For the highest quality and best tasting water, water coolers must have routine sanitising and maintenance. Such as:
- Designating a water cooler coordinator with defined responsibilities,
- Identifying each water cooler with an ID number,
- Maintaining a maintenance log on each water cooler,
Care of Water Bottles
- Store full bottles at a constant temperature and, if possible, in a cool area.
- Store the bottles away from sunlight to discourage the growth of algae.
- Make sure the bottle stock is rotated in a way that assures the “oldest bottle†is used first.
- Wash hands before changing a water bottle.
- Wipe the top and neck of the new bottle with a clean sterile cloth.
Cleaning Water Coolers
For the highest quality and best tasting water, follow this simple process every 1 to 3 months or when you change your bottle:
- Unplug your cooler. Remove the empty bottle and drain any remaining water.
- Dilute 1 teaspoon of non-perfumed bleach in 1 gallon of water. Dampen a clean cloth (not paper towel) in the mixture and wipe down water cooler. Wipe the spigots. Discard the bleach solution.
- Place a new bottle of water on the cooler. Plug the cooler into the outlet.
Also remember, the drip tray should be emptied and cleaned periodically because it isn’t a drain, but a tray to catch the occasional spill.
