How to Clean an Ice Machine

Many businesses have ice machines. Of course, restaurants do. Beyond this, ice machines are in delis, super markets, hotels, and even office buildings in the employee break rooms. While your commercial building probably has an ice maker, you may not realize there is regular maintenance you must do in order to keep the ice tasting good and free of germs and bacteria. Your ice machine needs to be cleaned!

Signs you need to clean your machine include if the ice has an unpleasant taste or odor, the cubes are smaller than normal, the ice feels softer and melts faster than usual, or the ice has a cloudy appearance. If there are visible signs of mold, mildew, or other debris on the interior of the machine, it needs to be cleaned right away. If it has been six months or more since the last cleaning, it should be cleaned even if you don’t see any of these issues.

Step #1 Unplug the Machine
Turn off and unplug your ice maker to avoid it starting production during cleaning. This will also allow easy access to your sink for draining and avoid the risk or shock or injury. Remove the ice basket and set it aside.

Step #2 Drain the Water
Next, locate and remove the drain plug. This allows the water from the reservoir to flow into a container or your sink until all the water has drained from the machine.

Step #3 Wipe Down the Interior
Next, you will spray or dip your cloth into a cleaning solution made from warm water and a little bit of vinegar, lemon juice, or nickel-free ice machine cleaner made especially for the appliance. Wash the interior walls and hard to reach areas such as the water reservoir, corners, and the area where the ice is made. Be sure to rinse it several times using clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. You don’t want your ice to taste like vinegar!

Step #4 Clean the Exterior
Also be sure to wipe down the exterior using a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Dry it using a clean towel.

Step #5 Make a Batch of Ice
You are all finished and can not restart the machine. Fill the water reservoir with the cleaning solution, make a batch of ice, and discard. Unplug the ice maker and drain the water once again. While the plug is removed pour clean, fresh, water through the reservoir and let it drain into the sink. Continue to rinse the unit several more times before making ice as usual.

As you can see, it’s not difficult at all! If you do this and are still having trouble with your ice cubes, the problem could be with the machine itself. This means you need a repair technician to come out and take a look. Call Coffey Refrigeration at (509) 586-1519 and let us know you need your Kennewick, WA ice maker repaired ASAP. Our nearest technician will visit you soon.