How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Dispenser in 11 Easy Steps

By
Kimberly Crawford

Last Updated on February 14, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Nobody likes a dirty refrigerator water dispenser. In fact, it can be quite disgusting! Not to mention, it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t clean your refrigerator water dispenser very often (or ever). But don’t worry, we’re here to show you how to do it in just 11 easy steps!

Related: 7 Refrigerator Brands To Avoid and 5 Most Reliable Brands

How often should you clean the water dispenser in the fridge?

The general consensus is that you should clean your refrigerator water dispenser at least once a month. However, if you notice that it’s starting to get dirty or if there are any bacteria growing on it, then you should clean it immediately.

Can mold Grow on refrigerator water dispenser?

Unfortunately, mold can grow on your refrigerator water dispenser. In fact, it’s a common problem that many people have to deal with on an almost daily basis! It’s not something you want to ignore because if ignored too long then it could lead to more serious issues such as food poisoning or even death in some cases. So make sure you clean up any mold as soon as possible!

How do you clean mold out of a refrigerator water dispenser?

The best way to clean mold out of a refrigerator water dispenser is by using a bleach and water solution. Simply mix one part bleach with three parts water, then pour it into the reservoir and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes have passed, use a cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining mold. Make sure you rinse out the reservoir thoroughly before using it again.

Does vinegar clean refrigerator water dispenser?

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and can be used to clean many different things around your home including the inside of your refrigerator! You just need one cup white distilled vinegar, two cups cold filtered water, four drops tea tree oil (optional) and one teaspoon baking soda (also optional).

How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Dispenser in 11 Easy Steps:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

Step 2: Remove any ice that may be in your fridge and set aside.

Step 3: Unplug the refrigerator from its power source so as not to electrocute yourself while cleaning it! If you’re using an extension cord, unplug it too. You don’t want any accidents happening here people!

Step 4: Remove the drip tray from the front of your refrigerator.

Step 5: Clean the drip tray with hot, soapy water and a sponge. Rinse it off and set it aside to dry.

Step 6: Get a bucket or bowl and fill it with warm water. Add about ¼ cup of bleach to the water and stir.

Step 7: Remove the cover from your refrigerator water dispenser and dip the cleaning brush into the bleach solution. Clean all of the surfaces of the water dispenser with the brush. Rinse it off and set it aside to dry.

Step 8: Dip a clean cloth into the bleach solution and wipe down all of the surfaces of the refrigerator. Be sure to pay close attention to the water dispenser and the drip tray.

Step 9: Plug in your fridge and turn on the water supply. Let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any of the bleach solution that may be left in the system.

Step 10: Replace the cover on your refrigerator water dispenser and the drip tray.

Step 11: Enjoy your clean refrigerator water dispenser! 🙂

Related: How Much Does A Refrigerator Weigh? (By Types, Styles, Sizes)

How to Clean A Refrigerator Water Dispenser Tray

The drip tray on your refrigerator water dispenser is one of the most important parts to keep clean. Not only does it collect all of the dirty water and bacteria, but it can also become a breeding ground for mold and other harmful bacteria. So, how do you go about cleaning it?

Here are a few simple steps:

Step 1: Remove the drip tray from your refrigerator water dispenser.

Step 2: Fill a sink or bucket with hot, soapy water and submerge the drip tray in it for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: After soaking it for 15 minutes, remove it from the soap solution and rinse off all of the soap residue with clean water.

Step 4: Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub any remaining dirt off of the drip tray and then rinse it again with clean water.

Step 5: Set the drip tray aside to dry (do not put it back in your refrigerator yet).

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How to clean refrigerator water dispenser nozzle

It’s important to keep your refrigerator water dispenser nozzle clean. Not only does it give you fresh and clean drinking water, but it also adds an aesthetic touch to your kitchen decor! Here are some simple steps for cleaning yours:

Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator from its power source so as not to electrocute yourself while cleaning it! If you’re using an extension cord, unplug it too. You don’t want any accidents happening here people!

Step 2: Remove the drip tray from the front of your refrigerator and set aside.

Step 3: Remove the door that covers both sides of your refrigerator. This can be done by lifting up on one side or trying to pry with a flathead screwdriver until it pops out!

Step 4: Look inside for any moldy buildup around where you see water coming from when dispensing. Use an old toothbrush dipped in white vinegar solution to gently scrub away any moldy buildup you might find on both sides of the dispenser nozzle (front and back). Allow this part dry before moving onto next step.

Step 5: Rinse out your toothbrush in some warm soapy water, then use it again to clean off any left over bits from around where water comes out.

Step 6: Take a can of compressed air and spray it around the inside of where the nozzle meets the refrigerator. This will help remove any dirt or dust that has built up over time and is blocking water from coming out properly.

Step 7: Replace door coverings by snapping them back into place on both sides.

Step 8: Place drip tray back into place on front of refrigerator.

Step 9: Plug in power source or extension cord so that water dispenser can begin working again!

Step 10: Run some fresh tap water through it to remove any leftover white vinegar solution or soap residue left behind by scrubbing earlier steps with a brush. This will ensure your next drink from the dispenser will not taste funny!

Step 11: Enjoy your clean and fresh water dispenser. It should be good as new now!

Do these steps every few months to keep things running smoothly with no problems whatsoever!

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How to clean refrigerator water dispenser with vinegar

You can use vinegar instead of bleach if you prefer. It’s just as effective at killing germs and bacteria, but it won’t leave any nasty smells behind like chlorine bleach does! Here are some simple steps for cleaning yours with this method:

  • Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power to it at the breaker box.
  • Step 2: Remove the water dispenser from the fridge.
  • Step 3: Pour white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle.
  • Step 4: Spray down all of the surfaces inside and outside of the dispenser with vinegar.
  • Step 5: Let it sit for about ten minutes before wiping off any residue that may have been left behind by the vinegar.
  • Step 6: Rinse with warm water, then dry thoroughly using paper towels or a cloth towel.
  • Step 7: Re-attach the dispenser to your refrigerator and plug it back in! You’re done cleaning your fridge’s ice maker now 🙂

Refrigerator tips:

Conclusion

Cleaning your refrigerator water dispenser is an easy way to avoid ice buildup and bacteria. It’s important for home owners to clean the ice maker at least twice a year, and replace any filter or gasket that appears worn out.

Have you had success with these tips? Let us know! We love hearing from our customers about their experiences so we can provide more helpful information in future blog posts.