How To Clean Water Rower Tank

Keeping your WaterRower in top condition means knowing how to clean water rower tank. Maintaining the water tank in your WaterRower is crucial for the machine’s smooth operation and realistic rowing feel. Over time, algae or mineral deposits can form, affecting performance and aesthetics. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to keep your tank pristine.

Regular cleaning is simple preventative maintenance. It protects your investment and ensures every rowing session feels as smooth as the first. You do not need special tools or chemicals, just some basic household items and about an hour of your time.

Let’s walk through the entire process, from preparation to refilling, so you can row with confidence.

This section covers the complete cleaning procedure. Follow these steps in order for the best results. Always refer to your WaterRower manual for any model-specific instructions, as the process can vary slightly between the Classic, Natural, and S4 models.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, collect everything you’ll need. Having your supplies ready makes the task quicker and easier. You likely have most of these items at home already.

A clean bucket
A siphon pump or a length of clear tubing (about 5-6 feet)
White vinegar or a mild, non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap
A soft-bristled brush or a long-handled bottle brush
Clean, soft cloths or microfiber towels
Fresh water for rinsing and refilling
A funnel can be helpful for refilling

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or bleach. These can damage the plastic tank or leave behind residues that are hard to rinse out. White vinegar is excellent for breaking down mineral deposits and mild algae.

Drain The Existing Water From The Tank

The first physical step is to empty the current water. Place your WaterRower on a level surface, preferably near a drain or an area where you can safely dispose of the water, like a bathtub or a large sink.

Position the bucket on the floor next to the rower.
Insert one end of your siphon pump or tubing into the water tank through the fill cap opening.
Place the other end into the bucket.
Start the siphon by sucking gently on the bucket-end of the tube (or using the pump mechanism) until water flows, then quickly direct it into the bucket.
Allow the tank to drain completely. You may need to tilt the machine slightly to get all the water out.

Take note of the water’s color and clarity as it drains. This gives you a good indication of how dirty the tank was and what kind of cleaning it needs. Slightly cloudy water is normal, but greenish tint suggests algae growth.

Safe Siphoning Tips

If you’re not comfortable starting a siphon with your mouth, you can submerge the entire tube in the tank to fill it with water, cap both ends with your thumbs, and then lower one end into the bucket. Releasing your thumbs will start the flow. It’s a simple trick that keeps you from tasting the tank water.

Clean The Interior Of The Tank

With the tank empty, you can now focus on scrubbing the inside. This is where you’ll remove any biofilm, algae, or scale that has accumulated on the tank walls.

Prepare a cleaning solution. For a standard clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in your bucket. For mineral deposits or algae, use a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts warm water.
Pour the cleaning solution into the empty tank. You don’t need to fill it completely; a quart or two is usually sufficient to slosh around.
Insert your soft brush into the tank. Gently scrub the entire interior surface, paying extra attention to the bottom and corners where debris settles.
After scrubbing, slosh the solution around vigorously for a minute to ensure it contacts all surfaces.
Let the solution sit in the tank for 10-15 minutes to break down any stubborn deposits.

Do not use a brush with stiff or metal bristles, as these can scratch the acrylic tank. Scratches can make future cleaning more difficult and may even weaken the tank’s structure over time.

Rinse The Tank Thoroughly

This is a critical step. Any leftover cleaning residue can affect the water’s clarity and the performance of the machine. Incomplete rinsing is a common mistake.

Use your siphon or tubing to drain the cleaning solution from the tank into a bucket.
Pour a gallon or two of fresh, clean water into the tank to rinse.
Swirl the rinse water around thoroughly and then drain it again.
Repeat the rinse process at least one more time. For vinegar solutions, you may need two or three rinses until no vinegar smell remains.
Finally, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the inside of the fill cap opening and the tank’s rim.

Take your time with rinsing. It’s better to do an extra rinse cycle than to have soap or vinegar mixing with your fresh rowing water. The water should run completely clear when draining the final rinse.

Refill The Tank With Fresh Water

Now for the final step: refilling. The quality of water you use matters. It directly impacts how often you’ll need to clean the tank again.

Position the WaterRower perfectly level. An uneven machine will affect the water level and the rowing feel.
Using a funnel, slowly add fresh water through the fill cap opening. Distilled or demineralized water is highly recommended, as it significantly reduces mineral buildup and algae growth.
Fill the tank to the indicated fill line, which is usually about 17 liters. Do not overfill.
Securely replace the fill cap, ensuring the O-ring seal is in place and clean.
Gently rock the rower side-to-side to remove any large air bubbles trapped inside the tank.

If you use tap water, consider adding a WaterRower-approved water purification tablet. These tablets inhibit algae and bacterial growth, extending the time between cleanings. They are available from WaterRower and authorized dealers.

Preventative Maintenance And Best Practices

Cleaning is only part of the equation. How you care for your WaterRower between deep cleans determines its long-term condition. Adopting a few simple habits will keep your tank cleaner for longer.

