Are Water Coolers Safe For Your Family?

A sunny day would mean drinking more cold water! It’s the perfect thirst quencher and a healthier choice, too, instead of resorting to a fizzing soda drink. Back in the day, you can often see a water cooler in an office. But lately, it has been a popular appliance in homes, too. Most people love it because it’s convenient and easy to use. But are water coolers safe for you and your family?

Are water coolers safe?

Water coolers are generally safe, whether it’s bottled or not. If you decide to entrust your family’s water quality to this appliance, you should also be responsible for keeping it clean and sanitary. Just like every other piece of equipment you have at home, water coolers need to be regularly checked, cleaned, and maintained to offer you high-quality water.

What happens when not handled properly?

When not used properly, a water cooler might become a hazard. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery usually start by drinking water from contaminated sources.

How to keep a water cooler safe and clean?

Keeping your water cooler clean and sanitized is the key to the safe consumption of water. Here are some tips to remember in maintaining your water cooler:

• Sanitation should be done every three to six months, depending on the model.
• At least once a week, spray a sanitizing solution on the dispensing taps.
• Cleaning the outside of the water cooler and the drip tray should be a regular chore.
• Don’t use tap water to fill your water gallon.
• Store bottles in a cool and dry location.
• Update your water cooler every six months, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Professionals recommend that you check the machine frequently to verify that it is working properly.
• Only trained personnel should be responsible for the sanitation and upkeep of your water cooler.

Step By Step Water Cleaning Process

You’ll Need:

• Rubber Gloves
• Lin-Free Paper Towels/Towels
• Household Bleach (small amount)
• Bucket
• Small Cork or Plug

1. Disconnect the power cord to avoid any accident while cleaning. NEVER clean a water cooler while it’s plugged.
2. Remove the water gallon from the appliance. It’s best to start cleaning if the bottle is empty.
3. Drain what’s left in the cooler through the cool faucet.
4. Remove the straight-out white plastic or stainless steel plate/tube assembly. Depending on the model cooler you have, the baffle should pull off.
5. After the baffle removal, there’ll be two visible holes at the bottom of the reservoir.
6. Clean the outside of the water cooler and the faucets with hot water and mild soap. Using paper towels, carefully rinse and dry.

EXTRA PROCESS IF YOU HAVE A HOT/COOL DISPENSER

1. If you have a hot and cool dispenser, Make a sanitizing solution by mixing one gallon of clean water with one teaspoon of unscented bleach. There’s no need to use any more than that!
2. Wipe off the spill-free top and baffle with a towel drenched with the sanitizing solution to sanitize them. Make sure not to wet the air filter. Gently wipe it and avoid soaking it.
3. After 3 minutes, it’s time to remove the sanitizing solution. To do this, fill the reservoir with fresh bottled water until full. Drain the water by opening the faucet. Repeat this process three times.
4. Reconnect the cooler to the power. It will usually take around thirty minutes for the water to get hot or cold!
5. You can now enjoy your safe and clean water cooler without worries!

Are Water Coolers Safe: FINAL THOUGHTS

Are water coolers safe? YES! Do they need maintenance? YES, OF COURSE!

Water coolers are no different in all the things in your home, but this should have a special priority because it can affect our health. It needs maintenance and proper cleaning. You can also see other maintenance guidelines in the user manual that comes with your water cooler.