Are Water Coolers Safe for Your Family? What You Need to Know
February 28, 20252 min read
Yes — water coolers are safe for families when properly maintained. The risks come from neglect, not from the appliance itself. Here’s what you need to know to keep your cooler hygienic.
A neglected water cooler can harbour bacteria, mould, and other microorganisms — particularly in the cold water reservoir, tap spouts, and drip tray. These are warm, moist environments where bacteria multiply readily if not cleaned regularly. The most common contamination routes are:
Tap spouts touched with unwashed hands
Drip tray left uncleaned and overflowing
Reservoir not sanitised for extended periods
Exhausted filter cartridge no longer removing contaminants
Bottles stored in warm or dusty environments before use
A well-maintained cooler with a current filter cartridge is a safe, hygienic source of drinking water.
Full sanitisation takes about 30 minutes and should be done every 3–6 months. See our step-by-step guide: How to Clean a Water Cooler. You’ll need:
15ml of unscented 5% household bleach in 5 litres of water (or diluted white vinegar)
Long-handled brush
Microfibre cloth
Rubber gloves
Always unplug the cooler before cleaning. Never clean a water cooler while it’s connected to power.
Are Coolers with Built-In Filters Safer?
Our Awesome Water Coolers use a BPA-free bottle with a built-in 8-stage KDF filter cartridge that removes chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and bacteria before dispensing. This provides an additional layer of protection compared to coolers that dispense unfiltered water directly from a bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are water coolers safe for babies and young children?
Yes — provided the cooler is clean and well-maintained. Ensure the hot water tap has a child safety lock engaged. For infant formula, use filtered cold water from a well-maintained cooler with a current filter cartridge.
How do I know if my water cooler is contaminated?
A musty or earthy smell from the water or the unit is often the first sign. Visible mould around tap spouts or the drip tray is a clear indicator. If in doubt, sanitise the unit and replace the filter cartridge. See: Can Bacteria Grow in Water Coolers?
Is a bottleless water cooler more hygienic?
A mains-connected (bottleless) cooler eliminates the bottle-handling contamination risk. Water flows directly from the supply through an inline filter to the tap. Browse our bottleless water cooler.
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