Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning The Fridge Water Dispenser

Your refrigerator's water dispenser is easily overlooked when considering your deep cleaning checklist. That small but mighty part of your refrigerator is used frequently, usually multiple times per day, and often goes unnoticed and, unfortunately, uncleaned. While you might be tempted to simply use a paper towel to give it a good wipe down, it's best to avoid this potentially costly mistake. Paper towels are rough and can ultimately cause scratching to the coating on and around the dispenser.

Another mistake to avoid is using harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach to do the job. While these chemicals are good at disinfecting, they can potentially cause damage to the plastic parts of the dispenser. And, without thorough rinsing, these could be potentially ingested and can cause toxicity issues. Plus, even with a thorough rinsing, bleach and other harsh cleaning chemicals can still potentially leave a bad taste on the dispenser, altering the way your water will taste. Additionally, it's best to avoid forgetting about the water dispenser filter, as this is what helps keep the water flowing clean and tasty. Your refrigerator water filter captures things like lead, pesticides, and chlorine from your drinking water. Without proper replacement, these things, along with other sediment, will make their way to your water dispenser, causing buildup and potential clogging.

Next time you deep clean your fridge, take some extra time to show the water dispenser some love and TLC. After all, this part of your fridge puts in a lot of work, so it's best to clean it every three to six months. While there are some crucial steps for cleaning your fridge's water dispenser that you should follow, it's equally important to know alternatives to common mistakes.

Instead of grabbing for a paper towel, which can scratch up not only the plastic casing of the dispenser but the refrigerator's surface, opt for a microfiber cloth for this cleaning job. Microfiber cloths are softer and more durable than paper towels, making them a better option for cleaning (especially if there's any scrubbing necessary). Instead of reaching for your bottle of bleach for this job (or any other harsh cleaning chemical), you can use distilled white vinegar to scrub away any mineral deposit buildup from the dispenser nozzle and surrounding areas. Distilled white vinegar is a powerhouse for cleaning gently yet effectively. However, to help maintain your fridge water dispenser and keep it clean in between deep cleanings, make sure that you change your fridge's water filter every six months, unless your refrigerator indicates to change more frequently.