How to Clean an Office Water Cooler: Step-by-Step Guide

Regular cleaning is the most important maintenance task for any office water cooler. Here's a clear step-by-step guide to sanitising your cooler properly.

Browse our water cooler range, see our Water Coolers Guide, or read: Are Water Coolers Safe for Your Family?

How Often Should You Clean Your Office Water Cooler?

Sanitise the reservoir every 3–6 months. Clean the tap spouts and drip tray weekly. Replace the filter cartridge every 6–12 months. Browse our replacement cartridge range.

What You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon of unscented household bleach (5% concentration)
• 4 litres of fresh water
• Clean cloth or paper towels
• Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Unplug the cooler and allow it to come to room temperature. Never clean a water cooler while it's connected to power.
2. For hot and cold models: run water from the hot tap after unplugging to cool the hot tank.
3. Remove the bottle and empty the reservoir through the faucets. For hot and cold models, also remove the drain plug at the back to empty the hot tank. Replace the plug after draining.
4. Remove the lid of the dispenser.
5. Mix the sanitising solution: 1 tablespoon of bleach in 4 litres of fresh water.
6. Wipe the inside of the reservoir thoroughly with the sanitising solution and a clean cloth.
7. Fill the reservoir with the sanitising solution. For hot and cold models, open the hot faucet until solution comes out, then top up.
8. Spray the faucet spouts with diluted bleach solution. Let stand for 5 minutes.
9. Drain through the faucets. For hot and cold models, also remove the drain plug to empty the hot tank.
10. Rinse: fill the reservoir with fresh water and drain completely. Repeat once more.
11. Clean the lid in a sink with mild bleach solution. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a clean paper towel.
12. Replace the lid and bottle. Open each faucet until water runs freely.
13. Plug the unit back in. Water will be chilled and hot again within approximately 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions