Let’s be honest, there are few things more disappointing than a refreshing drink ruined by funky-tasting ice. You know the kind—it has that stale, freezer-aisle flavor or, worse, little black specks floating around. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Knowing how to clean an ice maker properly is one of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of home appliance maintenance. It’s not just about better-tasting ice; it’s about your health and keeping your machine running like a champ for years to come.
Here at The World of Ice Makers, we’ve seen it all. We’re here to cut through the confusion and give you a straightforward, no-nonsense guide. Forget guesswork. This is how the pros do it.
Why Bother Cleaning Your Ice Maker? It’s Not Just About Looks
You might think that because it’s only frozen water, an ice maker is self-cleaning. That’s a common myth that can lead to some pretty unpleasant outcomes. Every time your machine makes a batch of ice, it leaves behind mineral deposits from the water and creates a damp environment perfect for unwanted guests.
Here’s the deal on why regular cleaning is non-negotiable:
- Taste and Odor: Ice is incredibly porous, meaning it absorbs odors like a sponge. Any food smells in your freezer or bacteria in the machine will transfer directly to your ice cubes, and then into your drink.
- Health and Hygiene: A dark, moist environment is a breeding ground for yeast, mold, and bacteria. This can lead to a pink or black slimy buildup inside the machine—something you definitely don’t want in your beverage.
- Machine Efficiency and Longevity: Mineral buildup, or “scale,” from hard water can clog the water lines and coat the evaporator unit. This forces your ice maker to work harder, use more energy, and eventually break down far sooner than it should.
The Essential Toolkit: What You’ll Need Before You Start
You don’t need a professional-grade workshop to get this done. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- A soft, clean cloth or sponge
- Warm, soapy water (use a mild dish soap)
- White vinegar OR a commercial ice maker cleaning solution
- A small brush (an old toothbrush works great)
- A bucket or bowl to discard old ice
- Dry towels for the aftermath
How to Clean Your Ice Maker Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
The exact process varies slightly depending on your type of machine. We’ll break it down for the three most common types: portable countertop models, the one in your refrigerator, and the more robust undercounter units.
For Portable / Countertop Ice Makers
These little workhorses are fantastic for parties and small spaces, but they need love, too.
- Safety First: Power Down and Unplug. Never skip this step. Disconnect the unit from the wall outlet.
- Empty Everything. Remove the ice basket and dump any remaining ice. Drain all the water from the reservoir using the drain plug, usually located on the bottom or side of the unit.
- Create Your Cleaning Solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Fill the water reservoir with this solution up to the fill line. If you prefer a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle. Plug the machine back in and run it as if you were making ice. Let it run through 2-3 full cycles, discarding the “vinegar ice” it produces. This circulates the cleaning solution through all the internal components.
- Scrub the Interior. Unplug the machine again. Use a soft cloth soaked in the vinegar solution to wipe down the inside of the machine, including the reservoir and the area around the ice-making prongs. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub any stubborn scale buildup.
- Rinse Thoroughly. Drain the vinegar solution completely. Wipe the interior with a clean, water-dampened cloth. Then, fill the reservoir with fresh, clean water and run another 2-3 ice-making cycles, discarding the ice each time. This is crucial for flushing out any residual vinegar taste.
- Clean the Removable Parts. Wash the ice basket and scoop in warm, soapy water, just like you would any other kitchen utensil. Rinse and dry them completely.
- Dry and Reassemble. Wipe the inside of the machine with a dry cloth and leave the lid open for a few hours to air dry completely before putting it all back together.
For Refrigerator Ice Makers (In-Door or Freezer)
This is the one most of us have at home. It’s easy to forget, but it needs a deep clean just like any other.
- Turn It Off. Most refrigerator ice makers have a switch or a metal feeler arm that you can lift to turn them off. Check your user manual if you’re unsure.
- Empty the Ice Bin. Remove the ice bin and discard all the old ice. If you have a large block of frozen-together ice, now is the time to tackle it.
- Wash the Bin. Take the bin to the sink and wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Avoid the dishwasher, as high heat can crack the plastic. If you see mineral buildup, let it soak in a vinegar-water solution for an hour before scrubbing.
- Wipe Down the Interior. With the bin removed, you have access to the ice maker mechanism itself. Unplug the refrigerator for safety. Use a cloth dampened with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to wipe down the entire compartment—the chute, the blades, and all visible surfaces. Use a toothbrush to get into the tight corners.
