To clean an ice maker, follow these general steps:
- Remove Ice and Unplug: Remove all ice from the ice bin or storage. Then unplug the refrigerator or turn off the ice maker to prevent ice production during cleaning.
- Clean Removable Parts: Take out the ice bin and wash it with warm water and mild soap.
- Wipe the Interior: Use a washcloth dipped in warm, soapy water (or a mixture of warm water and vinegar) to wipe the interior of the ice maker where the ice is made and stored. Remove any ice stuck inside and wipe all surfaces thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel.
- Clean the Drain Pan and Water Pan: If your ice maker has a water or drain pan, empty and clean it according to your appliance instructions. You may use an approved ice maker cleaner for more thorough cleaning.
- Run Cleaning Cycle (if applicable): For some models, you can pour an ice maker cleaner into the water pan and run the machine’s “clean” cycle to do an internal cleaning. Follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific directions.
- Replace Parts and Run Ice Production: After cleaning, reassemble everything, plug the unit back in, and discard the first few batches of ice produced to ensure any residues are flushed out.
Additional tips:
- Clean the ice scoop and ice chute regularly.
- Change the water filter every six months or according to manufacturer’s recommendation for better ice quality.
- For hard water or scale buildup, repeated cleanings with an approved cleaner might be necessary.
This method applies broadly from refrigerator ice makers to freestanding ice machines but always check the specific manual for the appliance model for tailored instructions.
