Before you start, here are few important items you need to know:
- Do NOT mix the cleaning solution and sanitizers together (Per Federal Statute). Read all labels before use.
- DO wear protective gear when cleaning. (Rubber gloves & safety goggles or face shield)
- NEVER use anything to force ice off of the evaporator, otherwise you will damage your machine.
- Do NOT use cleaners containing abrasives, such as, chlorine, citrus, steel wool, etc. on the exterior of the equipment.
- DO follow the instructions of your factory manual or you could void your warranty and damage your machine.
Okay, now to the ice machine cleaning.
As discussed in our previous post, ice machines should be deep cleaned at MINIMUM every six months, but typically, it is necessary to clean more frequently than that (once per quarter).
If you are an owner/operator that has the skill, time, and patience to clean your ice machine yourself, we have included some general instructions below on how to clean an ice machine. This is a general guideline and your ice machine manual should always be your main reference.
Step 1:
Turn your equipment off and let the ice clear from evaporator. Again, do not use any outside tools in an attempt to scrape or break the ice off of the machine (remember note #3 above). You can either time it right and shut the power off after the ice has dropped off of the evaporator – or – you can turn the machine off and let the ice melt.
Step 2:
Remove all ice from the storage bin.
Step 3:
Depending on the make/model of your ice machine there should be a switch or button for “clean”. Press the clean option, then once water has flown through the dump valve and drained, the water trough will refill and then it is time to add cleaner – the display on your machine may indicate this step for you.
Step 4:
Add the specified amount of *approved* cleaner *per the manufacturer’s manual* and allow the cycle to complete. This can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 5:
You will then need to sanitize the equipment by taking out all of the removable parts from the ice machine. You should carefully follow instructions from your manual for disassembly. Then, create the specified solution-to-water mixture with factory approved solution. Use a soft brush, cloth, or sponge to clean all parts (remember note #4). You can use this solution to clean the ice tray, dispenser, or any other foodservice related parts.
Step 6:
Rinse all parts and areas of the machine with clean water to remove any residue from the sanitizer or cleaner.
IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure to discard the first two batches of ice post-cleaning.
Step 7:
Once the machine is reassembled, clean the exterior by wiping the surface with a soft cloth (no abrasive materials) to remove dust, dirt, finger prints. If the exterior was greasy, you can use a mild dish soap and water solution to wipe down, then dry with a clean, soft towel.
Please note that unless you are an authorized or trained ice machine service technician, any subsequent issues that occur resulting from cleaning the ice machine yourself could potentially void your warranty.
