How to Disinfect Water Coolers
Water coolers are dispensers of clean water that serve as a convenient source of hydration. They are popular in corporate offices as a gathering place for workers to take a break and refresh themselves before heading back to work. As stagnant pools of communal water, however, water coolers also serve as an optimal environment for bacterial growth, and they may harbor potentially harmful pathogens. Regular cleaning and disinfection helps to destroy any bacterial spores that have taken root in the cooler and prevent them from returning.
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Instructions
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Disinfect the water cooler at least every other month. Doing so more often is even more beneficial to keeping the amount of bacteria present as low as possible between cleanings. Dry out the inside of the cooler using a paper towel between each refill to remove any mineral deposits left behind from the water; these may create a safe haven for bacteria to thrive.
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Clean the inside of the reservoir using a brush covered in hot, soapy water. Be careful not to scuff the insides of the reservoir, as this may create tiny crevices for bacteria to multiply. Completely disassemble the water cooler so that you can thoroughly clean each component of the cooler.
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Disinfect each part of the water cooler using a diluted bleach solution and a sponge. Wipe each part down thoroughly, and allow the bleach solution to sit on the newly disinfected parts for between two and five minutes. Rinse off each component at least four times with clean water to ensure that all traces of bleach are gone. Dry each part using clean paper towel. Reassemble the water cooler, and add a new bottle to it.
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Ask you cooler's manufacturer if it offers presanitized faucets or O-rings. These will help cut down on the work needed between cleanings and provide a safe and effective means of ensuring that the most sensitive areas of the cooler are bacteria free.
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Empty the water cooler through the cold water spigot when draining the bleach solution from a water cooler. The hot water side usually has a separate passageway that heats the water before dispensing it, and residual bleach left in this piping will take extra time and water to clear out.
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Tips & Warnings
Place the cooler in a high-traffic area, and leave ample cups nearby to encourage individuals to consume the water as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drink the water that in a water cooler as soon as possible after it has been refilled to minimize the chances of bacterial growth.
Always wear gloves when disinfecting a surface using potentially harmful chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Replace the pair of gloves with new ones during the rinsing and drying process to prevent both re-administering the chemicals to a newly cleaned surface and introducing any germs on your hands to the water cooler.
