Clean your ice maker in 6 steps

When you want to make beverages extra refreshing, there’s nothing better than adding some cold, crisp ice. Your ice machine works hard, but over time things like mineral deposits and even bacteria can build up inside, leading to ice that tastes less than fresh.

Experts say ice machines should be cleaned about once every 9 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water or high humidity. 

How to Clean an Ice Machine

You should clean your ice machine as part of your regular deep cleaning schedule. You can use distilled white vinegar solution or you can purchase a nickel safe ice machine cleaner solution.

What You’ll Need to Clean an Ice Machine

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

Before cleaning make sure the appliance is powered off and unplugged. 

Drain the unit per the instructions in the specific manual for your device

Remove any ice and drain any water out of the ice maker. Make sure all water has drained then you can replace the drain cap

2. Remove and Clean Removable Ice Machine Parts

Any points that come in contact with the ice in your machine should be cleaned regularly. This includes baskets, scoops or other accessory items that would touch the ice.

Do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher. Hand wash with a warm, soapy water and rinse completely, and allow to dry completely.

3. Clean the Interior of the Ice Machine

Once the parts from step 2 have been removed wipe down the interior. Use warm soapy water and a non abrasive cloth. Once cleaned rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a towel.

*If you notice any mineral buildup in the interior of the ice machine you can clean with a soft bristle toothbrush. Do not use an abrasives or harsh cleaners, sharp objects, or stiff bristle brushes as this could damage the interior.

4.Change Your Ice Machine’s Water Filter

If there is a water filter for your machine this is a good time to replace it.

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

Make a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part distilled white vinegar (or follow instructions if using a nickel safe ice machine cleaner). Pour this into the water reservoir. You need to make enough solution to run several ice cycles. Typically 30 ounces of water and 3 ounces of distilled white vinegar for most countertop ice makers will be enough.

6.Run an Ice Making or Cleaning Cycle

Run the machine for at least 2 cycles or until all the cleaning solution is gone (use the clean cycle if your machine has this).

Discard the ice from this process. After all the vinegar solution has been used up, replace the drain cap and refill the reservoir with clean water.

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 enough clean water for at least 2 cycles. After running these 2 cycles drain the machine, then replace drain cap, refill reservoir and the unit is ready for regular use.

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

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