Nobody likes a dirty ice maker or ice machine. Not only does it make your drinks taste bad, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’ve been neglecting to clean your machine, now is the time to do something about it! Let us teach you how to clean a dirty ice maker or ice machine in just a few simple steps. Follow our tips and your machine will be back to working order in no time!
Guide For How to Clean a Dirty Ice Maker
If you’re wondering how to clean a dirty ice maker or ice machine, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the steps necessary to get your machine sparkling clean again.
Why Is My Ice Maker Dirty?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean a dirty ice maker or dirty ice machine, let’s first talk about why they tend to get dirty in the first place.
There are a few reasons why your ice maker or ice machine might be dirty. One possibility is that you’re not using filtered water. If you’re using tap water to fill your machine, it’s likely that minerals and other impurities are making their way into your ice. Another possibility is that you’re not emptying the ice bin on a regular basis. Ice that sits in the bin for too long can start to develop bacteria in ice machines.
And finally, if you don’t clean your machine on a regular basis, dirt and grime, and even mold will collect, making it harder for the machine to do its job.
Ice Machine vs Ice Maker: What’s the Difference?
Before we get started, it’s important to note the difference between an ice maker vs. ice machine. An ice machine is a standalone appliance that makes and dispenses ice. An ice maker is a component of a refrigerator that makes ice.
Ice Maker Cleaning Steps
If your ice maker is dirty, there are a few steps you can take to clean it.
- Unplug the fridge.
- Remove the ice bin and set it aside, give it a good wash.
- Use a soft cloth with mild detergent and warm water to wipe down the inside of the ice maker. Be sure to get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up.
- Once you’ve wiped down the inside of the ice maker, use a clean cloth to dry it off.
- Replace the ice bin and push the fridge back into place.
- Plug the fridge back in and turn on the ice maker.
- Let the ice maker run for a few minutes to make sure that it’s working properly.
Ice Machine Cleaning Steps
Cleaning an ice machine is a bit different. Let’s learn how to clean it here.
Ice Machines With a Self-Cleaning Feature:
- Unplug the machine and empty the ice machine completely,
- Turn off the water supply to the machine and remove the drain cap. Allow the water to drain completely. Replace the drain cap after it has dried.
- Replace the bin plug and turn on the machine again and run the cleaning program according to the instructions of your machine.
- Dump out the ice, add clean water, and start the process again.
- Remove the ice one more time then reconnect the water supply.
Ice Machines Without a Self-Cleaning Feature:
- Unplug the machine and empty the ice completely.
- Take out all removable parts, such as the ice bin, auger, and evaporator plate. Wash these with warm water and mild detergent, preferably an ice maker cleaner, then rinse with water once more and dry them thoroughly.
- Use a soft cloth with ice maker cleaner or a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down the inside of the machine. Be sure to get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up. Then let the machine air dry.
- Replace all of the removable parts and turn the machine back on.
- Let the machine run for a few minutes to make sure that it’s working properly. Discard the first batch of ice, the next batch should be ready to use.
And there you have it! Now you know how to clean an ice machine or ice maker. By following these simple steps, you can keep your machine in top condition and ensure that your ice is always clean and safe to consume. If you’re having other refrigerator ice maker problems check out our blog for more tips! And if you need to get in touch with an ice maker repair service team, call Appliance King of America!