Choosing The Right Water For Your Tank

The single most effective preventative step is using the correct water. Tap water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which leave scale, and nutrients that promote algae.

Distilled Water: The best choice. It has all impurities and minerals removed, preventing scale and starving algae.
Demineralized Water: Also an excellent option, similar to distilled water in its lack of scaling minerals.
Filtered Tap Water: Better than straight tap water, but some minerals may remain.
Tap Water with Purification Tablets: A good compromise if distilled water is inconvenient. The tablets control biological growth.

Once filled with distilled water, you may only need to clean the tank once a year or even less frequently. The initial investment in a few gallons of distilled water pays off in reduced maintenance.

Optimal Placement For Your WaterRower

Where you store your rower has a big impact. Algae needs sunlight to grow.

Avoid direct sunlight. Never place your WaterRower in front of a sunny window.
Choose a cool, dry, and shaded location if possible.
Ensure good air circulation around the machine.
Keep it away from heat sources like radiators or vents, as heat can accelerate algae growth and plastic wear.

Even indirect ambient light over many months can cause slight algae growth. A dark corner of a basement or an interior room is ideal.

Establishing A Cleaning Schedule

Do not wait until you see visible problems. Set a schedule based on the water type you use and your rowing frequency.

Using Tap Water: Clean every 3-6 months.
Using Distilled/Demineralized Water: Clean every 12-18 months.
Using Purification Tablets: Follow the tablet’s instructions, but inspect every 6 months.
Heavy Usage: If you row daily, consider cleaning on the more frequent end of these ranges.

Mark a reminder in your calendar. Regular maintenance is far simpler than dealing with a heavily soiled tank that requires extensive scrubbing or stronger solutions.

Troubleshooting Common Water Tank Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, issues can arise. Here are solutions to common problems related to the water tank.

Dealing With Stubborn Algae Or Stains

If you have neglected cleaning for a long time, a standard wash might not be enough. For tough green algae or brown mineral stains, you need a stronger approach.

Drain the tank as described earlier.
Create a stronger cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water. Fill the tank about a quarter full.
Let this solution sit in the tank for several hours, or even overnight for severe cases.
Scrub vigorously with your brush. The vinegar will have loosened the deposits.
Rinse even more thoroughly than usual, at least three to four times with fresh water.

Never use chlorine bleach or abrasive cleansers like Comet. They can degrade the plastic and damage the seals. Persistence with vinegar and gentle scrubbing is the safe method.

Addressing Water Discoloration Quickly

You notice the water has a slight tint. Act quickly to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.

Green Tint: This is algae. Plan a full cleaning with a vinegar solution as soon as possible.
Brown/Yellow Tint: This is usually rust from metal particles (if using tap water with iron) or plasticizer leaching. A thorough cleaning and switching to distilled water typically solves it.
Cloudy White: Often caused by tiny air bubbles after refilling. It should settle within a day. If it persists, it could be mineral precipitation; a cleaning is advised.

Immediate action keeps your maintenance easy. Letting discoloration go for months makes the cleaning job much harder.

Managing Mold Or Mildew Around The Seal

Mold can occassionally form on the exterior, particularly around the damp area of the fill cap seal or where water may have spilled.

Mix a solution of mild soap and water.
Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the entire exterior of the tank, the flywheel housing, and the fill cap area.
Dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel.
Ensure the fill cap O-ring is clean and dry before sealing the tank.

Keeping the machine dry on the outside is key. Wipe off any sweat or condensation after each use to prevent mold and protect the wood finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My WaterRower Tank?

The frequency depends on your water type. With tap water, aim to clean every 3 to 6 months. If you use distilled or demineralized water, you can extend that to once a year or even longer. Visual inspection is your best guide; if the water looks cloudy or has a tint, it’s time for a cleaning.

Can I Use Bleach To Clean My Water Rower?

No, you should not use bleach or other harsh chemicals. They can damage the acrylic plastic of the tank and the rubber seals, leading to cracks or leaks. They are also very difficult to rinse out completely. Stick to mild dish soap, white vinegar, or cleaners specifically recommended by WaterRower.

What Is The Best Thing To Put In A Water Rower Tank?

The best thing to put in your WaterRower tank is distilled or demineralized water. For additional protection, you can use WaterRower-brand water purification tablets. These combinations will prevent mineral scale, inhibit algae growth, and dramatically extend the time between necessary cleanings.

Why Is My WaterRower Tank Water Green?

Green water is a clear sign of algae growth. This happens when the tank is exposed to light and contains nutrients (from tap water). You need to perform a full cleaning with a vinegar solution to kill and remove the algae. Afterwards, refill with distilled water and move the rower to a location away from direct sunlight.

How Do I Drain My WaterRower For Moving?

Draining for moving uses the same siphoning process described in the cleaning steps. Ensure the tank is completely empty before transporting the machine. It is also a good opportunity to give the tank a quick clean before refilling it at your new location. Always transport the WaterRower in an upright position to protect the monorail and other components.