How to clean Fridge Water Dispenser thoroughly; A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you experiencing cloudy water with a strange, metallic taste from your fridge water dispenser? It is time to clean. But you don’t know How to clean fridge water dispenser properly and effectively.

Well, the process is easier than you might think. Start drying up the external parts, such as the tray, nozzle, and body. Then remove the tray and clean it with vinegar or another cleaning solution. Use a brush to clean the dispenser pipe. Finally, clean the drain hole and nozzle to regain pure water.

However, different fridges come with different settings and different hardware. The dirt may grow too much, or the stain might be too hard to clean. Cleaning them requires different approaches. But don’t worry. I will explain everything you need to know to clean the water dispenser easily.

How to clean Fridge Water Dispenser?

Let’s show you the best way to clean the fridge water dispenser. We will do it in three steps – cleaning the tray, pipes, and nozzles. You can use this cleaning process to effectively clean the water dispensers of Samsung, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE refrigerators, and non-plumbed fridge models.

Step 1: Take Proper Preparation

Good preparation can help you complete the job smoothly. It includes collecting all the materials needed. You will need,

• A screwdriver
• Vinegar
• Baking soda/lemon
• Soap water
• A small funnel
• A straw brush or old toothbrush
• Paper towel

Step 2: Empty the Water Supply and Dry it out

Start with turning off the water supply. You don’t have to shut off the entire fridge. Simply turn off the water valve clockwise and disconnect the water supply. It should be located on the bottom of the fridge. Once it is turned off,

• Take a dry towel
• Wipe down every external part of the dispenser, including the nozzle, tray, and pipe.

It will dry up the dispenser for further operation and remove loose dirt and dust from the dispenser.

Step 3: Clean the Fridge Water Dispenser Pipes 

Let’s see how to clean fridge water dispenser line. It is important to clean the pipes or tubing since the water comes through the pipes. You will find the pipe at the top of the refrigerator door. If not, look at the bottom base grille. Let’s start cleaning.

• Take a screwdriver and remove the screws that hold the pipe or tubing.
• Take a small funnel and flush a cup of distilled vinegar through the tubing. Yes, vinegar is perfectly safe to eat or drink. So don’t worry about the safety issue.
• The pipe should be full of vinegar. Prop or tap it upright to allow the vinegar to reach more areas.
• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Vinegar requires time to break down hard mold and stains.
• Now put a cup under the nozzle and flush a cup of water to rinse the pipe.
• Rinse a straw brush with the vinegar-water mixture from the cup, and push the brush into the pipes. It will clean any tough stain.
• Flush more water. Reconnect the valve by screwing it.
• Run the water until it gets clean.
• Repeat the method if necessary.

Step 4: Clean the Fridge Water Dispenser Nozzle

Once you are done cleaning the water pipe, it is time to clean the dispenser nozzle. The hard stain or dirt should be loosened by now with the exposure to the vinegar that came through the pipe. Follow the steps below.

• Mix a cup of grease-fighting dish soap and hot water. One or two drops of dish soap is enough. Vinegar will do the job as well.
• Take a clean toothbrush or straw brush.
• Rinse it with soap water, or vinegar.
• Push the brush through the nozzle into the dispenser.
• Work it up and down a few times. You will find some dirt in the brush. Good news!
• Take out the brush, clean it with water, rinse it with vinegar or soap water, and follow the same process. Do it 2-3 more times.
• Turn on the water supply and let it run for a few minutes. Keep it running until you get fresh water.

Step 5: Clean the Fridge Water Dispenser Tray

The final stage involves cleaning the dispenser tray. Yes, it is not connected to the water directly, but having a clean dispenser tray ensures a fresh look and peace of mind. To do that,

• Prepare a bowl of vinegar and hot water. The bowl has to be large enough to handle the dispenser tray.
• Remove the tray and put it into the bowl. Let it rinse thoroughly.
• In the meantime, rinse a paper towel with the solution.
• Then simply place the towel over your dispenser. Go somewhere or drink water! I mean, wait for a few minutes.
• Now remove the towel, and you will find a shiny dispenser. Wipe it down for better cleaning.
• Using the towel, clean the tray thoroughly. Then place the tray in place.

