Cleaning a Freestanding Ice Maker

Cleaning A Freestanding Ice Maker

It’s easy to overlook your kitchen appliances when it comes to cleaning them and the freestanding ice makers are over looked the most. Minerals that are removed from water during the freezing cycle will eventually form a hard, scaly deposit in the water system. This means your ice maker needs to be cleaned regularly to remove the mineral scale buildup and to avoid premature failures of the system components. On most units there is a ‘clean cycle’ light that will illuminate to notify you when it’s time to clean your unit. If your unit does not have a light, we recommend you clean your ice maker every 6-9 month per use or how hard your water might be.

Before you start you will need the following items:
• 16oz bottle of approved ice maker cleaner, see your owner’s manual for recommendation.
• Warm Water
• Mild Soap
• A Soft Towel

Step 1: Empty Ice from the Ice Bin

Before you get started you want to remove all the ice from the ice bin. Some units will let you pull the entire bin out while other will require you to scoop the ice out.

Step 2: Empty Ice from the Ice Maker

On this unit push the On/Off button and wait 5-10 minutes for the ice to fall into the storage bin. Once the ice has fallen out, remove that remaining ice from the storage bin.

Step 3: Drain the Water from the Water Pan

Once all of the ice is out, unscrew the drain cap from the bottom of the water pan located inside the storage bin. Once open allow the water to drain completely. When the water is out, replace the drain cap securely back in place at the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is tight, if it is loose, water will empty from the water pan and you will have either thin ice or no ice.

Step 4: Pour Cleaner and Water into the Water Pan

Next you will take the bottle of approved ice maker cleaner and pour the solution into the water pan. Take the empty bottle and fill it with tape water and pour into the pan, perform this process twice.

Step 5: Start the Cleaning Cycle

Once you have the liquids in the pan you will want to press the ‘Clean’ button on your unit. This button will be different depending on your unit so make sure you check your owner’s manual. For this unit the clean button will blink, indicating that the cleaning cycle is in process and will take approximately 60-70 minutes.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior of the Ice Maker

While the cleaning cycle is running you can clean the exterior surface of your unit. For stainless exteriors you will want a clean sponge or soft cloth towel, a mild soup and warm water. Simply wipe down the exterior and dry when complete. Abrasive or harsh cleaners can damage the stainless. Also, do not use chlorine bleach on a stainless-steel surface. If your exterior is enamel you don’t have to be as cautious.

Step 7: Drain Cleaner and Water from the Water Pan

When the ‘Cleaning Complete’ light is illuminated the cleaning cycle is complete. Simply remove the drain cap from the water pan and let the contents drain out. Look for any cleaning solution that might be left behind. Once everything is drained, make sure you securely replace the drain cap in the pan.

Note: severe scale buildup may require repeated cleaning with a fresh quantity of cleaning solution.

Step 8: Turn Ice Maker Back On

Push the On/Off button to resume ice production