If you notice that the water or ice coming from your fridge has an unfavorable smell or taste, or if the dispenser has low water pressure, it may be time to clean your fridge water dispenser. In addition to regularly swapping out the fridge filter, giving the water dispenser nozzle a good clean will help keep it running well.
Most fridges with water dispensers come equipped with an interior water filter, which helps keep water and ice tasting fresh. In most cases, cleaning your fridge water dispenser is a relatively simple project, and you probably already have all the supplies you need to do it yourself. Here's how to clean your fridge water dispenser.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Clean cloth or soft sponge
- Small funnel
- Clean toothbrush
- Empty bowl
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight (optional)
Materials
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
Instructions
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
How to Clean a Fridge Water Dispenser
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Disconnect the Water Supply
- Turn off the source of the water so it doesn't come out of the dispenser while you're cleaning it.
- Locate the refrigerator shut-off valve (usually located under the kitchen sink, but could also be at the top of the water heater, or somewhere in a crawl space or basement) and turn the valve to the off position.
- Use a screwdriver and remove the screw that holds the copper tubing. This will give you access to the end of the tubing that connects to the fridge water dispenser.
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
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Flush the Line With Distilled White Vinegar
- Use a small funnel and slowly pour 2 to 3 cups of distilled white vinegar into the tube that leads to the water dispenser. Let the vinegar sit in the reservoir for five to 10 minutes.
- Put a bowl under the water dispenser nozzle and press the button to push the vinegar through the line. Keep pushing on the dispenser until all the vinegar runs through. You'll know the reservoir is empty when no more liquid comes out.
- Empty the bowl of used vinegar in the sink.
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
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Scrub the Dispenser Nozzle
- Fill your bowl halfway with distilled white vinegar.
- Dip a clean toothbrush or soft sponge into the vinegar, and scrub any visible parts of the dispenser nozzle. Continue to clean the area until all the mineral buildup is gone.
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
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Rinse the Line Out With Water
- Reconnect the water supply by screwing the copper tubing back into place.
- Turn the water valve back on to allow water to flow back through the fridge water line.
- Push on the button to allow fresh water to run through the line again and remove any traces of vinegar. Make sure there is a bowl at the bottom to catch the water.
- Fill the bowl with water one to two times, emptying it in the sink.
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
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Clean Other Surfaces
Ensure the surfaces surrounding the dispenser such as the tray, are cleaned with a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. If there is extra build-up, let it soak in a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back into place.
Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Tips to Keep a Water Dispenser Clean
- Clean your water dispenser regularly to prevent buildup.
- Replace the water filter every 6 months to soften water and filter out harsh minerals.
- Wipe down the spigot and drip tray to reduce the accumulation of dust.
- Flush the water dispenser before using it if it hasn't been used in a while.
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What is the best cleaner for a water dispenser?
Distilled white vinegar and hot water is the best solution to clean a water dispenser. Vinegar is also powerful enough to kill any mold that may be growing in the dispenser if you haven't cleaned it in a while.
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Can I use baking soda to clean a water dispenser?
Yes, you can mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one quart of warm water to create a cleaning solution. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the solution on the inside and outside of the dispenser.
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How often should you clean your water dispenser?
Do a thorough cleaning of your fridge's water dispenser once every three to six months.