How to Keep Your Water Dispenser Clean

Water is essential to life, and your entire body is composed of mostly water. In fact, water is a fundamental element that is vital to your overall health and well-being, and a mere two percent drop in your body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration, fatigue, and decreased mental clarity. It's also estimated that over seventy-five percent of Americans suffer from mild to chronic dehydration, and without sufficient water intake, cell and organ function can be severely affected.

Of course, we’ve all heard about the many benefits associated with drinking enough water. Drinking the recommended 64 ounces of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent, and can even potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer. Try keeping a bottle of water on you at all times when on the go and invest in a water purifier or water dispenser for your home. Water dispensers make a welcome addition to any home or office, as they make it easier for you to grab a glass of glass of water without having to run to the tap. In addition, many modern water dispensers such as the NewAir AI-400SB include advanced features such as cold and hot settings and built-in icemakers, therefore allowing you to make instant coffee or icy cold drinks with ease.

However, keep in mind that water dispensers do require routine sanitizing and maintenance to ensure proper operation and for the highest quality and best testing water. Follow these simple steps every one to three months or after every bottle change and you'll be sure to enjoy fresh, clean water for as long as you own your water dispenser:

1. Unplug your water dispenser, remove the empty bottle, and drain any remaining water.
2. Prepare a mild bleach solution by diluting one teaspoon of non-perfumed bleach in one gallon of water. Use a damp, clean cloth and wipe down the inside of the water reservoir. Let it stand for five minutes, and drain the bleach solution through the tap and into a bucket.
3. If your water dispenser has a drip tray, wash this in the bleach solution, rinse it with tap water, and place it back on the cooler.
4. Place a new bottle of water on the cooler and plug the cooler back into the outlet.

Also, if you use bottled water in your water dispenser, be sure to care for them properly by doing the following:
1. Store full bottles of water in a cool area at a constant temperature.
2. Discourage the growth of algae by storing the bottles away from sunlight.
3. Make sure the bottle inventory is rotated in a way that assures the oldest bottle of water is used first.
4. Wash hands before replacing a water bottle, and wipe the top and neck of a new bottle with a clean, sterile cloth.