How often should I clean my Primo water dispenser?

Author: Erik Labadie  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

Empty the cold reservoir by dispensing water from the cold tap at the front of the dispenser. Leave the dispenser unplugged and dry until you are ready to begin use. How often should I clean my top loading water dispenser? You should clean your dispenser every 3 months.

Does Primo Water dispenser need to be cleaned?

Clean your Primo water dispenser every three months. If you want to know how, here's a great blog post that explains the entire process step by step.

How often do you need to clean a 5 gallon water dispenser?

Most water companies recommend sanitising a cooler every six months. However, there is no harm in doing it more often. In fact, we recommend cleaning your bottled unit at least every 3 months.

What happens if you don't clean your water dispenser?

Regular cleaning and water cooler sanitisation will prevent bacterial growth, maintain the water quality, and protect the health of everyone who uses the dispenser. Bacterial growth: Over time, your water dispenser can quickly become a hotbed of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella or E.

Do I need to be cleaning the inside of my water dispenser?

It's a good idea to clean and disinfect your water cooler every time you change the water bottle. This will kill germs (microbes) so they don't get in the water. Always unplug the water cooler before you clean it.

Clean Primo Water dispenser or similar water dispenser diy tutorial Water dispenser cleaning how to

Do water dispensers get moldy?

It's recommended to clean your water dispensers at least every three to six months to prevent mold and bacteria growth from rearing its ugly head.

What maintenance does a water dispenser need?

Clean the Dispenser Regularly:

At least once every three months, follow these steps: Unplug the cooler from the electrical outlet. Remove the water bottle or empty any remaining water from the reservoir. Mix a cleaning solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or bleach with 1 gallon of hot water.

Can bacteria grow in water dispenser?

Common contaminants found in bottled water cooler dispensers

Everything from the outside environment is capable of being introduced into the cooler, including heterotroph bacteria. Once inside a water cooler, certain types of bacteria can feed in rubbers and seals within the dispenser and multiply.

How long can water sit in a water dispenser?

2 months shouldn't be any problem, assuming the water has been kept in proper conditions and you can't visibly see or taste anything wrong with it. Of course it's always your choice. Feel free to dump it and buy new if you want to be sure.

Is algae in a water cooler harmful?

While green algae is non-toxic, it can affect the smell and taste of the water.

Why does my Primo water taste weird?

In order to ensure that the water you load into your Primo Top or Bottom Loading Water Dispenser retains its clean, fresh, and delicious taste, we recommend that you clean your Water Dispenser once every three months (unless, of course, you have opted for our Deluxe Bottom-Loading Water Dispenser with Self-Sanitization ...

How does Primo self-cleaning work?

To activate, press in the self-cleaning switch, hold for 5 seconds and release. The green function light on the left will begin blinking, indicating the cleaning process is underway. Ozone will be produced and injected into the water system. It will kill the bacteria and biofilms typically found in water dispensers.

What is the lifespan of a water dispenser?

Factors That Affect Water Dispensers' Lifespan

While the average lifespan of a water dispenser is five to ten years, this longevity can vary drastically depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained.

Is Primo Water just tap water?

Primo offers drinking water purified with minerals added for taste, and reverse osmosis water. Types of Water Sources Used by Primo's Manufacturing Partners: Primo's manufacturing partners use treated municipal water and well (s) that meets all applicable bottled water regulations.

How often should I clean my water dispenser?

For a deep, sanitising clean, your water cooler should be thoroughly cleaned every six months.

Can I run vinegar through my Primo Water dispenser?

Use an empty jug, put a bunch of vinegar & warm water in it. Close the door & let tank fill. Drain water (used pitcher) once empty, turn it around and empty tank itself (red plug on back) Repeat this 2-3x. Super clean, never had mold!

How long is Primo water good for?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottled water has no expiration date. Primo Water can be stored indefinitely as long as the bottles are kept in a cool location and out of direct sunlight.

What happens if you don't clean your water cooler?

However, the truth is, even the cleanest water can become a breeding ground for bacteria if the cooler isn't properly maintained. A bacterial biofilm can form in water coolers that can get thick enough you can even see it! This layer of slime can contain billions of bacteria that can populate the water.

Is a 5 gallon water dispenser worth it?

If you choose a 5-gallon cooler, you'll likely pay a small upfront or monthly cost for the cooler. This small price can look appealing, but be careful! Over time, you'll end up paying much more for bottled water compared to a bottle-less water cooler.

Does mold grow in water coolers?

Water dispensers are a common fixture in offices and homes alike. These machines provide a convenient and accessible source of filtered drinking water for everyone. However, something that often gets overlooked when it comes to water dispensers is the potential for mould growth.

Are water dispensers good or bad for you?

Although it's not a pleasant thought, your drinking water cooler can harbor some downright distressing contaminants. A water cooler can turn into a hazard when not handled correctly. Drinking water from contaminated sources is frequently responsible for the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

Does sitting tap water grow bacteria?

For example, germs can grow if water sits still inside the pipes. This can happen when you do not turn on the taps for a long time. Germs can also grow when there are not enough treatment chemicals, such as chlorine, in the water.

How to clean out a water dispenser?

Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 3 cups of hot water and pour this into the reservoir of the cooler. (Gloves may come in handy here, especially if you have sensitive skin.) Wipe the inside of the reservoir clean using this solution and a microfiber cloth.

What precautions should be taken when using a water dispenser?

(a) The water dispensers should be located in areas where basic hygiene can be ensured. (b) In order to keep the nozzle free from contamination by germs from our hands, we should not let our body parts or water bottles come into contact with the nozzle. (c) Use the water dispenser only for drinking purpose.

How do water dispensers self clean?

A water dispenser with a self-sterilising feature uses ozone or UV technology to clean and disinfect the system's tank and pipes. Usually, the machine will do the cleaning automatically, but in some models, you need to touch a button to activate the self-cleaning feature.

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