Cleaning the Ice Machine – Step-By-Step Instructions
If you have a lot of kitchen appliances at home, you probably forget to clean some of them regularly. However, cleaning your appliances every three to six months is a good way to protect them from malfunctioning.
Being a proud owner of an ice machine brings on the responsibility of cleaning it on a monthly basis or more often, depending on how much you use it. If you still don’t know how to clean an ice maker well, we’re here to offer some useful tips and tricks to help you with that. Read on!
The Importance of Cleaning an Ice Machine
Cleaning your ice maker should be common practice if you want it to always be in a working condition and prolong its life. Hard water that’s used for making ice has different minerals and sediment in it, which can, over time, become a big problem for your ice maker. If unfiltered and not cleaned, these minerals can build up inside your ice maker and clog it.
Additionally, rust, dirt, mold, and limescale can also cause a lot of problems to your ice maker and decrease the quality of your ice products. This is why your ice machine needs to be cleaned at least once in three months – this is how you help it always perform well and stay on top of its game.
Tips on How to Clean an Ice Machine
If you don’t know how to clean an ice machine, always read the owner’s manual first. You probably have all the instructions and tips on how often to clean it and what to use. Here are some useful tips:
Signs That Show You Should Clean Your Ice Maker
If you have been using your ice machine for some time, you should be able to recognize signs that it needs cleaning. Some of the signs may include:
- Ice is softer and melts more quickly
- It has an unusual smell or taste
- Ice cubes are smaller than usual
- Ice is cloudy and not clear and see-through
If you notice any of the things mentioned above, you should know that your ice machine is ready for some good cleaning. Don’t despair if you’re not able to clean it on your own because you can always opt for a 5-Star cleaning service in Denver such as Alpine Maids to do that for you. Contact us for more information and book your appointment today!
Manual or Automatic Cleaning
Before you even start with the cleaning, you should know what type of ice machine you have. Your ice maker can be a built-in or a portable one, and that’s why you should know how to clean a portable ice maker if that’s what you have at home.
Also, read through the owner’s manual to find out if your ice maker has automatic cleaning, or if it should be cleaned manually. All this can help you save some time and improve your ice maker’s performance.
Cleaning Materials and Supplies
Even though your ice machine might have an automatic cleaning option, there should be some info on what materials and supplies to use for a better cleaning session. Usually, a nickel-free ice machine cleaner is a good way to go. If your ice maker requires manual cleaning, opt for a nickel-free cleaner and a soft cloth for wiping it.
Explore the market for the best ice maker cleaner and find the one that keeps yours in the best shape possible.
A Step-By-Step Instruction on How to Clean an Ice Maker
Now that you’ve got all the supplies and materials needed, you can clean your ice maker by following the next steps:
- Turn off your ice machine and unplug it.
- Turn off the water supply as well.
- Empty the ice maker and remove all the water and ice.
- Use your manual to remove all the parts and clean them accordingly.
- Once you’ve cleaned the ice machine and all the parts, make sure everything is dry before you put the ice machine back together.
- Plug the ice maker back in and restart it.
- Start the ice machine and get rid of the first batch of ice cubes.
- Use the machine the next three to six months normally before you clean it thoroughly again.
As you can see, cleaning an ice machine doesn’t have to be so scary or boring, if you just follow the instructions in the manual. Devote yourself to cleaning it regularly if you want to use it for a long time!