Cleaning & maintenance tips for under-the-counter ice machines

Samantha Bullington / Tuesday April 9, 2024

An under-the-counter ice machine is a handy appliance that can provide you with a constant flow of fresh ice whenever you need it, especially during large gatherings. For it to run smoothly, you’ll need to clean and maintain it.

Let’s find out how you can keep your ice machine sparkling and ready to serve your home.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your ice machine while you’re cleaning, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.

Contents hide

I Cleaning & maintenance tips for under-the-counter ice machines

I.I Why should I clean my ice machine?

I.II How often does my ice machine need to be cleaned?

I.III What you need

I.IV How to clean your ice machine

I.IV.I Step 1 – Prep the ice machine

I.IV.II Step 2 – Initiate the cleaning cycle

I.IV.III Step 3 – Rinse & drain all remaining water

I.IV.IV Step 4 – Wash other parts

I.IV.V Step 5 – Reassemble & restart the ice machine

I.V More maintenance tips

I.V.I Replace the water filter

I.V.II Clean the condenser

I.VI More information

I.VI.I Share this entry

Why should I clean my ice machine?

Consistently cleaning your under-counter ice machine should be an important part of your maintenance routine because:

Over time, mineral deposits from hard water and limescale can build up in your ice machine. This buildup could clog different parts and slow down the machine’s performance, which can decrease its lifespan.
Accumulated minerals can also mess with the taste, smell, and clarity of your ice. Regular cleaning keeps your ice fresh and tasting good.
The damp environment in an ice machine is a perfect spot for mold, mildew, bacteria, and germs to form and hang out. By keeping things clean, you can always get fresh, safe ice.

How often does my ice machine need to be cleaned?

Many under-the-counter ice machine brands suggest giving it a good clean at least once a month if you use it regularly. If your home and water quality differ, you might want to clean it more often.

Here are some signs that it’s time to clean your under-counter ice machine:

Visibly dirty internal parts
Ice with an unpleasant taste or strange odor
Cloudy or discolored ice cubes
Reduced ice production
The machine seems to run louder or longer while making ice

If you notice anything funky with your ice quality or machine performance, go ahead and give it a good clean right away. This helps you deal with issues sooner and can help prevent any more buildup or damage down the line.

What you need

Ice machine cleaner – Only use approved, nickel-safe cleaners for your ice machine. You can take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to find the correct cleaner for your unit.
Clean cloths, brushes, etc.
Gloves
Bucket or pan of water for rinsing
Paper towels or rags

How to clean your ice machine

Step 1 – Prep the ice machine

Remove the ice storage bin and empty any remaining ice cubes.
Take out parts like scoops, grids, baffles, etc.

Step 2 – Initiate the cleaning cycle

Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended amount of cleaning solution needed for cleaning.
Add the specified amount of cleaning solution to the water reservoir.
Start the “Clean” or “Wash” cycle on your unit.

Step 3 – Rinse & drain all remaining water

Once the cleaning cycle is finished, thoroughly rinse the system with fresh water and run 1-2 rinse cycles. To do this, fill the water reservoir with fresh water.

Drain the water reservoir after the last cycle. Use a bucket or drain pan to catch the water during the draining process.

Step 4 – Wash other parts

While the unit is draining, wash all removable parts in a sink or tub using the ice machine cleaner or a mixture of diluted vinegar with water. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub these parts and rinse them thoroughly.

Step 5 – Reassemble & restart the ice machine

Replace all the parts you removed and make sure they’re correctly positioned.
Make sure the water reservoir is drained and free of any standing water.
Restart the ice production cycle.

More maintenance tips

Replace the water filter

You should replace the water filter every six months for high-quality ice and to prevent mechanical issues caused by sediment or scale buildup. If your water supply contains high levels of minerals or contaminants, you may need to replace the filter more frequently.

Clean the condenser

Unplug the ice machine.
Use compressed air or a condenser brush to dislodge any dirt, dust, or debris that has accumulated between the condenser fins.
Vacuum carefully around the condenser area to remove any loose particles or lint buildup.
If your under-the-counter ice machine has a condenser filter, remove and clean it with warm, soapy water. Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts for any of your appliances, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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Samantha Bullington

Hey there, I’m Samantha and I’m super excited to be a part of the Appliance Parts Pros team! With 9 years of experience, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to assist countless customers in troubleshooting their home appliances and finding DIY repair solutions.