How to Sterilize a Water Cooler
Many water coolers are unhygienic and contaminated because people don't understand the importance of cleaning water coolers, according to the Brookhaven National Laboratory. If left uncleaned, dirt and mold can build up in water coolers. Water coolers require regular cleaning and disinfection. You should clean it every time you change the bottle, at least every six weeks. In addition, you should wash your hands before using a water cooler. Also keep things such as hands, bottles and glasses out of contact with the spigot. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Protective goggles
- 1 tbsp bleach
- Bucket
- Sponge scrubber
- Dish detergent
- Paper towel or sponge
Instructions
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Reservoir
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1
Wear safety goggles and disposable gloves.
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2
Mix one tbsp household bleach with one gallon of water.
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3
Unplug the electrical cord of the water cooler.
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4
Remove the water bottle.
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5
Drain any water from the reservoir through the spigot.
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6
Use a sponge scrubber and the bleach solution to clean the interior surface of the reservoir. Leave it for two to five minutes.
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7
Drain the bleach solution through the spigot into a bucket.
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8
Use tap water or bottled water to rinse the reservoir four times to remove traces of bleach.
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9
Drain the rinse water through the spigot into a bucket.
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10
Dispose of the bleach solution and rinse water safely.
Drip Tray
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11
Remove the drip tray.
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12
Take off the screen.
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13
Wash the drip tray and screen in detergent solution or bleach solution.
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14
Rinse the drip tray and the screen in clean water.
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15
Replace the drip tray and the screen on the water cooler.
Water Bottle
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16
Dip a sponge or paper towel in the bleach solution.
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17
Wipe the top and neck of a new bottle using the sponge or paper towel.
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18
Remove the bottle cap, ensuring that the bottle has not exceeded its expiration date.
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19
Place the bottle on the water cooler.
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1
References
- Photo Credit cooler image by terex from Fotolia.com
