Cleaning a water cooler is like flossing—nobody wants to do it, but everyone feels better afterward. Your cooler will run smoother, taste better, and stop smelling like a damp basement. You’ll also gain bonus points with your office manager (or your spouse, if this is a home cooler).
So go ahead. Vinegar that beast. Your future self will thank you. And if you still hate the smell, just light a candle. I recommend “Clean Linen.” It pairs nicely with the faint memory of vinegar triumph.