How to Clean A Refrigerator Water Dispenser

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated 2/22/24

Cleaning your fridge water dispenser is one of those tasks that probably goes ignored. But it's essential for hygienic drinking water. The conditions are perfect for accumulating mineral deposits, and it's fairly easy for mold and bacteria can develop too. These things affect the taste of the water but also safety. Regular cleaning not only ensures better water quality but also prolongs the lifespan of your appliance.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Mild dish soap
White vinegar: dissolves mineral buildup, kills mold/bacteria.
Clean microfiber cloth or sponge
Small cleaning brush or toothbrush
Warm water
Towel or paper towels
Q-tips or cotton swabs
Container for mixing cleaning solution
Screwdriver

12 Steps to Cleaning the Water Dispenser

Prepare Cleaning Solution:

Mix 3 cups of warm water and 3 cups of vinegar in a container.

Unplug the Fridge:

Unplug your refrigerator or turn off the power to the water dispenser.

Remove Dispenser Parts:

Remove any detachable parts like the water reservoir, drip tray, and water filter. Refer to your fridge's manual for guidance if you're not sure how to do this.
You may also want to clean your fridge's internal water line from the water tank. This might be copper tubing, plastic, or braided stainless steel, and you probably wouldn't think to disconnect it once it's hooked up, but you can. It can be removed with a screwdriver.

Soak Removable Parts:

Submerge the detachable parts in the mixture of water and vinegar for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen any built-up grime and mold.

Scrub the Parts:

Using a small cleaning brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the submerged parts to dislodge mineral buildup and mold. Pay extra attention to crevices and corners where mold tends to accumulate.
Use a vinegar-dipped toothbrush to scrub a water dispenser nozzle that may not detach.

Rinse Thoroughly:

Rinse all parts under running water to remove the cleaning solution and loosened debris. Ensure there is no smell of vinegar lingering.

Treat Moldy Surfaces:

For visible mold growth on non-removable surfaces, dampen a clean microfiber cloth in vinegar or a cleaning solution and wipe affected areas. Use Q-tips or cotton swabs for tight spaces.

Let it Air Dry:

Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling the dispenser. This helps prevent the growth of new mold.

Reassemble the Dispenser:

Put all the cleaned and dried parts back into place, ensuring a snug fit.

Run a Flush Cycle:

Run a few cycles of fresh water through the dispenser to flush out any remaining traces of cleaning solution.

Wipe Down Exterior:

Wipe down the exterior of the water dispenser with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any spills or splatters. Polish with a dry clean cloth.

Plug In and Test:

Plug the fridge back in or restore power to the water dispenser and test for proper functionality to be sure you're free of traces of vinegar taste.

Don't Forget to Clean Any Interior Dispensers, Too

Remove and Empty In-Door Pitchers: Remove it from the refrigerator and empty any remaining water.
Clean In-Door Pitchers: Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue or mold.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Rinse the pitcher with clean water to remove soap residue. Allow it to air dry completely before placing it back in the refrigerator.
Inspect and Clean Interior Water Dispensers: Examine for signs of mold or buildup. Use a clean toothbrush, a cleaning brush, or a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to clean these areas thoroughly.
Dry Interior Dispensers: Drying completely prevents mold growth. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any moisture.

FAQ

How often should you clean the refrigerator water dispenser?

Even clean-looking water can hide contaminants. So aim to clean the dispenser every other month to stay on top of build-ups. However, if you notice any signs of contamination, such as unusual odors, discoloration, or slime, you need to immediately clean the dispenser, ice maker, and all removable trays and parts. Additionally, in areas with heavy mineral deposits, you may be combating harsh water stains and need to clean every month.

When does the water filter need to get replaced?

Most refrigerator water filters can produce a clean, healthy water supply for about 6 months, but this can vary a lot on usage and water quality. If you live in an area with poor water quality or notice an increase in sediment or contaminants in your water, you need to replace the fridge filter more frequently.

Many refrigerators will have an indicator light for when it's time to replace it. But if you notice a decrease in water flow, a change in water taste, or the onset of an odor, it's time.

How do you clean an ice maker?

You might change out your ice cubes frequently enough, but you should remember to clean the built-in ice maker, too. An ice cube maker should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.

Unplug the ice dispenser.
Discard any ice from the bin.
Wipe down the interior surfaces with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap paying particular attention to any visible residue or ice buildup.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Air dry the ice machine and ice cube trays completely. Put it back together and plug it in.