“You Mean I Have to Clean My Water Dispenser?”
Let’s face it—most Kenyans don’t bother with washing their water dispensers. Maybe you didn’t even know it needs cleaning. But if you’re tired of pouring yourself a glass and thinking, “Aki is this really clean?”, it’s probably time to get serious about it. Imagine a whole lot of bacteria hidden in your dispenser, just waiting to jump into your next glass of water! You deserve better. Let’s talk about why keeping it clean matters and how easy it actually is.
Why Clean Your Water Dispenser? The Benefits You Can’t Ignore
- Better Tasting Water: Old residue can affect the taste of your water. A clean dispenser means fresher, tastier water every time.
- Improved Hygiene: Germs and mold love the damp environment in a water dispenser. Cleaning it regularly keeps these pesky contaminants at bay.
- Longer Lasting Dispenser: Regular cleaning can extend the life of your dispenser by preventing clogs and buildup.
- Healthier Drinking Water: Clean water is essential for good health, and a well-maintained dispenser ensures your water is truly pure.
How Often Should You Clean Your Water Dispenser?
For best results, clean your water dispenser at least every 6 weeks. If you refill it often or live in a humid area, it’s a good idea to wash it every month. You don’t have to do it every week, but a good cleaning schedule keeps everything fresh.
Types of Water Dispensers
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to know what kind of dispenser you have. Water dispensers can vary by:
- Tap Types:
- Some dispensers have two taps such as hot and cold or Hot and Normal
- Others have three taps: hot, cold, and room temperature.
- Loading Type:
- Top-load: Where you place the bottle on top.
- Bottom-load: Where the bottle is hidden at the bottom, making it easier to load.
The method we’re about to share works for all types, but always check your dispenser’s manual if you’re unsure.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Your Water Dispenser
Now, let’s get to the actual cleaning. Don’t worry, it’s simple enough to do in about 20-30 minutes!
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Dispenser
Safety first! Unplug the machine and turn off any hot water function to avoid burns or electrical accidents.
2. Remove the Water Bottle
Take off the water bottle and set it aside. If there’s any leftover water, pour it out to start with an empty tank.
3. Mix a Cleaning Solution
- You can use a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:3 ratio).
- Alternatively, use a mild bleach solution—1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 liters of water.
- Avoid using strong chemicals; they might leave residue or alter the taste of water.
4. Clean the Reservoir
- Pour your cleaning solution into the reservoir.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will kill any bacteria or mold.
- Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the inside gently. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the reservoir.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
- Drain the cleaning solution and rinse the reservoir with clean water.
- Fill it with fresh water and drain again to ensure there’s no leftover cleaning solution. Repeat a few times if needed.
6. Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the outer surfaces. Don’t forget to clean the nozzles and any drip trays!
7. Reassemble and Plug Back In
- Place the water bottle back on, then plug in the dispenser, and turn on any heating or cooling functions if available.
- Run a cup of water to make sure everything’s flowing smoothly.
Warnings and Cautions
- Do Not Use Strong Chemicals: Avoid harsh cleaners like industrial bleach as they can leave harmful residues.
- Unplug the Dispenser First: Always unplug before cleaning to prevent electrical accidents.
- Rinse Thoroughly: The leftover cleaning solution in the reservoir can be dangerous to drink.
- Allow It to Air Dry: If possible, let the dispenser air dry completely before reassembling.
Personal Thoughts
I’ll be honest—it took me a while to actually clean my water dispenser. It’s easy to overlook, and let’s be real, it’s not the most exciting chore. But after I cleaned it for the first time, I noticed a big difference in taste! It’s a small task with big benefits, and now it’s a part of my monthly routine. Well, let me tell you, it wasn’t quite that simple! First off, removing the water bottle without spilling was trickier than I expected—water splashed everywhere, and I ended up with a small flood on my kitchen floor. Then came the part of scrubbing the reservoir. I quickly realized that reaching certain corners with a sponge is no easy feat, especially if your dispenser has a narrow opening. After some trial and error (and maybe a little bit of frustration), I finally got it clean. But I also learned that rinsing thoroughly is crucial; otherwise, you might end up with a faint vinegar taste in your water if you’re using vinegar to clean.
Give it a try—you might even look forward to drinking more water! Keeping your water dispenser clean doesn’t have to be a hassle, and with these steps, you’ll be enjoying fresher water in no time. Cheers to drinking clean water everyday and staying healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I wash my water dispenser?
You should clean your water dispenser at least every 6 weeks. For busy households, consider cleaning it every month.
Can I use vinegar to clean my water dispenser?
Yes, vinegar is a great natural cleaner. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and use it to scrub the reservoir.
How do I remove mold from my dispenser?
A mild bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 liters of water) can effectively kill mold. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Can I clean my dispenser while it’s plugged in?
No, always unplug the dispenser before cleaning to avoid electrical accidents.
Why does my water taste funny after cleaning?
If there’s a lingering taste, it may be due to the cleaning solution. Rinse with clean water multiple times to ensure no solution remains.