During the summer, your ice machine works overtime - just as your customers start asking for more iced drinks, heat and humidity kick in, putting extra strain on your equipment. Whether you're running a commercial kitchen or using a countertop ice maker at a small business, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep ice production consistent and sanitary.
If you're wondering how to clean an ice maker, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do - whether you’ve got a large commercial machine or a compact unit.
Why Cleaning Your Ice Machine Matters
Ice machines don’t just “make” ice - they circulate water, use pumps, filters, and fans, and interact with the air in your kitchen or breakroom. Over time, this leads to:
- Scale and calcium buildup
- Mold or slime in moist areas
- Dirty condenser coils
- Bad-tasting or unsafe ice
Neglecting cleaning can cause everything from cloudy cubes to full breakdowns, especially in hot weather. If you've ever searched “how do I clean my ice machine” after a surprise outage, you’re not alone.
How to Clean a Commercial Ice Machine
Follow these steps to give your commercial ice maker a deep clean. Always wear gloves and eye protection and check your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning solutions that won't void your warranty.
1. Discard Old Ice
Turn the machine off and remove any remaining ice from the bin.
2. Access the Cleaning Mode
Remove the front panel and switch your unit to “Wash” or “Clean” mode. This lets water circulate without making new ice.
3. Add Ice Machine Cleaner
Once the trough fills, add the recommended amount of cleaner. Let it circulate for 25 minutes to break down calcium, scale, and other deposits.
Do not run the cleaner too long - doing so can damage your machine’s internal parts.
4. Rinse and Sanitize
After the cleaning cycle, flush the machine with clean water at least three times. Then, sanitize all removable parts and interior surfaces using a commercial-grade ice machine sanitizer.
5. Clean the Exterior and Coils
Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean condenser coils. Wipe down the exterior of the unit with a gentle cleaning solution.
6. Reassemble and Restart
Reinstall all parts, run a final rinse, and discard the first batch of new ice to ensure it’s safe and clean.
How to Clean a Countertop Ice Maker
If you're working with a smaller unit, you’ll follow a similar routine - just on a simpler scale. Here's how to clean a countertop ice maker safely:
- Unplug the unit and empty any water or ice.
- Wipe the interior with a mix of warm water and vinegar or an approved cleaner.
- Run a cleaning cycle (if your model includes one) with cleaner in the reservoir.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all chemical residue.
- Dry with a clean cloth and leave the lid open to air out.
Some models may let you remove internal parts - clean those separately and dry completely before reassembling.
When to Call for Ice Machine Repair
If cleaning your machine doesn’t solve your problems—slow production, bad ice taste, leaks, or strange noises - it’s time to bring in a professional. At Star Equipment Repair, we service all major brands and can help you decide whether repair or replacement is the better option.
Common issues we resolve:
- Blocked water lines
- Broken dump valves
- Malfunctioning thermostats or compressors
- Leaks caused by calcium erosion
We also offer scheduled maintenance plans to keep your ice maker working year-round.
Pro Tips for Ice Machine Maintenance
Clean every 6 months, or more often if you’re in a bakery, brewery, or high-yeast environment.
Replace filters twice a year for best water quality.
Avoid heat sources - don’t place your machine next to ovens or fryers.
Use manufacturer-approved cleaners to protect your warranty.
Need help? Star Equipment Repair is your local expert in ice machine service, cleaning, and repair - and we also offer ice machine rentals for businesses that need a reliable solution without the upfront investment. Whether you operate a restaurant, hotel, bar, or coffee shop, we’ll make sure your ice keeps flowing, no matter the season.