Cleaning · Water Dispenser ·Aug 13, 2025

How to Clean Your Water Dispenser

Introduction

Fresh drinking water is one of the simplest needs in life, yet it has the biggest impact on health. A clean water dispenser plays a huge role in making sure every glass of water you drink is safe, refreshing, and free from contaminants.

Whether you use a hot and cold water dispenser in your home kitchen, a water cooler dispenser in your office pantry, or even a compact tabletop unit, regular cleaning is essential. Unfortunately, many people think replacing the water bottle is all they need to do. The truth is, the inside of the dispenser can collect bacteria, mould, mineral deposits, and dirt over time.

When you neglect cleaning, you not only risk the quality of your drinking water but also the health of everyone using it. Harmful bacteria such as E. coli or mould spores can build up in damp areas like the drip tray or internal tank. This can lead to bad odours, unpleasant tastes, and even waterborne illnesses.

On the other hand, a simple, regular cleaning routine protects your health and extends your dispenser’s lifespan. A well-maintained unit uses less energy, chills or heats water faster, and doesn’t need expensive repairs as often.

Example: Whether you use a 20 ltr water dispenser at home or a large office cooler, a clean dispenser keeps your water tasting crisp and fresh, with no metallic or musty aftertaste.

Also read: How a Hot and Cold Water Dispenser Works

In this guide, you will learn how to clean a water dispenser step-by-step, what tools you need, and how to keep it working efficiently for years. We will also share maintenance tips, a downloadable checklist, and simple hygiene checks you can do yourself.

Why Regular Cleaning & Maintenance is Essential

A water dispenser works by storing water in tanks before releasing it through taps. Over time, these tanks, taps, and tubes can become home to bacteria, mould, and mineral build-up from hard water. Even if you can’t see these contaminants, they affect taste and quality.

The risks of not cleaning include:

Bad odours from bacterial or mould growth
Cloudy or strange-tasting water
Risk of stomach infections or diarrhoea
Mineral deposits clog the internal parts
Reduced cooling or heating efficiency

Cleaning also helps you spot issues early. For example, if you see rust inside the tap fittings or cracks in the tank lining, you can fix them before they get worse.

Suggested cleaning frequency:

Home use: Every 6–8 weeks
Office or shared spaces: Every 4 weeks
Humid environments: Even more often, as damp conditions promote mould

Routine cleaning of your water cooler dispenser or mini water dispenser also prevents scale buildup. Scale is a chalky deposit from minerals in hard water, and it can make heating elements less effective.

Quick tip: Smell the water before drinking. Any unusual odour is a sign that cleaning is overdue.

Things You Need Before Cleaning (Checklist)

Having the right tools makes cleaning easy and efficient. Here’s a detailed checklist:

Cleaning supplies:

Mild dishwashing liquid or pH-neutral detergent
White vinegar or baking soda for deep cleaning
Soft microfibre cloth for wiping surfaces
Small bottle brush or soft-bristled cleaning brush
Gloves to keep your hands clean and safe
Fresh filtered water for rinsing

Safety prep:

Switch off and unplug the dispenser before starting
Place a towel or tray under the unit to catch any spills
Read your dispenser’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions

Optional items:

New internal filters if your dispenser uses them
Disinfectant wipes for final touch-ups
Our downloadable cleaning checklist (linked at the end) for step-by-step reference

Before starting, make sure your cleaning area is well-lit and ventilated.

Thinking of upgrading? Check this guide: What to Look for When Buying a Water Dispenser

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Water Dispenser

Step 1: Switch Off and Unplug

This is non-negotiable. Always switch off and unplug your dispenser before you start cleaning. This keeps you safe from electrical shocks and prevents the unit from running while it’s empty.

Step 2: Empty the Dispenser

Drain the hot and cold tanks completely. Use the taps to release water until nothing flows out. For larger units like a 20 ltr water dispenser, make sure every drop is drained to avoid stale water mixing with fresh.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior

Wipe the outside with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Focus on taps, buttons, and side panels, as these get touched most often. Dirt and germs often sit in these high-contact areas. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.

Step 4: Clean the Tank & Drip Tray

Remove the drip tray and wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely before putting it back.

For the tank, fill it with a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Vinegar naturally kills bacteria and dissolves mineral deposits. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub gently, then drain.

If you prefer, mix three tablespoons of baking soda in one litre of warm water and use that instead. Baking soda neutralises odours and cleans without leaving harsh chemical residues.

Rinse several times with clean water to remove all cleaning solution.

Step 5: Clean or Replace Internal Filters

Not all dispensers have internal filters, but if yours does, check them now. Some can be rinsed under running water; others need replacing after a certain period. A clogged filter affects both taste and water flow.

Step 6: Rinse and Reassemble

Fill the tank with fresh water and run it through the taps to flush out any cleaning residue. Repeat until the water tastes clean and has no vinegar smell.

Step 7: Test Before Use

Plug the dispenser back in. Allow it to chill or heat water as normal, then pour a glass to test clarity and taste. If all is well, it’s ready to use.

Maintenance Tips for Longer Life

A clean dispenser works better and lasts longer. Here are extra tips to protect your investment:

Stick to a schedule: Clean every 6–8 weeks at home, every 4 weeks in offices
Location matters: Keep it in a cool, dry spot to avoid mould growth
Bottle care: Use clean, compatible bottles. Avoid bottles with cracked caps or dusty necks
Professional servicing: Book an annual service for deep cleaning and part checks
Avoid overloading: Don’t use oversized bottles that strain the unit

Example: Keeping your water dispenser with fridge in a shaded spot improves its cooling efficiency and prevents algae in transparent bottles.

For energy efficiency: 24-26°C - The Ideal Temperature

For eco-friendly cooling tips: Choose 5-Star ACs!

Before & After Hygiene Check

One way to see the difference cleaning makes is to check the water before and after. Look at the clarity, taste, and smell. After cleaning, water should be odour-free and fresh-tasting.

Take photos of the tank and drip tray before you start. Compare them after cleaning to see how much dirt and buildup you have removed.

Downloadable Cleaning Checklist

We have prepared a PDF cleaning checklist that breaks down the process into quick steps:

Unplug
Drain tanks
Clean exterior
Remove and clean the drip tray
Clean the tank with a vinegar/baking soda solution
Clean or replace filters
Rinse thoroughly
Reassemble and test

Print it and keep it near your dispenser as a reminder.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning of your clean water dispenser is more than a matter of taste, it’s a crucial step for protecting your health, ensuring safety, and extending the life of your machine. Over time, even the purest water can pick up odours, bacteria, or mineral deposits if the dispenser is neglected. By following a simple cleaning routine, you guarantee fresh, safe, and great-tasting water every time.

Make cleaning part of your household or office schedule. Set calendar reminders, keep our detailed checklist handy, and stay alert to warning signs such as changes in taste, odour, or water flow. These small actions not only keep your water fresh but also help you avoid costly repairs and keep your dispenser running efficiently for years.

Download our easy-to-follow cleaning checklist today and start building a healthier, more consistent hydration habit. Clean water begins with a clean dispenser where your body will thank you for it.