How to Clean Hot Water Dispenser (Without Scalding Yourself)

If you’re like me, you can’t start your day without a nice, steaming cup of hot tea. And if you’re REALLY like me, that hot water comes from a hot water dispenser that you refill every few days.

Now, these handy little appliances are great…until they start to get gunky. You may be surprised to know that it can even result in using more electricity.

Fortunately, cleaning a dispenser is easy as long as you take the proper precautions.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean hot water dispenser quickly and easily (and without burning yourself). Let’s get started!

How to Clean Instant Hot Water Dispenser in 7 Simple Steps

Hot water dispensers are handy little appliances. They give you instant hot water on demand, which means you no longer have to wait for the kettle to boil or the tea to steep.

But like all appliances, hot water dispensers need a little bit of love and attention to keep them working properly. You need to examine your hot water dispenser regularly.

Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your appliance working like new: 

1. Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely. This is probably the most important step, so please don’t skip it! You don’t want to be scalded by hot or boiling water when you’re trying to clean the appliance.
2. Once it’s cooled, remove the hot water pot and discard any remaining water that’s inside.
3. Rinse out the reservoir with clean, cold water.
4. Fill the reservoir half-full with white vinegar and the other half with cold water. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
5. After the allotted time has passed, empty out the vinegar mixture and rinse the reservoir with clean, cold water again.
6. Wipe down the exterior of the appliance with a damp cloth or sponge using baking soda. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas that have built up gunk or grime.
7. Plug in the appliance and allow it to heat up before using as usual. That’s it!

You’ve now successfully cleaned your hot water dispenser – and without scalding yourself in the process!

Don’t Be a Strudel, Maintain Your Hot Water Dispenser

If you’ve ever had a strudel, you know that they’re pretty darn delicious. But have you ever had a sad, soggy strudel?

Of course you have, because you’ve also had a dispenser that wasn’t properly maintained. And just like a strudel, a hot water dispenser can go from fine to funk in the blink of an eye. So how do you keep your appliance working like new?

With a little bit of TLC and some regular maintenance, that’s how!

How Often Should I Descale My Hot Water Dispenser

If your dispenser is used frequently, it’s important to descale it on a regular basis. Depending on the model, you may need to descale as often as every month or two. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to descale a hot water dispenser more often. You may want to use the hard water test kits to identify the level of water hardness.

You’ll know it’s time to descale when you notice a build-up of minerals on the dispenser or when the water takes longer to heat up.

Different Ways to Descale Your Instant Hot Water Dispenser

If your tap water is hard, then it probably contains a high concentration of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause build-up on your dispenser over time, which can lead to decreased performance and even breakage.

Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can descale your appliance to keep it in top condition.

One way to descale your dispenser is to use a vinegar solution. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl and then pour it into the reservoir of your dispenser. Let the vinegar solution sit for about an hour before flushing it out with fresh water.

If you don’t want to use vinegar, you can also descale your dispenser with lemon juice. Again, mix equal parts lemon juice and water and pour it into the reservoir. Let the solution sit for about an hour before flushing it out with fresh water.

You can also descale your instant hot water dispenser by using a commercial descaling solution. These solutions are designed specifically for removing mineral build-up, so they can be quite effective.

Just follow the instructions on the packaging and be sure to flush the solution out with fresh water afterwards.

Whichever method you choose, descaling your instant hot water dispenser on a regular basis will help to extend its lifespan and keep it performing at its best.

How to Clean the Exterior Surface

Here are tips on how to clean the exterior surface of your appliance:

1. Unplug the dispenser from the outlet.
2. Remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the dispenser with a soft cloth.
3. Mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
4. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the soapy water and wipe down the exterior surface of the hot water dispenser.
5. Rinse the sponge or cloth in clean water and wipe down the hot water dispenser to remove any soap residue.
6. Dry the exterior surface with a soft cloth.
7. Plug the appliance back into the outlet and allow it to heat up before using.

Ok, great. Now it’s ready to use. You can press the start button and enjoy a tasty hot water again.

How to Clean a Hot Water Dispenser Reservoir

If your hot water dispenser is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to clean the reservoir. This is especially important if you notice any mold or mildew growing inside the reservoir.

While cleaning the reservoir may seem like a daunting task, it is actually fairly simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.

To clean the reservoir, you will need:

• A clean cloth or sponge
• Mild dish soap
• Water
• Vinegar

Step 1: Unplug the hot water dispenser from the power outlet.

Step 2: Remove the reservoir lid and set it aside. Put the empty cup on the drip tray.

Step 3: Wipe down the inside of the water tank with a clean cloth or sponge. If there is any mold or mildew present, be sure to scrub it away with a little dish soap.

Step 4: Rinse the reservoir out with water.

Step 5: Fill the reservoir half-way with vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes before draining it out.

Step 6: Rinse the reservoir out with water one last time.

Step 7: Replace the reservoir lid and plug the appliance back into the power outlet.

Your dispenser reservoir is now clean and ready to dispense water!

How to Use Citric Acid to Clean Hot Water Dispensers

If your home has a hot water dispenser on the kitchen sink, you may have noticed that lime scale and other minerals can build up on the spout. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also affect the taste of your water. To clean and descale your dispenser, use citric acid.

Citric acid is a natural cleaning agent that is also found in lemons and other citrus fruits. When used to clean a dispenser, it will break down the lime scale and other minerals, leaving your dispenser clean and your water tasting fresh.

To use citric acid to clean your hot water dispenser, mix 1 part citric acid with 2 parts water. Pour this mixture into the water reservoir of your dispenser and let it sit for at least a few hours. Then, flush the dispenser by running hot water through it until the water runs clear.

Here are other descaling products that may help you with this task.

Can You Get Sick from a Water Heater?

There is no direct link between water heaters and illness, but there is a potential indirect link. If the water heater is not properly maintained, the water inside it can become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause illness if ingested.

Conclusion

Cleaning a hot water dispenser may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple – as long as you take proper safety precautions.

With just a little bit of time and effort, you can have your hot water dispenser looking (and working) like new in no time.

Following these tips will help ensure that your hot water dispenser is always in top condition!

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