How Often Should You Clean a Water Cooler? A Practical Schedule

A water cooler that isn’t cleaned regularly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould — and can make the water taste off even if the source water is perfectly clean. Here’s a practical cleaning schedule that keeps your cooler hygienic and your water tasting great.

For more on keeping your cooler in top shape, see our Water Cooler Maintenance Guide. Browse our water cooler range or Water Coolers Guide.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Daily

Wipe down the taps, dispensing area, drip tray, and any high-touch surfaces with food-safe sanitising wipes. This takes 2 minutes and prevents surface bacteria and sticky buildup from accumulating.

Weekly

Remove and wash the drip tray — either by hand with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. Wipe down the exterior of the unit and check behind it for dust blocking the ventilation grill (blocked vents reduce cooling efficiency).

Monthly

A more thorough flush and clean of the unit:

Bottle-fed coolers:

1. Ensure the unit is plugged in and switched on.
2. Remove the water bottle and drain remaining water from both taps.
3. Remove and clean the drip tray.
4. Place a new bottle and flush 5 litres through both taps.
5. Wipe down the unit, taps, and cup dispenser with food-safe sanitising wipes.

Hot water dispensers:

1. Switch off the unit.
2. Wipe down the unit, dispensing area, and tap with sanitising wipes.
3. Switch on and drain the hot water tank through the tap.
4. Allow 30 minutes to refill and reheat.
5. Drain the tank again to flush the system before use.

Every 6 Months: Full Sanitisation

A full internal sanitisation of the reservoir, internal tubing, and all water-contact surfaces. This is the most important clean — surface wiping doesn’t reach the internal reservoir where bacteria can accumulate in stagnant water.

For bottle-fed coolers, this can be done yourself using a food-grade sanitising solution (diluted white vinegar or a purpose-made cooler sanitiser). For mains-fed (plumbed-in) coolers, a full sanitisation should include replacement of the filter cartridge. See our replacement cartridge range.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Bottled water contains no preservatives or disinfectants — once it’s in the cooler reservoir, bacteria can grow if the unit isn’t kept clean. Studies have found bacterial contamination in a significant proportion of water coolers that aren’t maintained regularly. The result: water that tastes off, smells musty, or in worse cases, causes stomach upsets.

Keep the cooler in a shaded, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight — heat and UV accelerate bacterial growth in the reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions