How to Clean an Ice Machine

Ice machines are a must-have in a commercial business or industry. Keeping your

customers’ happy means keeping them satisfied, and having ice with a drink is one way to

do that. Ice machines are usually the last thing on your mind when you think of cleaning.

Why would an ice machine need to be cleaned if all that goes into it is clean, refreshing

water? Well, even water can make mold and slime. It is effortless to keep ice machines

clean with a quick wash now and then, but it is also effortless for bacteria to grow. And that’s

why we’ve written an article on how to clean your ice machine so you can do

what you love and keep your customers safe, healthy, and steer clear of any unwanted

violations. 

Clean your ice machine with these easy

steps

Items you will need

• Bucket

• Scoop

• Cleaner (Brand that your ice machine suggests)

• Water 

Step #1

Check your manual to see what direction to take when cleaning your ice machine. Some manuals provide you with specific steps that may not be like these. However, the steps in this article should work for most commercial and home ice machines.

Step #2

Open the door of the ice machine. Inside you will see the separate elements that make up the ice machine. 

Step #3

Make sure that the ice machine is turned off and clear the evaporator framework of any ice left inside using a bucket and scoop.

Step #4

Turn the Ice machine on cleaning mode and as the water flows throughout the trough

start adding the ice machine cleaner. ( This will be the specif brand that has been

recommended in your manual.)

Step #5 

Sit and let the ice machine run through the cleaning cycle. Cleaning should take

anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, but usually not longer than 20.   

Step #6

Turn the ice machine off once the cleaning mode has been completed. 

Step #7

Start removing all the components inside the ice machine one at a time for proper cleaning.

These include the water curtain, water trough, and water distribution tube.

Step #8 

Clean the inside of the ice machine using some sort of soap like Dawn Dish Soap.

Step #9 

Complete the process by replacing all the components inside turning on the ice machine

and starting it up again.  

Cleaning your ice bin with these easy steps

Step #1 

Remove the ice bin from the ice maker. You can either replace this or save it to use again. 

Step #2 

Unplug the drain plug and let any extra water inside drain out.

Step #3 

Sanitize the ice bin using sponge or rag and soap.

Step #4

Remove and replace the drain plug. 

Cleaning the Exterior

When cleaning the exterior of your ice machine, you will need to include the following items. 

• Damp rag

• Sponge

• Paper towel

• Soap

Cleaning the exterior is super easy, and it’s not always a must-have, but it does help keep

your ice maker in tip-top shape. Using a rag rub-down the sides and edges of your ice

machine if you still see hard water or build-up on the ice maker you will need to use a 

sponge and some soap and scrub around the device. Once you are done wipe down the machine with a damp rag and then dry it with a paper towel. 

When to replace your water filter

Water filters that don’t filter their water are letting in lots of different types of minerals,

calcium, and magnesium that can flow through your water and cause build up and could

eventually ruin your machine. It is crucial to replace your water filter every six months to

a year. To restore the water filter, take out the old one, and slip in the new. Easy as one two

three. 

Tips for cleaning an ice machine

• Do not mix any cleaners or sanitizer solutions. 

• Make sure to wear protective gear (safety glasses, and gloves)

• Do not leave the control on cleaning mode for a more extended than needed period. (This may ruin the machine.)

Thank you for reading our article “How to Clean an Ice Machine” If you need professional help with maintenance on your ice machine in Utah Touchstone Commercial Services can help. You can call us at 1 801-497-8879 or contact us online.