Water Cooler Set Up

Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely clean both top-loading and bottom-loading water coolers.

General Preparation

Supplies you’ll need:

• Mild dish soap or water-cooler-safe cleaning solution
• White vinegar (distilled) or a bleach solution (1 teaspoon unscented bleach per 1 gallon of clean water)
• Clean microfiber cloths or paper towels
• A bucket or large container
• Clean rubber gloves

Initial Steps:

1. Unplug the cooler from the wall outlet.
2. If the cooler has a hot water switch, turn it OFF and allow 1-2 hours for the hot tank water to cool to prevent burns.
3. Remove the water bottle.
4. Drain any remaining water from the reservoirs into a bucket by dispensing it through both the hot and cold taps.

Cleaning a Top-Load Water Cooler

1. Disassemble and Clean Parts: Remove the water guard (or spill-free top) and the baffle (a white plastic plate/tube inside the reservoir). Wash these parts and the removable drip tray separately with mild detergent and warm water, then rinse thoroughly and set aside to dry.
2. Plug the Hot Tank (if applicable): If you have a hot/cold cooler, locate the hole in the center of the reservoir that leads to the hot tank. Plug this with a cork to prevent cleaning solution from getting in, as the hot tank sanitizes itself.
3. Clean the Reservoir: Dip a clean cloth into your sanitizing solution (vinegar or bleach) and wipe down the interior surfaces of the cold reservoir. Use a soft brush for gentle scrubbing if needed. Pour the remaining cleaning solution into the reservoir and let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes to break down buildup. Note: Do not leave a bleach solution in for longer than five minutes.
4. Flush the System: Drain the cleaning solution completely through the cold/room temperature spigot.
5. Rinse: Fill the reservoir with fresh bottled or tap water and drain it completely through the cold faucet. Repeat this rinsing step two to three more times to ensure all solution and taste are gone.
6. Reassemble: Remove the hot tank plug (if used). Reinstall the baffle, water guard, and drip tray.

Cleaning a Bottom-Load Water Cooler

1. Drain Water and Locate Pump: Drain all water from the unit by holding down both spigots into a large bowl.
2. Prepare for Cleaning Solution: Locate the water pump (the mechanism in the bottom compartment that draws water up). For coolers with a removable water cartridge (e.g., SmartFlo™), remove it and set it aside. Add your cleaning solution to the reservoirs. Note: Some manufacturers advise against adding the white vinegar solution directly to the 5-gallon bottle, as it can contaminate it.
3. Pump Solution and Wait: Pump the cleaning solution through the unit by dispensing from both the hot and cold faucets multiple times, alternating between them to ensure spigot cleaning. Allow the solution to sit in the cooler for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse: Dispense the cleaning solution completely. Then, rinse the unit by pumping fresh water through the faucets a minimum of two times, or until the smell/taste of the cleaner disappears.
5. Reassemble and Clean Exterior: Reinstall the water pump/cartridge. Use a soft cloth to wipe the black wire and tube condenser on the back of the cooler to remove dirt and dust. You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment for this.

Final Steps for Both Coolers

1. Wipe Exterior: Use a damp cloth or disinfecting spray to wipe down the exterior of the cooler, including the buttons or taps.
2. Restart: Install a fresh bottle of water.
3. Plug In and Prime: Plug the cooler back into the grounded wall outlet and turn on any energy-saving or hot switches. Drain 1-2 cups of water from each faucet to ensure the cooler is primed and ready for use. Allow 15-20 minutes for the water to chill before using.