It’s easy to forget to clean your refrigerator, let alone your undercounter ice maker. However, your ice maker requires regular cleaning, just like your refrigerator, to function at its best and produce clean, high-quality ice. This article provides a detailed guide on how to clean an ice maker using its clean and sanitize features.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Clean an Ice Maker
A dirty ice maker can shorten the lifespan of your machine and potentially allow harmful mold and bacteria to contaminate the ice. Thankfully, cleaning an ice maker can be simple with the self-cleaning and sanitizing functions.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Ice Maker or Ice Machine
Cleaning an ice maker or ice machine is crucial for several reasons. It helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful contaminants that can compromise the quality and safety of the ice produced.
If an ice maker or machine isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become a hotbed for bacteria and other microorganisms. These can then be transferred to the ice and ingested by people.
Besides the potential health risks, a dirty ice maker or ice machine can also produce ice that tastes or smells unpleasant, which can deter customers or guests. Regular cleaning also prolongs an ice maker’s lifespan by removing dirt, grime, and other substances that can degrade the appliance over time.
By cleaning your ice maker or ice machine regularly, you can ensure that the ice produced is safe, high quality, and free from any unpleasant odors or tastes.
Is Your Ice Contaminated With Bacteria & Mold?
You might be surprised and disturbed by the answer. Your home may be sparkling clean, but the unpleasant truth is that mold, bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Shigella), deadly viruses, feces, and mineral build-up could be growing in your ice machine. Isn’t that revolting?
When not cleaned thoroughly, dirty ice (even from a high-end maker like Scotsman, U-line, or Sub-Zero*) can make you sick. Even those of us who do occasionally wipe down or clean our ice maker, aren’t taking one thing into consideration: Biofilm.
What Is Biofilm?
Biofilm or “slime” buildup from ongoing microbial growth can and does occur in commercial and in-home ice-makers. Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that grow together to form a shielding effect on the bacteria held within them, preventing the normal cleaning process from doing its job to eradicate these bacteria and viruses. For instance, Listeria, a disease-causing bacteria, can be 1Kx times harder to eliminate under a biofilm.
In one recent fast-food chain restaurant study, ice was found to contain feces. And in another jaw-dropping study, ice machines from several national fast-food chains were found to contain more bacteria than what’s typically found in a toilet. Like your scotch on the rocks? The truth is, even drowning your ice in hard alcohol isn’t enough to kill some deadly bacteria or viruses, according to a study done at the University of Texas where Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella all survived being submerged in scotch and 85 proof tequila. Plus, viruses such as the Norwalk virus actually thrive in frozen crystalline structures!
To clean an ice maker and ice machine, you will need the following items: A soft cloth or sponge A vinegar solution specifically designed for cleaning appliances A small brush (optional) A bucket Follow these steps for how to clean an ice maker: Unplug the ice maker or turn off the power to the ice machine. Remove any ice that is in the ice bin and discard it. Wipe down the exterior of the ice maker or ice machine with a soft cloth or sponge and a vinegar solution. Use a small brush to gently scrub away any stubborn stains or dirt. Wipe down the interior of the ice bin. If your ice maker or ice machine has a removable ice tray or ice mold, remove it and wash it with a vinegar solution. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it before returning it to the ice maker or ice machine. Fill a bucket with a vinegar solution and use it to scrub the inside of the ice maker or ice machine. Rinse the interior thoroughly with clean water. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the ice maker or ice machine again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Plug the ice maker or turn the power back on to the ice machine. Allow the ice maker or ice machine to run for a few minutes to ensure that it is fully drained and to flush out any remaining cleaning solution. Discard any ice that is produced during this process, then refill the ice bin and resume normal use.
How Often Should An Ice Maker Be Cleaned? If you’re wondering how to clean an ice maker, you’ll want to know how often it needs to be cleaned. We recommend cleaning an ice maker at least once every three to six months, depending on the specific model and how frequently it is used. However, some ice makers may need to be cleaned more frequently if used heavily or located in a particularly dirty or dusty environment.
If you notice any changes in the quality or taste of the ice being produced, it may be a good idea to clean the ice maker more often. Also, make sure to clean an ice maker before storing it for an extended period of time or after it has been in storage. Additionally, if you notice any visible dirt or grime buildup on the exterior or interior of the ice maker, it is a good idea to clean it as soon as possible to prevent any potential problems or poor ice production.
How Do You Clean A Sub-Zero Undercounter Ice Maker? How do you clean a Sub-Zero ice maker? Sub Zero UC-15I cleaning and sanitizing cycles take an hour to complete. We suggest you stay at home during this time, as your intervention will be needed at various points. In addition, make sure you have the correct Sub Zero ice cleaner on hand, and this is the only solution recommended for properly cleaning your ice machine.
Here’s how to clean a Sub Zero undercounter ice maker step-by-step:
Press the Clean button Dispose of all ice in the storage bin and remove the bin from the ice maker Pour 4 ounces of ice maker cleaner into a small cup When the Clean light flashes, pour the cleaning solution into the spray area The clean light will turn off when the 30-minute cleaning cycle is complete Sub-Zero Ice Maker Cleaning & Sanitizing Knowing how to clean a Sub-Zero ice maker also involves a sanitizing cycle to rid your machine of germs and bacteria. Follow these steps immediately after cleaning to sanitize your ice maker:
Press the Clean button again Pour 1 Tbsp. of ice maker sanitizer into a small cup When the Clean light flashes, pour the sanitizing solution into the spray area The clean light will turn off when the 30-minute sanitizing process is complete While the ice maker is being sanitized, spray the ice bin with a solution of 1 Tbsp. sanitizer and 1 gallon of water. Allow the solution to sit and air dry without rinsing. How Often To Clean An Ice Machine We suggest regular cleaning of your Sub-Zero ice maker every six months. This will prevent a buildup of mold or bacteria and maintain your machine’s function. It’s also recommended that you change your ice maker water filter with each cleaning to ensure high-quality ice production.
