If you go through more ice cubes than you can keep up with in your home freezer — or you just don’t want to deal with the hassle of remembering to fill an ice tray regularly — a home ice machine is an excellent way to make sure you have all the cold stuff you need, whenever you need it.

 Cleaning Your Ice Maker

A is a great investment if you entertain regularly and want to make sure everyone’s drink is cold, but it’s also useful if you have hobbies that require you to fill a cooler regularly — think camping, hunting, fishing, etc. And for Scotch aficionados or aspiring home mixologists, an ice maker is the easiest way to get perfectly clear ice cubes so those drinks look and taste their best.

Why a Clean Ice Maker Is a Happy Ice Maker

How important is a clean ice maker? It’s a big deal! Here’s why you should make sure yours is kept clean:

  • Clear ice: If your ice maker is designed to make crystal-clear ice cubes, you’ll want to make sure your machine is clear of debris that can cause cloudiness or otherwise mar the clarity.
  • Great taste: An ice maker that isn’t cleaned on a regular basis can begin to absorb flavors from minerals in your tap water. Even worse, mildew buildup can make your ice taste musty. Keep it clean to make sure your ice tastes like nothing but pure water.
  • Clean aroma: Clean ice shouldn’t smell like anything at all. Your ice maker can absorb odors over time, however, so it’s important to disinfect it regularly to remove any odd smells. Your sense of smell is closely linked to your sense of taste, so this will help make sure your drinking experience is just as it should be.
  • Better health: Because your ice maker is in regular contact with water, it’s susceptible to mold and mildew if you don’t maintain it. If you have allergies to these microorganisms, you’ll want to make sure you keep your ice maker spic and span.

The Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Your Home Ice Maker

1. Gather Your Supplies

  • Warm water
  • White vinegar or lemon juice
  • Soft cloth
  • Pitcher
  • Measuring cup
  • Spoon
  • Baking soda
  • Q-tip or soft toothbrush
  • Dry rag, sponge or paper towels

2. Prep Your Ice Maker for Cleaning

3. Make Your Cleaning Solution

 Cleaning Your Ice Maker

Pro tip: While not strictly necessary, putting some of this solution into a spray bottle will make cleaning the ice dispenser easier later.

4. Clean Your Accessories

5. Wipe Down the Interior

6. Prepare for Ice Making

7. Make a Round of “Wash” Ice

 Cleaning Your Ice Maker

8. Make a Round of “Rinse” Ice

9. Replace Parts and Dry

Now you’re ready to replace any accessories and get your machine back in working order. To avoid unsightly water spots, use a dry rag or paper towels to wipe away any excess water on accessories and the inside of your ice maker. This is especially important if you’re not planning to use it right away, as a dry machine is far less prone to mildew. If you plan to store your machine, turn it off and unplug it until your next party.

How to Clean A Clear Ice Maker

A Note on Dish Soap

While it’s possible to use soapy water to clean the ice bin and accessories, it’s not a good idea to try to make ice with even a mild detergent mix. You run the risk of creating suds or lather in the mechanical parts, which could damage your ice maker. It’s also harder to rinse soap from the machine, which could leave you with a soapy aftertaste in your ice if you’re not careful. Since vinegar and lemon do the job just as well, these edible ingredients are a natural, easy-to-use choice for cleaning your ice maker.

Ice maker cleaning is an important task, but it’s also a relatively easy one. When you keep your automatic ice maker clean, it will function better and give you many years of use, making it less likely that you’ll need to hire an appliance repair person to help troubleshoot clogged filters and other issues that result from the dirt, scale and sediment buildup. Carry out your cleaning routine once every month or so, and you’ll enjoy fresh, clear ice in all your drinks for years to come.

LEARN MORE:

Portable Countertop Ice Maker | NewAir AI-250W

 Cleaning Your Ice Maker
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  • Portable size is perfect for RVs and apartments
  • Easy single-button control

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Countertop Clear Ice Maker | NewAir ClearIce40

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  • Creates restaurant-quality transparent ice
  • Produces up to 40 pounds of ice per day
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