How to Clean a Water Cooler: Step-by-Step Guide

A water cooler should be sanitised every 3–6 months — and the process is simpler than most people expect. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide.

For a full maintenance schedule, see: How Often Should You Clean a Water Cooler? Browse our water cooler range.

Before You Start

Always unplug the cooler from the power source before cleaning. If your cooler has a hot water tank, unplug it at least 5 hours before cleaning to allow the hot tank to cool down.

The best time to clean is when the water bottle is empty — you won’t need to lift a full bottle or deal with spills.

Part 1: Sanitising the Reservoir

You’ll need: long-handled brush, clean cloths, sanitising solution (15ml of unscented 5% bleach in 5 litres of water, or diluted white vinegar).

1. Remove the empty water bottle and unplug the cooler.
2. Drain any remaining water through the taps into a bucket.
3. Remove the drip tray and set aside.
4. Pour the sanitising solution into the reservoir.
5. Scrub the inside walls and base of the reservoir with a long-handled brush.
6. Drain some solution through the taps and allow it to sit for 2 minutes to sanitise the tap mechanism. Do not leave bleach solution in the unit for more than 5 minutes — it can cause corrosion.
7. Drain the remaining solution completely.
8. Rinse the reservoir three times with clean water, draining through the taps each time to flush the tap mechanism.
9. Wash and replace the drip tray.
10. Install a fresh water bottle and plug the cooler back in.

Part 2: Cleaning the Water Hoses (If Applicable)

You’ll need: white distilled vinegar, small bowl or container.

1. Remove the water hoses from the cooler carefully.
2. Submerge the hoses in undiluted white distilled vinegar for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly under the tap to flush out all vinegar.
4. Reconnect the hoses.

Part 3: Cleaning the Exterior

You’ll need: mild dishwashing liquid, microfibre cloth, white distilled vinegar.

1. Remove the taps and drip tray and wash in warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
2. Spray the exterior of the cooler (including the tap area) with diluted white vinegar.
3. Wipe down with a clean microfibre cloth.
4. Replace the taps and drip tray.

Frequently Asked Questions