Cleaning a water cooler

The water cooler is a widely sought-after product, known for its simplicity and convenience. It has gained popularity not only in public places such as offices, banks, and social institutions but also in homes.

Similar to other devices, the cooler requires regular maintenance. It is important to periodically clean it to ensure proper functioning. While some may prefer to hire professionals for this task, it is entirely possible to clean it yourself. This article will provide guidance on the necessary steps and correct methods for cleaning your water cooler.

The device of the cooler

The cooler’s device is quite simple and consists of the following components:

1. A water container, typically with a capacity of 19 to 30 liters.
2. A dispenser, which has separate compartments for dispensing hot and cold water.
3. A connecting faucet. The cold water from the dispenser flows into the hot water tank.
4. A check valve. This valve helps maintain system pressure balance and prevents the mixing of water streams.

Coolers can come in different types such as floor coolers, tabletop coolers, and flow-through coolers. Floor coolers are powered by the electric network and have a scoreboard on the front panel for selecting the operating mode. These coolers need to be placed on a perfectly flat surface.

Desktop coolers are made up of a plastic water bottle and a plastic base. It’s important to place them on a sturdy surface as they can be quite heavy.

Flow-through coolers, on the other hand, don’t rely on a water container but instead connect directly to the water supply. They are equipped with a built-in water purification system, similar to the filters commonly used in kitchens.

The cleanliness of the water in the bottle does not imply that the cooler is exempt from the need for maintenance. Bacteria are not discernible to the naked eye, yet they have the ability to migrate from the various components of the device into the water, thereby rendering it hazardous. It is recommended to clean the device approximately every three months.

Important notice! The guidelines for coolers stipulate that cleaning should be conducted no less than twice annually.

However, it is important to take into account the water quality, room temperature, and frequency of usage. In order to ensure the safety of your health, it is crucial to clean the cooler more frequently.

Furthermore, the cooler must be cleaned if there has been a change in the water source, any repair work has been carried out, or if it has been unused and turned off for an extended period of time. If the water container has not been replaced within 30 days, cleaning is also required.

What happens if you do not clean the cooler

The primary objective of cleaning is to eradicate pathogens, which accumulate in large quantities within the device and have the ability to infiltrate the water.

• The device’s internal components can be covered in a slimy film created by the microorganisms residing within it. This unsightly green residue can also accumulate on all parts of the appliance.
• Water contains spores of various types of algae. When present in high quantities, the water takes on a greenish hue, and the appliance itself becomes dirty.
• If the device is not properly cleaned, it can develop mold and fungi on its walls, posing a serious health risk.
• Scale is a common issue that occurs when heating a liquid. This build-up of minerals can cause damage to both the heating element and the tank, as well as the hot water faucet. In severe cases, if the scale completely blocks the heating element, the water will no longer heat up.

What you need for cleaning

Before moving on to the process, it is essential to thoroughly examine its nuances. It is not permissible to cleanse the components of the device internally under a running water source. Professional advice strongly advises against utilizing steam cleaning devices or dishwashers.

Crucial notice! The usage of powders, abrasive materials, and inflammable fluids such as acetone, kerosene, or gasoline is strictly prohibited. These substances can damage the appliance’s parts and potentially cause it to malfunction.

To synchronize the cleaning process with the replacement of the bottle, it is advisable to prepare the necessary supplies in advance for cleaning the cooler:

• gel, creamy, or liquid dish soap;
• brush for scrubbing;
• a container with clean water (such as a basin or bowl);
• rubber gloves for protection;
• paper napkins or towels for drying;
• a solution consisting of 5 liters of water and 1/3 cup of citric acid.

Once the preparatory stage is finished, proceed directly to the cleaning process. This consists of several steps that must be followed in a specific order:

1. Turn off the cooler’s power.
2. Remove the bottle.
3. Once the water inside the device has cooled, it should be drained. Use the faucets to remove most of the water, then open the valve to drain the remaining liquid. The valve is typically located on the side or bottom of the device, so it is advisable to locate it in advance. To ensure complete drainage, it is recommended to tilt the cooler from side to side.
4. Detach all the components. Start by removing the drip receiver tray, followed by the faucets.
5. Next, inspect the structure as you may need a screwdriver to dismantle certain parts.

Once the cooler has been taken apart, the components undergo a thorough cleaning process. This process involves three main tasks:

• Sanitization;
• Descaling;
• Rinsing.

Sanitizing

It is also known as sanitization. The aim is to eliminate bacterial build-up on the surfaces of the components and sanitize them.

Conveniently position the appliance parts on a water-resistant pad. Begin by cleaning the outer surfaces. To accomplish this, you will require a gentle foam sponge and dish soap. Then, use a citric acid solution to wash all the internal and detachable parts. A hairbrush can be used to clean inaccessible areas.

If it is not feasible to utilize the power grid, the alternative is to leave the solution in the tank for a maximum of 6 hours and then evacuate it.

Important! Following the disinfection process, it is crucial to flush the cooler with fresh water.

Descaling

If the scale is not significant, it can be addressed in the initial stage using a solution of citric acid.

A more aggressive approach would be to utilize a mixture of vinegar diluted with water. This mixture is also poured into the tank and left there for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the device should be turned on, allowing the water to reach a boiling point, and then turned off. After carrying out these procedures, the solution should be left in the tank for a duration of 5 hours.

In cases where the scale buildup is severe, chemical remedies can be utilized. Any descaling product designed for kettles will suffice. The powder should be dissolved in the appropriate volume of water, as specified in the accompanying instructions. The tank should then be filled with the solution and the cooler should be connected to the power supply. After boiling, allow 20 minutes to elapse, and subsequently drain the solution.

Note: Please ensure you wear gloves when carrying out any cleaning activities. If the cleaning solution comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plenty of clean water. If the symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

In some extreme cases, the accumulation of limescale can become so severe that it can even damage the fan within the device. In such situations, it may be necessary to replace the affected parts.

In the final step, it is essential to cleanse the cooler of any leftover residues from the cleaning solutions that were previously used. This particular stage must not be neglected, as any unremoved drops of the cleaning solution can potentially seep into the water and, subsequently, into the human body.

For the rinsing process, regular water should be utilized. It should be poured into the cooler’s tank. Once connected to a power source, proceed to boil the water. Allow the water to remain in the tank for a certain period of time, preferably a few hours or even overnight. After that, it is necessary to drain the water through the taps. This procedure can be repeated an additional 3-4 times. However, during subsequent boiling processes, the water can be drained after just fifteen minutes.

During the rinsing phase, it is crucial not to overlook the removable components of the cooler. These parts should also be immersed in clean water and rinsed thoroughly.

Tips

To ensure the longevity of the cooler, it is vital to properly maintain it. Between cleanings, it is important to adhere to the following simple guidelines:

1. Regularly clean all external surfaces, including the faucets, the drip tray, the container connection ring, and the front panel, every 2-3 weeks.
2. Before removing any removable elements, assess your own capabilities realistically and only proceed if you are confident in your ability to reassemble them correctly.
3. Wipe down all side surfaces, the container neck, and the needle regularly with alcohol-based wipes.
4. When installing a new bottle, ensure that your hands are clean to prevent germs from contaminating the internal surfaces.
5. Once the new bottle is installed, make sure to drain a glass of water from each faucet. The same process should be repeated after the cleaning is completed.
6. Throughout all stages of the cleaning process, keep a close eye on the device.

At first glance, self-cleaning the cooler may seem like a complex and energy-intensive task. However, after a few cleanings, you will understand the principles and it will not take much time. It’s crucial to follow the step-by-step instructions and maintain a positive mindset.