How to Clean a Fridge Water Dispenser in 5 Simple Steps

How to clean a refrigerator water dispenser

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 - 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5-10

If you notice that the water or ice coming from your fridge has an unfavorable smell or taste, or if the dispenser has a 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—and keep you hydrated.

Most fridges with water dispensers come equipped with an interior water filter, which helps keep water and ice tasting fresh and crisp. To ensure the drinking water stays clean, you should clean your fridge water dispenser every three to six months.

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

Materials needed to clean a refrigerator water dispenser

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

How to Clean a Fridge Water Dispenser

  1. Disconnect the Water Supply

    Before you do anything, turn off the source of the water so it doesn't continue to come out of the dispenser while you're cleaning it. Locate the refrigerator shut-off valve, which can vary from home to home. This is 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.

    Turn the valve to the off position. Using a screwdriver, 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.

    Disconnecting the water supply to the refrigerator

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  2. Flush the Line With Distilled White Vinegar

    Distilled white vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, and is safe for consumption if any remains in the line after flushing, making it the best solution for cleaning your fridge water dispenser.

    Using a small funnel, slowly pour two to three 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.

    Flushing the line with distilled white vinegar

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  3. Scrub the Dispenser Nozzle

    Now that the water line has been cleaned, it's time to make sure the dispenser nozzle is sanitary.

    Fill your bowl halfway with distilled white vinegar. Dip a clean toothbrush or soft sponge into the vinegar, and then use it to scrub any visible parts of the dispenser nozzle. Continue to clean the area until all the mineral buildup is gone.

    Scrubbing the dispenser with a toothbrush

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  4. Rinse the Line Out With Water

    After you have finished cleaning out the water line and water dispenser nozzle, reconnect the water supply. Using a screwdriver, screw the copper tubing back into place. Turn the water valve back on to allow water to flow back through the fridge water line.

    To help remove any remaining traces of vinegar from the water line, place an empty bowl under the dispenser nozzle. Push on the button to allow fresh water to run through the line again. Fill the bowl with water one to two times, emptying it in the sink. Making sure you rinse out the line completely will help rid the water of any lingering vinegar taste.

    Flushing the line out with water

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

  5. Clean Other Surfaces

    Now that you've cleaned the water line and dispenser nozzle, you'll want to ensure the rest of the area is also sanitary. Clean all surfaces surrounding the dispenser with a clean cloth that's been dipped in a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar.

    Most in-door refrigerator water dispensers have a removable tray below to catch any water that may drip. Remove that tray and clean in the sink. If there is extra build-up on it, you can leave it to soak in a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. Using the toothbrush or soft sponge, scrub it clean and allow it to fully dry before putting it back in place.

    Once everything is clean and reinstalled, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, crisp water from your fridge again.

    Cleaning the outer surface of the refrigerator dispenser

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Additional Tips

Water dispensers can get hard water deposits that drip down the front of the refrigerator. There can be a temptation to scrub at these deposits, but you should refrain from doing this if you have a stainless steel refrigerator as it is likely to cause scratching. Instead, soak a paper towel in vinegar and plaster it onto the offending stains to dissolve them. Then, gently scrub them off with a microfiber towel or the scrubby back of a non-scratch kitchen sponge, rubbing with the direction of the metal grain.