Water dispenser hygiene and cleaning tips
Keep water dispenser surfaces clean
We recommend using a natural cleaning agent to wipe over your machine to clean any bacteria which have made their way onto your dispenser during use. Be sure to focus on touchpoints such as taps and cup dispensers to target the areas most likely to have a build-up of bacteria.
Wipe the drip tray dry
Drip trays collect water throughout the machine’s use and so need to be dried regularly to avoid bacteria and limescale build up. It is also advisable to run your drip tray through the dishwasher once a week to maintain cleanliness.
Prevent limescale build up
Keep your machine dry to prevent unsightly limescale build up. You can also use lemon juice or vinegar to naturally breakdown any limescale which may form on your machine. If you notice limescale forming of your machine’s taps you might want to request a replacement part from your provider.
Rinsing after prolonged non-use
If your machine is not used for a few of days such as long weekends or during school holidays, you should run 2 litres of water through each tap to ensure that any bacteria gets washed out to prevent consumption.
Choose a responsible person
By selecting one responsible individual to maintain the water dispenser in addition to regular maintenance by your service provider, you can ensure that someone has an oversight on cleaning schedules and supply orders.
Maintenance of water dispensers
Always opt for a maintenance contract, regardless of the dispenser type. This ensures that your appliance is regularly checked, filters are changed and the taps are rinsed and cleaned from the inside.
High-quality water dispensers have filters that require regular replacement for proper functioning. While most filters need replacing every 6 months, the frequency depends of what type of filter is in place.
Your service provider should also check the UV light fitted in your machine if present, these UV lamps are used to destroy bacteria and other harmful microorganisms and so are a key component in keeping your water supply clean and safe.
Be sure to avoid stagnant water
Particularly if you opt for a bottled water dispenser, it is important to replace the water bottle every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent water from going stagnant.
Avoid contaminating your water supply by washing your hands before placing the new water bottle on the dispenser and disinfecting the neck of the bottle with a suitable disinfectant.
If your machine will not be used for some time, it is best to leave an empty water bottle on the stand to avoid contaminants entering the system.
