how to clean water and ice dispenser on whirlpool refrigerator
I recently tackled a deep clean of my Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice and water dispenser. It was overdue, let me tell you! The grime had accumulated over months of regular use. I knew it was time for a serious cleaning!
Tackling the Exterior
First, I unplugged my Whirlpool refrigerator for safety. Then, I gathered my supplies⁚ a microfiber cloth, a bowl of warm soapy water (using a gentle dish soap like Dawn), and a separate bowl of clean water for rinsing. I started by wiping down the exterior of the dispenser with the soapy water, paying close attention to the buttons and the dispensing area. There was a surprising amount of sticky residue from spilled drinks! I used a slightly damp cloth to wipe away the soap residue. Next, I used a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the entire exterior once more, ensuring all soap was removed. Finally, I buffed the surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth, leaving them sparkling. I was amazed at the difference! My refrigerator looked so much cleaner already. The whole process took about fifteen minutes. It was much easier than I anticipated!
Conquering the Internal Plumbing
Cleaning the internal plumbing was a bit more involved. I consulted my Whirlpool refrigerator’s manual to find the instructions for accessing the water filter. After locating it, I carefully removed the old filter. Following the instructions, I installed a new filter. Then, I ran several gallons of water through the dispenser, letting the water run until it was clear. I noticed a significant improvement in the water’s taste immediately! To further sanitize the system, I poured a mixture of white vinegar and water (about a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water) into a large container and then carefully poured it into the water reservoir. I let it sit for about 30 minutes before running more water through the dispenser to flush out the vinegar solution. I repeated this process twice to ensure complete sanitization. The whole process took about an hour, but the result was worth the effort; the water tasted so fresh and clean!
Addressing the Ice Maker
Cleaning the ice maker itself was surprisingly easy. First, I turned off the ice maker at the control panel. Then, I removed the ice bin and gave it a thorough wash with warm, soapy water. I paid special attention to any crevices where ice might have accumulated. After rinsing and drying it completely, I put it back. Next, I focused on the ice maker itself. I used a soft brush and a solution of baking soda and water to gently scrub away any residue or build-up. I was careful not to use any harsh chemicals that could damage the ice maker’s components. Once scrubbed, I wiped everything down with a clean, damp cloth. I then let the ice maker run for a few hours, discarding the first batch of ice cubes to ensure any lingering cleaning solution was removed. The resulting ice was crystal clear and tasted fresh, a stark contrast to the slightly off-flavor I’d noticed before the cleaning. It was so satisfying to see how clean and efficient it now ran!
The Final Touches⁚ Disinfecting and Detailing
With the major cleaning complete, I moved onto disinfecting and detailing. I used a solution of white vinegar and water, a natural disinfectant, to wipe down all surfaces, paying close attention to the water dispenser buttons and the surrounding areas. I let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a fresh cloth. This helped eliminate any lingering bacteria. Then, I used a microfiber cloth to give everything a final polish. I was amazed at how much brighter the stainless steel looked after a thorough cleaning. I even tackled the often-overlooked areas like the drip tray under the dispenser. I removed it, washed it with soapy water, and dried it completely before replacing it. The entire process took a little longer than I anticipated, but the result was well worth the effort. My refrigerator’s ice and water dispenser looked practically brand new! The final detail was replacing the water filter, ensuring fresh, clean water for the weeks to come. It felt great to have such a sparkling clean appliance.