- Rinse and Dry. Go over the area again with a cloth dampened with just water to rinse away the vinegar. Dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Reassemble and Flush. Put the dry ice bin back in place, plug the fridge back in, and turn the ice maker on. Discard the first two or three batches of ice it makes to ensure any cleaning solution residue is flushed out.
For Undercounter / Built-In Ice Makers
These high-capacity units are common in home bars and offices. They often have a dedicated cleaning cycle, which makes things easier.
“The biggest mistake people make with undercounter ice makers is forgetting to descale,” says John Carter, a certified appliance technician with 15 years of experience. “Sanitizing gets rid of the biological gunk, but only descaling breaks down the mineral deposits that can kill your machine’s performance.”
- Engage the Cleaning Cycle. Most models have a “Clean” or “Wash” button. Press it according to your manufacturer’s instructions. The machine will typically drain its internal water first.
- Add the Cleaner. The machine will signal when it’s ready for you to add the cleaning solution. Pour the manufacturer-recommended amount of commercial ice machine cleaner or descaler into the water trough.
- Let It Run. The machine will automatically circulate the solution through its entire system, cleaning the evaporator, water lines, and other components. This can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.
- Rinse Cycle. After the cleaning cycle is complete, the machine will likely prompt you to start a rinse cycle, or it may do so automatically. This flushes the entire system with fresh water.
- Sanitize (If Needed). After descaling, you should sanitize. Run another clean cycle, this time using a nickel-safe ice machine sanitizer. Follow the instructions precisely.
- Clean the Bin and Accessories. While the machine is running its cycles, manually clean the ice bin, scoop, and any other removable parts with warm, soapy water.
- Final Flush. Once all cycles are complete, let the machine make a full batch of ice and discard it. Your ice maker is now clean, sanitized, and ready for action.
Descaling vs. Sanitizing: What’s the Difference?
This is where many people get confused, but it’s simple.
- Descaling: This process removes mineral deposits (limescale) left behind by hard water. White vinegar or a specific descaling solution is used for this. Descaling is all about machine performance and longevity.
- Sanitizing: This process kills bacteria, mold, mildew, and other microorganisms. A sanitizing solution (either a dedicated product or a very diluted bleach solution—always check your manual first) is used. This is all about health and safety.
For a truly proper clean, you should do both, especially for undercounter and commercial units.
How Often Should I Clean My Ice Maker?
For most household ice makers (portable or refrigerator), a deep clean every 3 to 6 months is a good rule of thumb. However, you may need to do it more frequently if you have very hard water, use the machine heavily, or notice any off-tastes or smells.
Pro Tips for Sparkling, Taste-Free Ice Year-Round
- Use Filtered Water: The best way to prevent problems is to start with high-quality water. Using filtered water will dramatically reduce mineral buildup and improve the taste of your ice.
- Change Your Water Filter: If your refrigerator or undercounter unit has a water filter, change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendation (usually every 6 months). This is your first line of defense.
- Don’t Let Ice Sit Too Long: Use your ice regularly. If you’re going away on vacation, empty the bin and turn the ice maker off to prevent ice from clumping and absorbing odors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I use to clean my ice maker?
The safest and most common DIY solution is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. For a more powerful clean, especially for descaling, it’s best to use a commercial ice maker cleaning solution specifically designed for your type of machine.
Why are there white flakes in my ice?
Those white flakes are almost always calcium and magnesium mineral deposits from hard water. It’s a clear sign that your machine is overdue for a descaling. While generally harmless to ingest, it means your machine is working harder than it needs to.
Can I use bleach to clean my ice maker?
It is generally not recommended to use bleach unless your manufacturer’s manual specifically states it is safe and provides exact dilution instructions. Bleach can damage plastic components and, if not rinsed completely, can be hazardous.
Why does my ice maker have a slimy feel inside?
That slime is called biofilm, which is a collection of bacteria and/or mold. It thrives in the cool, damp environment of an ice machine. This requires immediate and thorough cleaning and sanitizing to ensure your ice is safe to consume.
My ice maker has a “clean” cycle. Is that enough?
The self-clean cycle is fantastic for circulating cleaning and descaling solutions through the internal plumbing. However, it doesn’t clean the ice bin, scoop, or exterior surfaces. You should always manually clean these components to complete the job.
The Clear Choice for Better Drinks
Mastering how to clean your ice maker properly is a simple skill that pays huge dividends. It’s the difference between a cloudy, off-tasting cube and a crystal-clear, pure one that makes every drink better. By investing just a little bit of time every few months, you not only guarantee better-tasting beverages but also protect your health and extend the life of your appliance. Now go forth and enjoy the clean, crisp ice you deserve.