Apr . 16, 2024 16:48 Back to list

HOW TO CLEAN AN ICE MAKER IN 7 STEPS

1. Turn Off or Unplug Your Ice Machine and Drain Water

Before you begin to clean your ice machine or the ice maker in your freezer, make sure the appliance is turned off or unplugged. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for any ice to fall into the storage bin.

Remove the ice and drain any remaining water out of the appliance. In most ice machines, this can be accomplished by removing the drain cap. Allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes to assure all water has drained then replace the drain cap.

2. Remove and Clean Removable Ice Machine Parts

Anything that comes in contact with the ice in your ice machine should be cleaned regularly. If your ice machine has a basket or other receptacle, remove it along with the ice scoop or cup. Hand wash all items with warm, soapy water, rinse completely, then allow them to dry thoroughly. Do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher.

Tip: Sometimes old ice can build up and fuse, causing your ice basket to get stuck. Allow the ice to melt a bit, using warm water if necessary. You can also use a spoon to gently free the ice bucket from its position by carefully breaking up the ice as it melts.

3. Clean the Interior of the Ice Machine

Once the buckets and other parts have been removed, take some time to wipe down the interior of the ice maker. (If you’re cleaning a refrigerator freezer, you’ll need to remove any food you have inside.) Use a soft cloth and some warm soapy water, or two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved into a gallon of warm water. Once you’ve cleaned the interior surfaces, use a soft, damp cloth to rinse. Lastly, wipe down the interior with a soft, dry towel. Replace removed interior parts once they are completely dry.

Tip: If you notice hard water mineral buildup in the interior of your ice machine, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a baking soda and water paste to remove it. Do not use abrasive cleaners, stiff bristled brushes or sharp edged scrapers, which could damage the interior’s plastic lining.

4. Change Your Ice Machine’s Water Filter

Many refrigerators, freezers and ice machines have water filters that should be periodically replaced. If your appliance has a water filter, cleaning the ice machine is a great opportunity to remove the old filter and replace it with a fresh one.

If you’re cleaning the ice maker in your refrigerator freezer, plug your refrigerator back in and run a few ice cycles to circulate newly filtered water through the ice maker. Discard the ice each time. For stand alone ice makers, continue with the instructions below.

5. Pour Cleaning Solution Into the Ice Machine Water Pan or Reservoir

Block Ice Machine

6. Run an Ice Making or Cleaning Cycle

Run at least two cycles to circulate the cleaning solution through the machine. (If your ice machine has a Clean cycle, use this instead.) Discard the ice from these batches and check to see if any cleaning solution remains in the water pan or reservoir. If so, run additional cycles to circulate through and rinse the appliance.

After all cleaning solution has been used up, refill the water pan with clean water and tightly secure the drain cap.

Note: if you have a lot of mineral buildup, you may need to repeat this process.

7. Wipe Down the Ice Machine Exterior

Wash exterior enamel surfaces and gaskets with warm water and mild soap or detergent. Wipe and dry. For stainless steel exterior ice machine surfaces, spray a stainless steel cleaning spray onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain.

Tip: do not use ammonia or citrus based cleaners on stainless steel surfaces. Avoid steel wool, paper towels, newsprint, scour pads, or abrasive liquid or powder cleansers on stainless steel surface.

Once your ice maker is completely rinsed and the ice from cleaning batches is discarded, you’re ready to enjoy a clean appliance and great-tasting ice! Repeat this process every nine months or sooner if your clean indicator light turns yellow or you notice your ice tasting “off.”

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