Summer is here, and many people are starting to use water dispensers again. So, how should you clean a water dispenser? Let's explore together below.
Water dispensers are part of our daily lives. But how often do you clean yours? Environmental health monitoring shows that if the water tank inside a bottled water dispenser isn't cleaned for three months, it can breed large amounts of bacteria, viruses, sediment, heavy metals, and even red worms.
Steps to Clean Your Water Dispenser
1. Turn off the power to the water dispenser.
2. Open both the red hot water tap and blue cold water tap until water flows out, then close them. Lift the water bottle upward with both hands to remove it.
3. Clean the exterior of the dispenser and the smart base.
4. Pour 600ml of specialized cleaning disinfectant (such as sodium hypochlorite suitable for drinking water disinfection) into the water storage tank.
5. After 10 minutes, open the red and blue drain taps until all disinfectant is drained.
6. Unscrew the drain valve on the back or bottom of the machine to completely empty the disinfectant.
7. Rinse thoroughly several times with boiling water or purified water, allowing each rinse to sit inside the machine for several minutes before draining.
8. Tighten the drain valve to complete the disinfection and sterilization process.
Recommendations for Water Dispenser Use
1. Increase usage frequency.As The Annals of Lü Buwei states: "Flowing water does not rot; the hinge of a door does not decay." This means flowing water prevents stench, and frequently moving door hinges resist decay. Regular use of the water dispenser mimics frequent flushing with running water, reducing scale buildup and bacterial growth. Households with infrequent use should clean it weekly; those with daily, frequent use should ensure cleaning every 1-2 months.
2. Clean the faucet and drip tray promptly. The water dispenser's faucet and drip tray are constantly exposed to air. If milk, juice, coffee, or other liquids from cups come into contact with the faucet during use, rinse it immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly. Avoid leaving tea leaves or other debris in the drip tray. Remove and clean it when stained, or wash it weekly.
3. Clean the water tank connection point every 2-3 months. Even when the tank appears empty, residual water may remain at the connection point. This stagnant water accelerates bacterial growth when exposed to air. Always drain the tank completely before refilling. It is generally recommended to clean the connection point every 2-3 months. If white or yellow scale deposits are found during refilling, clean immediately.Procedure: First, read the cleaning instructions in the manual. Then, disconnect the power supply, drain all water from the reservoir, and clean using a specialized cleaning solution. If the reservoir housing is removable, rinse it thoroughly with clean water multiple times after cleaning and wipe dry. If it cannot be removed, clean with detergent, fill with clean water, and run it through the faucet until no odor remains. Water dispensers unused for extended periods may accumulate significant bacteria. Have them professionally cleaned to avoid damaging the machine.