How to clean the interior to prevent bacteria? Let's say I stored water for 5 years and need to be refilled
1514427
You really only need a small amount of Clorox to keep it safe for that long. Clean it with the same stuff before you fill it
1514428
You can pop the two caps off the top and then put a little bleach in it. Then lay it on it's side on the driveway and hose it out good. I put it on the driveway, mulch or some drainage gravel so I don't kill the grass with the bleach. Like the person said below, a dolly is a great investment because they weigh near 500 lbs when full. I have two and placed a 2ft x 4ft piece of plywood on it and made a bench out of it to utilize the space.
1514429
I cleaned initially with clorox. Then use the 5 year preservative. Then repeat each 5. If you don't have a dolly you should get one. Makes use much easier.
569100
Anything that has a pool of water that lays open to air will eventually collect contaminants that include a multitude of bacteria. These will develop a biofilm, a coating of bacteria that accumulate and grow on all surfaces. Let your unit run for a week or so, then run a finger over surfaces beneath the water. They will in most cases feel at least a little slimy/slick. This is bacteria. Even a stainless steel surface that appears spotless may have a film of bacterial growth. They're easier to clean, just be sure that you get to -every- surface area. Corners and crevices that are difficult to clean, thus not cleaned often/well, will harbor bacteria. If you clean it often, but do not get into the places that are difficult to reach, you'll need to do it again sooner. Those somewhat inaccessible places, uncleaned, will help to spread bacteria even faster all through your fresh, clean water and onto your freshly cleaned surfaces. In short, doing less than a diligently thorough, complete job is basically a waste of your time. Invest in a -good- tool or two that will make doing the job easier and more complete. Use a mild solution of household chlorine bleach with a drop or two of common dish detergent to clean your unit, then rinse it very thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Keep your filters changed -often-. Animals have been drinking -nasty- water for a very long time, and only rarely do they suffer any ill effects from doing so. Even so, we want the best for our pets, and it's not difficult to ensure that they always have clean, fresh water. How well would you clean it if you were going to drink from it? Thanks for caring enough to ask, and for having a fountain for your critters. ;)
1550509
I use tap water, but I only make enough to last me a few days. Then the container is cleaned and I start again. If you want to make it last longer, use distilled or purified water. Or boil water and let cool.
389026
Keep it clean as long as you can. That is why you buy a new one! They are great, and really protect the sink!
150895
I just use a bottle brush to clean the inside. I got one the size that goes in there easily. Otherwise, I just rinse it with regular soap and water.
1416975
I would suggest keeping it in the frig if you can't use within six months. That is how I store mine.
1089327
I am able to keep my water for about 5 months before having to drain and fill. Chlorine tends to eat away at the pillows and other components. Evidently it kills bacteria as well..
2249364
I don't work for the manufacturer but did read somewhere to keep refrigerated for longer life. I expect to use mine as directed until gone.
528415
Unplug the unit and take it to the sink, pour the old water out then take the unit apart, I use about a Tablespoon of vinegar mixed with about a cup of water take an old wash cloth and wipe around the inside, it will have a built up of water deposit around the heating element and where it get's really warm at, I take an old toothbrush or cotton swabs and try and get as much off as I can but you won't get all of it off and that's ok. and pour a little of the cleaning solution in it then rinse all out of everything. I do this once a week. To keep the water deposit from building up use distilled water. Then fill the tank up and it's ready to use. Hope this help's.
1265114
I bought mine 4 months ago and it's still good. However, I keep mine in the refrigerator. I wouldn't recommend buying it in order to keep it for 5 yrs or more.
1090812
I had my tub for about a year. No issues with it at all. Kept it in a cool dark cupboard. It can be frozen if you don't use often. If you try that, break it down into 1 cup increments, wrap in plastic and freeze in a Ziploc with as little air as possible so you can take out only what you need to defrost.
303313
I assume you're asking about storage when it is not hot enough to be needed. Keep it in the freezer, will stop mildew and bacteria.
799044
Should be fine for a month for drinking etc. Use for cooking maybe a little longer. Use for flushing until it is gone. If you are looking for long term storage of water you need to consider other methods of storage and different containers that would provide you quality water for longer periods of time, barrels, bricks, bottles, or five gallon jugs.
2242794
BACTERIA may not be completely purged as I understand the Process. Store plenty of H2O in the Frig. B4 U purge the next time. I know 24 hrs. seems excessive but avoid possible infection.
1531360
I didn't heck that on my bottle before I stored it away in the cabinet. I would use it up to at least one year and maybe even two years. I would just make sure the top of the bottle is clean before you sealed it.
1907546
I never do because I wouldn't want the high heat of the dw to break down the plastic and dissipate into the drinking water. I just rinse it or give it a swish with soapy water every week or so. If it is kept cold,it will stay cleaner than if left at room temp.Short answer...I don't know what the mfgr. recommends but I would not regardless.
1328745
Easy! Just lift the main unit off the base and the base unit is exposed for easy cleaning. Just lift the cage out off the base that contains the wick and go for it. The instructions recommend weekly cleaning and sterilizing. Two of the 3 units I have purchased this season have reached 750 hours of operation when "CF" check filter) appears on the readout. I opened both units and determined that there was no reason to do a deep cleaning at that time. I add a few caps full of bacteriostat to every other filling to keep mold and mildew out of the unit. If you have hard water, the wicks will harden with mineral deposits quickly and will need to be replaced. I have hard water and have not yet felt it necessary to replace these wicks. They are fairly cheap at around $13 each (1 per unit). I am hoping to get a full season out a wick. Hope this helps.