the inside with a clean, long-handled brush with soft bristles.
- Drain some of the cleaning solution through the spigots. Let it sit for at least 2 minutes (but
no longer than 5 minutes).
- Drain the cleaning solution from the reservoir through the spigots into a bucket. Flush the used cleaning solution down a toilet.
- Fill the reservoir with clean tap or bottled water and rinse very well to remove the bleach. Do this 2 or 3 times. Drain the rinse water through the spigots into a bucket and flush down a toilet.
- Put the cleaned baffle and no-spill guard back on.
- Put the new water bottle on top of the cooler.
- Press the spigots until water flows.
- Plug in the water cooler.
How do I clean the plastic parts?
Whenever you clean your water cooler, it's a good idea to clean the drip tray, spigot paddles, no-spill guard, baffles, and the outside of the cooler.
Do not use abrasive cleansers as they can scratch surfaces. You can put any removable parts in a dishwasher (see the manufacturer’s instructions) or clean them with these steps:
- Put the parts in hot, soapy water.
- Rinse the parts with clean water.
- Clean the parts with your cleaning solution.
- Let the parts dry completely or dry them with a clean cloth.
Wipe the outside of the cooler with a clean, hot, soapy cloth.
What else do I need to do to maintain my water cooler?
- Clean your water cooler regularly to keep it running well.
- Once a month, check the wire grid across the back of the cooler for lint and dust. Vacuum or clean these areas with a brush.
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Do not lubricate the compressor. It has an air-tight seal.
- Unplug your water cooler whenever it's out of water.
How do I clean a water cooler with a hot water dispenser?
Do not use bleach on water cooler systems with a hot water dispenser. To clean these systems:
- Boil some water.
- Pour enough boiling water into the cooler to fill the reservoir. Be careful not to burn yourself with the boiling water.
- Drain some hot water through the spigots. Let the hot water sit in the cooler and spigots for 3 minutes.
- Scrub the inside of the reservoir with a clean, long-handled brush with soft bristles.
- Drain out the water and rinse the reservoir well before you use the cooler.
If you have any questions, contact Alberta Health Services
Environmental Public Health.