Congrats! Your fridge has a fresh, clean, hygienic water dispenser now. This is how to deep clean fridge water dispenser. This should remove all the hard water stains, mineral deposits, and mold. The process is the same for Samsung, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, and non-plumbed fridge water dispensers.

How to clean LG Fridge Water Dispenser? Clean LG Water Dispenser Tank

Cleaning the LG fridge water dispenser is the same as others. However, you have the dispenser tank to clean additionally. Wipe down the external parts with a clean towel or soft cloth. Remove the water dispenser tank holding the handle. Clean it with vinegar or clean hot water. Clean the pipes, nozzles, and tray with vinegar, straw brush, and freshwater. And you are done cleaning a water dispenser LG. 

When should you clean the Fridge Water Dispenser?

Not sure whether to clean your clean fridge water dispenser or not? Well, do it ASAP if you see these signs.

Is the water Cloudy?

Cloudy water is a clear sign of sediment and contamination buildup. If you see this sign, understand that it is time to clean the dispenser.

Has the Alarm sign changed?

Does your filter alarm warn you or change the color? If yes, there might be a problem with the dispenser. Cleaning it should solve the problem. Of course, the alarm system may get faulty with time. So keep that in mind as well.

Low water pressure

Is the water pressure low? This sign indicates a blockage that prevents the water from coming out properly. Cleaning is mandatory to remove the blockage.

Metallic taste or any strange odor

Sometimes calcium and magnesium accumulate inside the dispenser. When the water comes through the pipe, it mixes with calcium and magnesium, which results in a metallic taste or strange odor. If you find this sign, it is time to clean.

Do you see any visible mold?

This is an obvious sign. If you find mold or mildew inside the dispenser, it is high time to clean it. Mold or mildew is a clear sign of bacteria growth. Clean it to prevent harmful bacteria growth.

Has the dispenser color changed to yellow? 

The dispenser will change its color only when it gets dirty. It will be somehow metallic brown or yellow. Clean immediately to prevent contamination in the dispenser.

How often to clean the Fridge Water Dispenser?

You should clean the water dispenser once every two months. See, it takes only a few minutes to clean (yes, a few hours of waiting). You should invest that time to maintain a hygienic and safe water supply with decent water flow.

How to Prevent Mineral, Dust, or Mold buildup in the Dispenser?

Follow the steps below to prevent Mineral, Dust or Mold buildup in the fridge water dispenser.

• Wipe down the dispenser with a soft cloth daily to prevent dust and mold buildup.
• Deep clean the fridge water dispenser once every 2 months.
• Replace your water filter every six months.
• Use distilled water
• Keep the dispenser dry to prevent moisture buildup

How to get Hard Water Stains off Refrigerator Water Dispenser?

Sometimes, the water stains are hard enough to remove. Use a scrubbing brush and vinegar solution to scrub and remove hard stains. It should come up smoothly. Soak it for a few hours or even a day if it does not work. Then scrub it properly, and it will surely come off.

Should you clean the Fridge Water Dispenser yourself or hire a professional?

Cleaning the Fridge Water Dispenser is not rocket science. You can do it by spending some time and minor effort. Our simple step-by-step guide is more than enough to walk you through the process. So hiring a professional to Clean Water dispensers will be a waste of money.However, if the problem continues even after cleaning and you cannot find the source, consider hiring a professional. It will cost around $50-$150 per hour to solve the problem.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning the Fridge Water Dispenser is a matter of hygiene and safety. Neglecting this simple task can lead to growing harmful bacteria that ultimately impure the water. You don’t want your family to drink such impure water full of harmful bacteria.

So knowing How to clean Fridge Water Dispenser thoroughly will help you ensure safety for you and your family. Yes, it may seem a daunting task. But it is not as complicated as it sounds. You can easily get the job done with the right preparation and method. Remember that you will be rewarded with fresh and pure drinking water at the cost of this little effort.

Frequently Asked Questions