How to clean and sanitize a Kentwood water cooler?

Question edited for clarity.
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The indicator light may have failed.

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https://www.google.com/search?q=Hamilton+Beach+BL-5-2+not+self+sanitising

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Troubleshooting form Page 12 but you will probably need a service call.

Water Dispenser Use & Care Manual - Hamilton Beach

https://useandcares.hamiltonbeach.com > files
PDF
2). Sanitize the dispenser water tanks prior to installing a full bottle of water for the first time (see "Proper Care and Cleaning of Dispenser"). 3). The ...
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Hello Bob,

Use Bleach to sanitize your water storage tanks. This is how I sanitize my GulfStream Conquest.

Here are instructions: RV How To Tips Sanitize Your RV Water System

Here are some questions that may help.
1) Is the water hot enough? Since the soap "melts" better at higher temperatures, cooler water can leave a soap film.
2) Are the dishes clean before you run the machine? We like to used the dishwasher to "sanitize" the dishes, so we rinse them really good before washing them, to get off caked food residue.
3) Try changing washer soap, try powder if you used liquid, or visa-versa, and try less quantity and see if any of those help.
God bless your efforts.

First you need to drain the water. Second make you can fit in the water cause your gonna be cleaning in thw inside ( use a small ladder ). Third use a sponge, a bucket, a sanitizer and brush.
Example- enter thru the opening of the water tank then place the bucket and you tool inside. Make sure that the water is functioning but not running cause thats for your bucket comes in. Use the brush and scrab all round the water tank than rinsed it with water after that mix the sanitizer and the bucket of water then pour all over the inside of the tank ( use a mask it may sting btw use a food sanitizer) than use the spong with a soup and rinsed it with water again. And that gonna be good as new .

WHAT SHOULDN'T BE DONE.
Never keep anything in the ice storage bin that is not ice; objects like wine or beer bottles are not only unsanitary, but the labels may slip off and plug up the drain. Never allow the machine to operate without regular. The machine will last longer if it is kept clean. Regular cleaning should happen at least once per year,and preferable twice. Some water conditions will dictate even more frequent cleaning of the ice making section, and some carpets or pets will dictate more frequent cleaning or the condenser.

WHAT SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAN?
There are 5 things to keep clean:
1. The outside cabinet & door.
2. The ice storage bin.
3. The condenser.
4. The ice making system.
5. The ice scoop.

HOW TO CLEAN THE CABINET.
Wipe off any spills on the surface of the door and handle as they occur. If anything spilled on the door of gasket dries onto the surface, wash with soap and warm water to remove.

HOW TO CLEAN THE ICE STORAGE BIN.
The ice storage bin should be sanitized occasionally. It is usually convenient to sanitize the bin after the ice making system has been cleaned, and the storage bin empty. A sanitizing solution can be made of 1 ounce of household bleach and two gallons of hot (95 deg F.-115 deg F.)Water. Use a clean cloth and wipe down the interior of the ice storage bin with the sanitizing solution, pour some of the solution down the drain. Allow to dry.

HOW TO CLEAN THE CONDENSER.
The condenser is like a radiator on a car, it has fins and tubed that can become clogged. To clean:
1. Remove the kick plate.
2. Locate the condenser surface.
3. Vacuum the surface, remove all dust and lint.
4. Replace the kick plate.

CLEANING THE SYSTEM.

HOW TO CLEAN THE ICE MAKING SYSTEM.
1. Open the door and turn the ice machine control knob off.
2. Scoop out all of the ice, either discard it or save it in a ice chest or cooler.
3. Pour 4 ounces of Scotsman ice Machine Cleaner ( available from a local Scotsman Distributor or Dealer, ask for part number 19-0343-06- an 8 ounce bottle) into the ice machine reservoir.
4. Turn the ice machine control to ON.
5. Allow the machine to operate for about 2 hours.
6. Pour hot water into the bin to melt the ice that has formed. That ice will likely be white and frosty looking.
7. Clean the bin liner of mineral scale by mixing some ice machine cleaner and hot water, and using that solution to scrub the scale off of the liner.
8. Rinse the liner with hot water.
9. Sanitize the bin interior.
10. Replace the ice removed in step 2.
The ice scoop should be washed regularly, wash it just like any other food container.
WARNING; Scotsman ice machine cleaner contains acids. These compounds may cause burns. If swallowed,DO NOT induce vomiting. Give large amounts of water or milk. Call Physician immediately. In case of skin contact,flush with water. Keep out of the reach of children. Always follow manufactures directions.

it depends on the quality of water in your water supply. If you get scale buildup easily, you need to descale and sanitize it as often as each month, if scale buildup is minimal, descale and sanitized every 6 monthes. I always nickel safe scale remover and calgon sanitizer. If in doubt, consult the manufactures recommendations.

Absolutely right pretty good i use the same thing myself.

Vinegar might help. Run a bunch through the water cooler and it can help clean out the unit (and will give you some disinfection as well) without damaging it. I have used vinegar in my coffee pots with much success over the years. Once you are done, you will want to run a LOT of water through it to get the vinegar taste out of the system, though. If you are not a fan of the idea of vinegar in your water cooler, you can try coffee-pot cleaner ... it is more expensive, but is designed for the same basic use.

Check to see if the dispenser has an integral water filter. If yes, replace it to improve the taste of the water. If no, then unplug and remove the top panel and shut off the water supply line to the unit.

You'll want to drain the cooling tank and clean it with some white vinegar to remove any mineral deposits that could be affecting the taste of the water. You'll want to lightly scrub the inside of the chilling/cooling tank with a mixture of at least 2/3 white vinegar and warm water to help dissolve any residue in the tank.

After you've gotten it as clean as possible, turn on the water supply line and flush the tank by filling a pitcher from the cold water dispenser. Do this for at least 2-3 gallons of water to completely clear out the vinegar mixture.

You'll also want to remove and sanitize the dispenser valves on the front of the unit, as there could be some gunk inside the spout that is adding to the foul taste and odor.

I would also suggest you install an inline charcoal water filter to the supply line serving this cooler, as that will only help improve the taste and clarity of your drinking water.

You should be able to adjust the temp of the cold water with a thermostat controler located inside the cabinent. You might want to contat Hamilton Beach to obtain an owner's manual for your unit to get more detailed information about use and operation recommendations.

Hope you found this info very helpful and best regards!