Water cooler hygiene and maintenance
Knowing how to clean a water cooler is important for maintaining the health and safety of all users. According to legislation, bottled water is considered a food product and should be treated as such during the bottling, storage, delivery, and dispensing processes. To comply with industry regulations, regular sanitisation is required for all water coolers. Bottled water dispensers should be sanitised every 3 months, while plumbed-in water coolers require sanitisation every 6 months. This maintenance involves cleaning to remove visible dirt and sanitising to eliminate bacterial contamination. The sanitisation fluid used is approved for food use, safe for humans, and has minimal taste and odour.
To ensure the hygiene and safety of your bottled water cooler, we offer approved timed sanitisation programmes. Our trained water cooler sanitisers work to the standards set by the British Water Cooler Association (BWCA) to ensure your water cooler is properly functioning and fully sanitised.
The sanitisation process takes approximately 20 minutes and does not disturb your office or workplace. Our sanitisers inspect and sanitize each working part of the cooler. If any parts are found to be faulty, our team will attempt to replace them on-site or order and fit them as soon as possible.
You do not need to contact us to request sanitisation unless there is a problem. We automatically schedule thorough cleaning and checks for your cooler.
Mains-fed water cooler: For plumbed-in water coolers, we schedule a visit every six months to clean, disinfect, and change the filter. The external parts of the cooler are cleaned, and internal water contact surfaces and taps are disinfected. Direct Chill machines are flushed with an approved sanitising fluid and thoroughly rinsed with fresh water. Filters and UV lights (where applicable) are also replaced during each visit. Function tests, including flow and temperature checks, are conducted.
Bottled water cooler: For bottled water coolers, we schedule a visit every quarter to sanitise, clean, and inspect your cooler. The external parts of the cooler are thoroughly cleaned, and all internal water contact surfaces, pipework, and taps are disinfected using a food-approved sanitising fluid. Function tests, including flow and temperature checks, are also carried out.
We have created a useful guide for your office, which you can download and print. It serves as a helpful reminder to your staff on how to use the water cooler safely.
Keep your water cooler in excellent condition and sparkling clean with these maintenance tips:
1. Implement Regular Cleaning and Sanitisation
Optimal water cooler maintenance is consistent with cleaning and sanitisation routines. Lots of people use water dispensers, which means they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, and other contaminants. A cleaning routine is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent harmful microorganisms.
In accordance with the guidance from the British Water Cooler Association (WHA) we will sanitise your machine every 3-6 months, depending on your machine requirements. Our expert team of technicians will sanitise your hydration solution to a high standard, ensuring the water is clean and safe.
In between our routine visits, you can keep your water cooler clean by regularly emptying the drip tray, if you have one, and wiping the external surfaces, faucets, and buttons.
2. Store your water bottles correctly
If you have a bottled water cooler you need to ensure that you store the bottles correctly before use. Store bottles in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight.
You should replace the bottle every three weeks to ensure the water you’re drinking is fresh and not stagnant. During the replacement process, diligently cleanse the bottle cap and neck prior to affixing the new bottle. This practice prevents dirt or contaminants from getting into the water supply.
3. Replace the Filter
Filters in many mains-fed water coolers play a pivotal role in eliminating impurities and refining the taste of your drinking water.
Over time, filters accumulate impurities, leading to clogging and potential bacterial build-up. At Culligan UK, we will replace the filter in your machine every 6 months. This ensures the quality of the water dispensed is at an optimal level of filtration and purity.
4. Monitor the Water Cooler’s Performance
Routinely check your water cooler for any indications of malfunction, such as unusual noises, leaks, or erratic water temperature.
Furthermore, observe the water flow and taste regularly. If you spot any unusual odours or flavours, they may signify problems with the water source or the machine itself. In such instances, get in touch with us and we’ll conduct a thorough inspection and remedy any identified issues.
It is important to take good care of your water cooler. This ensures a safe and clean drinking experience. Additionally, proper maintenance helps the cooler last longer and work well. Consistent cleaning, appropriate sanitisation, correct storage, and regular checks are the cornerstones of water cooler maintenance.
Following these tips and knowing how to clean a water cooler can help create a healthy workplace with good hydration, and keeps your hydration solution working well for longer.
Remember, a well-maintained water cooler not only quenches thirst but also creates a work environment characterised by health and well-being.
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This article was originally featured on Edgar’s Water blog.
