Cleaning and maintaining an ice maker

Like any hospitality appliance, it’s important to clean the ice cube machine regularly. This keeps the ice at optimal quality, prevents contamination, and avoids costly repairs. Below we provide a step-by-step plan to clean your ice cube machine properly.

Why is it important to clean an ice cube machine?

It may seem obvious that an ice cube machine doesn’t get that dirty, it’s just water used to make ice. What could possibly go wrong? However, you must treat both the ice cubes and the machine like any other food and equipment, since they can also become contaminated. It may sound gross, but any part of the machine that contacts water can develop scale, slime, or mold at any time, which can contaminate the ice. This is obviously undesirable and requires attention and care. Cleaning the machine is especially crucial during the summer months.

Benefits of thoroughly cleaning an ice cube machine:

• Prevents scale buildup on evaporator plates
• Maintains proper heat transfer
• Keeps harvest times short
• Helps the machine maintain full capacity
• Prevents costly repairs

How often should you clean the ice cube machine?

We recommend cleaning and sanitizing the ice cube machine at least once every six months. First, perform the cleaning cycle to remove scale and mineral deposits. Then run the sanitizing cycle to disinfect the unit and remove algae and slime. The procedure is described further below.

Signs you need to clean your ice cube machine

If problems arise before your scheduled cleaning, the machine should be cleaned sooner to prevent further issues. Examples include:

• The machine produces no ice or takes a very long time to make ice
• Poor ice quality (soft or cloudy)
• Ice has an odor
• The machine produces shallow or incomplete cubes
• Reduced ice output

How do I clean my ice cube machine?

First, some general tips to remember when cleaning. For model-specific instructions, refer to your machine’s manual.

• Some manufacturers sell machines that require specific or approved cleaning and sanitizing agents.
• Follow the instructions in your machine’s manual during cleaning. The steps below are general guidelines applicable to most machines but do not replace model-specific instructions.
• Do not mix cleaning and sanitizing agents.
• Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when handling sanitizers.
• Check water quality if the machine requires maintenance more frequently. You may need water treatment or a new water filter cartridge.
• Do not leave the control switch in service mode for extended periods if the reservoir is empty, this can damage the water pump.
• Know your equipment. Nugget and flake machines often have more moving parts that require extra attention.

Below are general steps for cleaning and sanitizing an ice cube machine. These apply to many machines; consult your manual for precise procedures.

• Remove all ice from the bin or dispenser. All ice must be removed before running the cleaning and sanitizing cycles.
• Press the “clean” or “wash” button (or similar) to start the cleaning program. Water will flow through the drain valve and drain line. Wait for the reservoir to refill. The display will prompt you to add chemicals, which usually takes at least 1 minute.
• Add the recommended amount of ice machine cleaner according to the manual.
• Wait for the cleaning cycle to complete (typically at least 20 minutes). Once done, disconnect power to the ice machine (and dispenser, if applicable).
• Remove internal components for cleaning. Refer to your manual for which parts to remove and how.
• Mix a cleaning solution with lukewarm water. Your manual will specify the correct ratio—typically 1 liter of water to 16 ml of cleaner. Use more cleaner if heavily soiled.
• Use half the solution to clean all removed parts. The solution will foam on contact with scale and mineral deposits. Once foaming stops, scrub parts with a nylon brush, sponge, or soft cloth, then rinse with clean water.
• Use the other half of the solution to clean all food-zone surfaces inside the machine and bin or dispenser. Scrub sidewalls, the area above the trough, plastic evaporator parts (top, bottom, sides), and the bin or dispenser with a nylon brush or cloth.
• Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water to remove any chemicals, preventing ice contamination. Do not reassemble parts yet.

Cleaning the exterior of an ice cube machine

We’ve covered the internal food-zone parts; it’s also important to clean the machine’s exterior and surrounding area:

• Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth rinsed in water to remove dust and dirt. Never use abrasive pads or brushes.
• If greasy residue remains, use a damp cloth with a mild detergent solution. Check your manual for recommended cleaners. Do not use chlorine-based, citrus-based, or abrasive cleansers on exterior panels or plastic trim.

How do I sanitize an ice cube machine?

Sanitizing is the final step after cleaning to ensure the machine is truly hygienic.

• Mix sanitizer with lukewarm water according to your manual, typically 3 liters of water to 2 ml of sanitizer.
• Use half the solution to sanitize the removed components. Apply liberally with a spray bottle or soak parts in the solution. Do not rinse after sanitizing.
• Use the other half to sanitize all food-zone surfaces, sidewalls, the area above the trough, plastic evaporator parts, and the bin or dispenser.
• Reassemble components.
• Wait 20 minutes to allow the sanitizer to work.
• Reconnect power and press the “clean” or “wash” button.
• Wait for the reservoir to refill and the display to prompt for chemical addition. Add the correct amount of sanitizer to the water reservoir.
• Set the machine to automatically produce ice after the sanitizing cycle completes (usually at least 20 minutes).
• After completion, observe two production cycles and monitor freeze and harvest times. Discard the first batch of ice after cleaning and sanitizing. If everything looks good, resume normal use.

How do you clean the condenser and filter?

Like other components, clean the condenser every six months. The condenser is crucial for condensing refrigerant back into liquid form. Follow these steps:

• Disconnect power to the ice machine head (and external condenser, if present).
• Use a flashlight to inspect for debris between the condenser fins.
• Blow compressed air through the condenser to remove dirt, or rinse from the inside with water.
• Check for remaining debris. If necessary, repeat or contact the manufacturer for advice.
• To clean the machine’s filter, rinse it with mild soap and water.

Following these steps ensures the best ice quality, optimal hygiene, and maximum appliance lifespan. Have more questions about cleaning your ice cube machine? Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help.