How Often Should You Clean Your Water Dispenser?

It’s no surprise that everyone enjoys the great taste of pure, fresh water from a clean water dispenser. It can be as revitalising as it is invigorating – especially on a hot day in the office. But like any appliance that stores and dispenses consumables, regular water dispenser cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure hygiene, eliminate any bacterial build-up, and deliver a clean and fresh glass of water every time. 

But to maintain that same fresh taste, your water dispenser needs to be kept germ-free and safe for everybody to use. So, if you or your team love clean drinking water, knowing how and when to clean your water dispenser will help get the most from your dispenser and get maximum taste.

Why water dispenser maintenance is important

While water may seem pretty low-risk when it comes to hygiene, water dispensers can actually become the perfect home for harmful buildups of ick. Mould, algae, and bacteria can start to form in tanks, pipes, and drip trays, especially if your dispenser is in a warm or humid location. Even if your water source is pure, the dispenser itself can be a breeding ground for Legionella or E. coli that could contaminate the water if it’s not properly maintained.

But it’s not just the hygiene of the internal parts of your dispenser that counts. A dispenser that’s not maintained properly can also affect the taste and smell of your water. If you have a mains-fed water dispenser, over time, potential limescale and mineral build-up from hard water (common in many areas across the UK) can reduce efficiency and even lead to mechanical issues. Even bottled water can host algae if it’s stored in direct sunlight or a humid atmosphere.

Drinking water from a contaminated dispenser can bring a range of different health problems, infections, and illnesses that are more severe. In short, routine water dispenser maintenance on a regular basis is vital, as it means better health and well-being for everyone who uses it.

How often should you clean your water dispenser?

The easiest answer to this question is: more often than you think. But how frequently you should clean your water dispenser depends on the type of dispenser you have, its usage levels, and its location.

For most bottled water dispensers, we recommend a deep clean every quarter to maintain the highest hygiene and water quality standards. This routine helps prevent bacteria, mould, and mineral deposits that can build up inside the reservoir or around the taps over the months. In high-traffic spaces, more frequent cleaning might be needed.

Mains-fed water dispensers will also need professional sanitisation every quarter or so. These dispensers include advanced filtration systems that remove impurities, which should also be replaced on a similar schedule so the system works effectively and your water tastes sublime. Even though mains-fed systems are closed and filtered, they can still suffer the same microbial build-up without regular maintenance.

Outside of scheduled deep cleans by qualified engineers, it’s also good to wipe down external surfaces and clean the drip tray weekly, especially in busy, shared spaces. And if you notice any signs of mould, strange tastes or smells, or a drop in water flow, it’s a clear sign that your dispenser needs some attention – sooner rather than later.

Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule isn’t just about hygiene. It’s about keeping your water tasting fresh, protecting the health of everyone drinking it, and making sure your dispenser performs efficiently.

Cleaning your water dispenser: what to do

One of the best things about owning a bottled or mains-fed water dispenser in your home or office is that it needs only minimal day-to-day maintenance. A few simple habits can go a long way towards keeping your water dispenser clean and hygienic between services. Here are our ‘best practice’ cleaning recommendations for both types of water dispensers:

Daily/Weekly: It’s a great idea to wipe down all external surfaces and any high-touch areas, like taps, nozzles, and cup dispensers. Using a food-safe sanitising wipe will remove all bacteria and any visible dirt buildup. Emptying and cleaning the drip trays is also important.

Monthly: In addition to the daily/weekly cleaning tasks, it’s best to completely drain any water from inside your dispenser each month to remove any stagnant water. Once completely drained, flush the dispenser with 5 litres of fresh water. 

Quarterly: Your daily, weekly, and monthly cleans will keep your water dispenser hygienic and safe for all users. But for complete cleaning and sanitisation, a qualified engineer should carry out a full water cooler sanitisation service as part of your service and maintenance plan. At Thirsty Work, we also include routine cleaning and sanitisation as part of your service and maintenance plan, giving you peace of mind that your unit is always hygienic, safe, and compliant.

For a quick visual guide to these cleaning tasks, visit our hygienic hydration page and read our downloadable guides. Or for more details on cleaning your water dispenser, check out our step-by-step guide.

How to know if your water dispenser needs cleaning

Even if you're sticking to a fairly rigid cleaning schedule, keep an eye out for any signs that your water dispenser might need some cleaning maintenance and attention sooner than planned. Here are four things to look out for:

A change to the taste or smell of your water – These changes could be down to water stagnation inside the dispenser. Drain the remaining water inside the unit, then flush 5 litres of fresh water through the system to clear it out.
 

Visible mould or mildew – This can usually be spotted in or around the nozzles, taps, or drip tray. Use a food-safe cleansing wipe to clean any affected areas, then remove the drip tray and clean it in warm, soapy water (or run it through a dishwasher cycle).
 

Slow water flow when dispensing – This issue may be due to clogged pipework or a clogged filter that needs to be changed (if using a mains-fed dispenser). Prioritise an engineer callout to fix this.

Algae growth in bottled coolers – For bottled water dispensers, algae is likely to grow as a result of your dispenser being located (or your water bottles being stored) in direct sunlight. Store all your water bottles in a cool, shady place and move your dispenser out of direct sunlight (tip: this will probably save you energy, too).

If any of these issues appear on your water dispenser, stop using it and clean the affected areas, carry out a full clean, or contact your water dispenser supplier for a complete clean and sanitisation.

Keep your water dispenser cleaning consistent with Thirsty Work

Whether your water dispenser is at home or in the office, it will be a valued piece of kit that supports you and your team with hydration, wellness, and productivity. But to keep it working at its best, it will need regular TLC and attention.

By understanding when and how to clean your water dispenser, and by using reliable service and maintenance support from Thirsty Work, your water will stay as pure, refreshing, and great-tasting as the day it was installed. So, how often should you clean it? In short – regularly, reliably, and with care.

So, why not let Thirsty Work handle the cleaning for you with a hassle-free service and maintenance plan for hygienic hydration? Contact us today to learn more about our rental packages, which include expert water dispenser maintenance, sanitisation, and full customer support across the UK. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com today to start your 10-day free trial, or get your free quote.