Ice machines play an important role in restaurants, bars, hotels, and many other commercial settings. Despite being an important part of the kitchen equipment, many restaurant or business owners often neglect to clean their ice machines regularly.
This blog will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean your ice making machine to ensure that your equipment is safe for your customers.
1. Why You Need to Clean Ice Maker?
The FDA does define ice as a food, which means that ice making and ice storage must follow strict sanitation standards.
When any part of the ice machine comes into contact with water, it is possible to produce scale, slime, or mold. These contaminants not only affect the quality of the ice, but may also pose a threat to consumers’ health.
Also, if the local water is hard, it can cause mineral buildup, which reduces efficiency.
Poor water sources can also cause filters to clog, which can affect the quality of the ice and may cause damage to the machine.
Therefore, it is very important to clean and maintain the ice machine regularly to ensure the safety and sanitation of the ice.
2. What Are the Steps of Cleaning Ice Maker?
Step 1: Preparation
Turn off the ice machine and unplug it.
Remove all ice from the ice bucket and discard.
Read the manufacturer’s manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommended cleaning solutions.
Step 2: Clean the Interior
Clean Condenser
- Clean condenser once half year to keep it well-ventilated.
- Cut power off and cool condenser before cleaning.
- Don’t touch the aliformpieces during cleaning to avoid cut.
- After taking out the left flank faceplate,use cleaner or brush to do it
Clean Evaporator and Flowing Water Pipe
- Clean evaporator and flowing water pipe once three mouth to keep.
- After taking out it well-ventilated blaking water board,use brush to do it
Clean Filter
- Wrest the water pipe in back of unit,clean water filter.
- Clean the cooler regularly to keep it clean at all times.
- Never use polishing powder.Soap powder, benzine,oil or hot water as these will damage the painting components.
Step 3: Clean Removable Components
Remove components such as the refrigerator, sink, ice scoop, and panels.
Prepare a solution of warm water and ice machine descaler to wipe away scale deposits.
Use a soft brush or cloth to clean all removable parts thoroughly.
Rinse the parts with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.
Step 4: Sanitize the Ice Machine
- After cleaning, the ice machine needs to be sanitized to eliminate bacteria and mold
- Dilute the sanitizing solution with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a spray bottle or soak the disassembled parts in the solution.
- Do not rinse the sanitized parts with water; allow the sanitizer to work.
- Spray all food contact surfaces with the sanitizer.
- Replace all disassembled components after sanitizing.
- Wait the recommended amount of time for the sanitizer to work before reassembling.
- Reconnect the ice machine to the power source.
- Start the automatic cleaning cycle to flush the system.
- Refill the sink with water, then add sanitizer to complete the sanitization of the interior.
- Set the machine to start making ice again.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior
Wipe the exterior of the machine daily with a damp cloth or mild dishwashing liquid solution.
Avoid using abrasive or chlorine-containing cleaners, as they can damage the machine’s finish.
Clean the condenser coil using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to remove dust and debris.
Wash the air filter with soap and water, and allow it to dry completely before putting it back in place.
3. How Often Should You Clean Your Ice Maker?
The ice machine should be cleaned at least every six months to ensure it produces clean and safe ice. However, if you notice a decrease in ice production or quality, or if the machine is used heavily, you might need to clean it more frequently, such as every three months. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations.
4. Before You Go
Using the right products, like nickel-safe Ice machine cleaner and ice machine descaler, can help keep your ice machine running efficiently and avoid costly repairs. Follow mentioned cleaning steps, and replace your water filter on schedule, and you’ll enjoy crystal clear ice every time!
Keeping your commercial ice machine clean and running efficiently is critical for any business that relies on ice to serve or preserve food. Most problems can be prevented by cleaning it regularly, following the correct maintenance schedule for your specific machine model, and addressing common problems as they arise.