How Do I Clean A Scotsman Ice Machine?
Scotsman home ice machines are known to be one of the highest quality ice machines on the market. With ice machines that boast gourmet ice with extraordinary taste and clarity, Scotsman residential has upped the bar for ice-cold beverages. Of course, here’s a revised version of the article:
The Necessity of Regular Cleaning for Your Undercounter Ice Maker
Cleaning the refrigerator is often overlooked, and the same goes for an undercounter ice maker. However, to ensure optimal functionality and the production of clean, high-quality ice, your ice maker needs to be cleaned as frequently, if not more so, than your refrigerator. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean an ice maker, utilizing its clean and sanitize features.
A Detailed Guide on How to Clean an Ice Maker
A dirty ice maker can not only reduce the lifespan of your machine but also pose a risk of harmful mold and bacteria contaminating the ice. Luckily, with the self-cleaning and sanitizing functions, learning how to clean an ice maker can be quite simple.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Ice Maker or Ice Machine
It’s crucial to clean an ice maker or ice machine for several reasons. Regular cleaning of the ice machine helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful contaminants that can compromise the quality and safety of the ice produced.
If an ice maker or machine isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. These can then be transferred to the ice and ingested by people.
Besides the potential health risks, a dirty ice maker or ice machine can also produce ice that tastes or smells unpleasant, which can deter customers or guests. Regular cleaning also prolongs an ice maker’s lifespan by removing dirt, grime, and other substances that can degrade the appliance over time.
By cleaning your ice maker or ice machine regularly, you can ensure that the ice produced is safe, high quality, and free from any unpleasant odors or tastes.
Scotsman Ice Maker Cleaning: A Detailed Guide
Scotsman is not only known for its high-quality ice but also for its excellent ice production with minimal maintenance. However, like all ice makers, it requires occasional maintenance, especially if the water source in your home is considered hard. Maintain the pristine quality of your ice with bi-annual cleaning of your Scotsman Ice Maker.
How Frequently Should I Clean My Scotsman Ice Machine?
If you’re wondering, “How often should I clean my Scotsman Ice Machine?” We recommend cleaning your Scotsman residential ice machine twice a year. The filters in Scotsman home ice machines effectively prevent mineral build-up from affecting ice production, but they need a little assistance to prevent issues. Descaling your Scotsman ice maker bi-annually will also ensure that extra minerals in your water supply do not damage your ice maker’s internal parts.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning a Scotsman Home Ice Machine:
Your Scotsman ice maker needs descaling when the taste and clarity of your ice have declined from their original quality. Is your ice production lower than usual, or are there flecks of impurities frozen in the ice? These are mineral deposits that are quite common in general ice but not ideal for gourmet ice.
For cleaning your Scotsman Ice Maker, you’ll need to gather a few specific supplies:
Scotsman Brand Ice Machine Cleaner Solution A small jug of basic Clorox Bleach (unscented, normal viscosity) A bucket to mix the sanitizing solution, 3-gallon minimum A soft cloth A gentle scrub brush Rubber gloves
Steps to Clean Scotsman Ice Machine
After gathering the above items, follow these steps for cleaning your Scotsman ice machine:
Press & release the power button. The green light should start to blink, indicating it will finish making and dispensing the last batch of ice. Once the ice is dispensed and the green light has stopped blinking, remove all ice from inside the bin of your Scotsman residential ice machine. Press hold for 5 seconds and simultaneously release the power and “clean reset” buttons. A yellow light should start to blink, indicating a cleaning mode. Pour the specified amount of Scotsman Cleaner Solution into the reservoir (generally, 8 ounces, depending on the model) Wait approximately 30 minutes for the unit to run the cleaner solution through its system. It can be normal to see slight foaming in your unit during this step. Press & release the power button to begin the flushing process of the cleaner solution. The yellow light will stop blinking and will show a constant solid yellow light. Wait another 30 minutes or so to allow the flushing process to complete. Press & release the power button once more. This will stop the flushing process. All lights on the unit should shut off at this point. Using the soft cloth and gentle scrub brush, thoroughly clean the ice bin with the cleaner solution, removing any scale deposits. Rinse the entire bin using 1 gallon of hot water, making sure to rid the unit of any remaining deposits. Mix 1 ounce of bleach in the bucket with 2 gallons of hot water. Using your rubber gloves, apply the hot bleach solution to the entire bin to thoroughly sanitize it. Finally, press & rerelease the power button to restart your Scotsman residential ice maker.
For more specific details on cleaning your Scotsman ice maker, visit the PDFs for the model of your Scotsman residential ice maker for a quick guide to cleaning and descaling your model.
Scotsman Residential Ice Maker SCC50
Scotsman Residential Ice Maker SCN60
Scotsman Residential Ice Maker DCE33
Scotsman Residential Ice Maker SCC30
Cleaning and descaling your ice maker and ice machine is a relatively simple but necessary task to keep your ice clear, pure, and gourmet. If your Scotsman or Sub-Zero ice maker produces ice that tastes weird, or your ice maker descaling process hasn’t solved your ice production issues, consider contacting our professional ice maker repair technicians at Osya Appliance Service. We service and repair all Scotsman appliances, including Scotsman Ice Makers, Scotsman Bar Refrigerators, and Scotsman Wine Cooler units. We also are proud to service Sub-Zero products, including Sub-Zero ice makers and machines.
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