How To Clean Refrigerator Water Dispenser Mold

Refrigerators that have water dispensers are very convenient. The water goes directly into the refrigerator from a water line, and the dispenser provides fresh clean water. When you have a refrigerator with a water dispenser, you do not need to have a bulky water dispenser in your home, and you won’t need to worry about lugging heavy 5-gallon water bottles home from the store.

Unfortunately, your water dispenser can get moldy. Water dispensers are great breeding grounds for mold; therefore, if your water is suddenly coming out black, you need to take action immediately.

In this article, we will explain how you can clean mold from the fridge water dispenser.

How Does Mold Grow In the Water Dispenser?

There are a couple of ways that mold can get into your water dispenser. The most common reason is cross-contamination. If you touch the dispenser mouth with your water bottle or if your children often have their hands on the dispenser mouth, it can cause bacteria to get into the water lines.

No matter how careful you are with the water dispenser, mold can still get into the waterline.

Until you clean the dispenser mouth and the waterline completely, the water will not be safe for drinking.

Steps To Clean Refrigerator Water Dispenser Mold

Step 1: Preparing To Clean The Water Dispenser

The first thing that you should do is click the lock button on the water dispenser. If you do not click the button, you will get sprayed with water, and the dispenser will try to dispense ice.

Next, fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water. This is the most effective solution for removing the mold and mildew that has built up inside the waterline. If you think that there is calcium buildup, you can use a cleanser that dissolves lime deposits.

Step 2: How To Clean The Tray

Start by spraying the cleaning solution up into the water dispenser. Be sure to spray the areas where you can see mold or calcium very well. To remove the chemicals, rinse the area thoroughly with wet paper towels or a wet rag.

Next, you need to clean the tray. Many water dispenser trays are hard to remove and will require a bit of strength. Others just sit in the hole, and there are no clips, which makes removing the tray easy. After removing the tray, bring it to the sink and clean it thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution.

Step 3: Clean The Water Dispenser 

If your water is going to be safe for drinking, you need to clean the water dispenser well. It is a small area, and a toothbrush will work great to reach the tight areas. Be sure to scrub until the area is clean. If you are having trouble removing the mold or the calcium with a toothbrush, you can use the dull side of a knife to scrape it off.

Step 4: Clean The Ice Dispenser Side

Getting to the ice dispenser side can be more difficult than cleaning the waterline. You will need to remove the clear cup so you can clean behind it. This part often clicks out, but you will need to use a bit of force. If you are having trouble removing the clear cup, check your owner’s manual.

When you have removed this piece, bring it to the sink and clean it with the cleaning solution that you have prepared.

Before you put the water and ice dispenser back together, make sure that everything has been cleaned and rinsed thoroughly.

Step 5: Run the Water

After putting the water and ice dispenser back together, you should fill a cup with water from the dispenser. This will ensure that the cleaning solution has been rinsed out thoroughly before you start drinking water from the dispenser.

Drinking moldy water can be very dangerous; therefore, it is essential that you clean the water and ice dispensers regularly. A great way to keep the mold from growing too quickly is to replace the water filter every six months. You can find out what type of filter you need by reading your owner’s manual.

If you keep up with regular cleanings and you replace the water filter regularly, the water and ice that comes out of your dispenser will always be safe and free of mold.