7 Ways to Keep Your Drinking Fountain Clean and Free of Germs

In the last couple of years, public consciousness about the spread of germs has gone through the roof – and with good reason.  

Although health fears have certainly dissipated since the height of the pandemic, many of the ingrained hygiene precautions still stay at the forefront of our minds. As a result, members of the public are a lot more tuned into the potential germ-spreading risk of a communal drinking fountain.  

So, what can you do to make sure that the drinking fountains at your commercial site are kept clean and free of germs? Keep reading for our 7 top tips to hygienically quench your thirst. 

Why use a drinking fountain? 

There are many settings now where the traditional water fountain has been replaced by water coolers, particularly in office and corporate environments.  

However, there are still a host of benefits to using a drinking fountain over a water cooler – so don’t feel like getting rid of it altogether is your only option.  

Drinking fountains offer: 

Reduced environmental impact 

Drinking fountains have a smaller environmental footprint compared to water coolers. They eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles or large water jugs, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. 

Better cost efficiency  

Drinking fountains can be more cost-effective in the long run. Water coolers typically require the purchase or rental of water jugs or bottles, which can add up over time. With a drinking fountain, you only need to pay for the initial installation and maintenance costs, making it a more economical option. 

A continuous water supply in high-traffic areas 

Drinking fountains are connected to a continuous water supply, ensuring a constant flow of water. This eliminates the need to replace heavy water jugs or bottles as you would with a water cooler. It is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas where a large number of people need access to drinking water and keeping containers nearby may not be practical. 

7 Ways to Keep Your Drinking Fountain Clean 

Whether you’re installing new drinking fountains, or looking for ways to sanitise existing units, these are 7 of the best ways to keep your drinking fountain clean. 

1. Encourage bottle fill ups 

Encouraging people to use drinking fountains for filling up personal water bottles, rather than putting their mouths near the fountain helps promote hygiene and helps prevent the spread of germs, reducing the risk of illness among users. By minimising direct contact with the fountain, establishments can maintain a cleaner and more sanitary environment. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas, such as schools. 

2. Regular cleaning maintenance 

This is a no brainer, but cleaning your drinking fountain on a regular basis will help reduce the risk of spreading germs. Clean the fountain every few days, depending on how often it is used, and establish a cleaning schedule to make sure it is completed.  

To clean the drinking fountain, use non-toxic disinfectant cleaner on the entire fountain, including the handle and the bubbler. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes and then use a brush to scrub all areas of the fountain. When complete, you should wipe off all disinfectant with damp towels, ensuring no residue remains. Then, run water through the bubbler or spout for two minutes.  

3. Choose touch-free models 

Although this isn’t necessarily an option for those who already have drinking fountains installed, touch-free fountains are a great way to prevent the spread of germs through touch points. Foot-operated fountains, and IR-sensor fountains are two touch-free options.  

4. Promote responsible use 

Display signage or posters near the fountains to educate users about the importance of hygienic practises. Encourage users to avoid direct contact with the spout by not touching their mouths or lips to the fountain to help reduce the level of bacteria that comes into contact with it. 

5. Regular inspections 

Assign staff members to inspect the drinking fountains regularly throughout the day. This allows for quick identification and resolution of any hygiene issues or malfunctioning equipment. 

6. Supply disposable cups 

Consider providing disposable cups as an alternative to drinking directly from the fountain. This option ensures minimal contact and allows users to have a hygienic drinking experience. To make sure this remains an environmentally friendly option, ensure the cups are recyclable. 

7. Provide hand hygiene facilities 

Install hand sanitiser dispensers near the drinking fountains to encourage people to sanitise their hands before and after use. This helps prevent the transfer of germs from hands to the fountain and vice versa. 

Let the water flow with Commercial Washrooms 

With all the environmental and economic benefits that water fountains can offer, particularly compared to water coolers, they are an excellent piece of equipment to have in high-traffic areas. Drinking fountains offer convenience in a number of settings, and by utilising the above advice, you can make sure that yours stays hygienic and clean. 

At Commercial Washrooms, we supply a number of drinking fountains that are easy to clean and suitable for a variety of buildings. From free-standing units to wall-mounted fountains, and even low-height models for younger users, our drinking fountains provide a convenient solution for commercial spaces. 

For more information about our services, contact us on 01202 650900 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you!