Nobody wants to be the one to say it, but if your office water dispenser starts to taste a little strange, or has some sticky taps or even an ominous pool underneath, it’s probably trying to tell you something.
Like kettles and coffee machines, the truth is that water coolers should be maintained and cleaned, but probably aren’t as often as they should be.
What actually builds up inside?
Common offenders will depend upon if you have a bottled or mains-fed unit:
Biofilm (a slimy, dirty film of bacteria) in internal lines and surrounding taps
Limescale where water stands and heats up for a bit
Mould or mildew in drip trays (especially if they are never emptied)
Buttons, tap levers, and nozzles that have all sorts of germs from hands and cups.
How often does it need to be cleaned and sanitised?
A good routine should look like this:
Daily/weekly: wipe taps, buttons, and exterior; empty and wash the drip tray
Scheduled maintenance: an appropriate internal cleaning and (if applicable) filter replacement at recommended intervals from your supplier. For Office Water Coolers Swansea, visit https://www.waterforyou.net/bottled-office-water-coolers-wales/swansea/
The simple rule
If you wouldn’t drink from a mug that hadn’t been washed in weeks, don’t overlook the thing dispensing your drinking water.
Want peace of mind? Different unit types and office sizes will also have different needs, so ask your supplier what they recommend as a sanitising schedule.