Clean your ice maker every six months by running a cleaning cycle with a commercial cleaner, then flushing the system with water
Most ice makers have a built-in cleaning mode that does most of the work for you. You pour a bottle of ice machine cleaner (usually citric acid or a similar descaler) into the water reservoir, press the cleaning button, and let the machine run through its cycle—typically 30 minutes to an hour. After the cycle finishes, you flush the system by running several batches of ice and throwing them away until the water tastes and smells normal again. The whole process takes about two hours from start to finish.
If your ice maker doesn't have a cleaning mode, or if you prefer to clean it manually, the steps are similar but require you to access the internal parts. Either way, cleaning prevents mineral buildup, mold, and the stale or off taste that develops when water sits in the machine too long.
Key Takeaways
- Most ice makers have a cleaning cycle button; check your manual to find it and learn what cleaner your model requires.
- Commercial ice machine cleaners (citric acid or proprietary descalers) work better than vinegar and are designed for food-contact surfaces.
- After running a cleaning cycle, discard at least three batches of ice before using the machine again.
- If your ice tastes stale, smells musty, or looks cloudy, cleaning is overdue and should happen right away.
- Cleaning every six months keeps the machine running smoothly; more often if you have hard water or the machine sits unused for weeks.
Finding the cleaning mode on your ice maker
Open your ice maker's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your model number. Look for a section called "Cleaning," "Maintenance," or "Service Mode." Most modern ice makers have a dedicated button or a sequence of buttons you press to enter cleaning mode. Some machines display a menu on a small screen; others have a physical button labeled "Clean" or "Service."
If you cannot find the manual, the model number is usually printed on a sticker inside the ice bin or on the back of the machine. Write it down and search "[Brand] [Model] cleaning instructions" online. Manufacturer websites almost always have a PDF you can read.
Once you locate the cleaning mode, read what type of cleaner the manual specifies. Do not assume all ice machines use the same product—some require a specific brand, and using the wrong cleaner can damage internal parts or leave residue in the ice.
Choosing and using the right cleaning product
Commercial ice machine cleaner is the safest choice. These products are formulated to dissolve mineral deposits without harming food-contact surfaces. Common brands include Scotsman Ice Machine Cleaner, Manitowoc Cleaner, and generic citric acid cleaners sold at restaurant supply stores. A single bottle usually costs $10 to $20 and cleans one or two machines.
Vinegar is not recommended, even though it is acidic. Vinegar can leave a smell and taste in the ice, and some manufacturers void the warranty if you use it. Citric acid powder (the kind used in canning) is cheaper than branded cleaners but requires you to mix it with water to the right concentration—check your manual for the ratio.
Pour the cleaner into the water reservoir as directed, close the reservoir, and press the cleaning cycle button. The machine will pump the cleaner through the water lines and ice-making mechanism. Do not interrupt the cycle. When it finishes, the cleaner drains out automatically on most models.
Flushing the system after cleaning
After the cleaning cycle ends, you must flush the machine by making and discarding ice. Fill the water reservoir with fresh water and run the ice maker normally. Make one full batch of ice and throw it away. Repeat this at least two more times—three batches total. This removes any remaining cleaner from the system.
Taste a piece of ice from the fourth batch. If it tastes like cleaner or smells chemical, run another batch and discard it. The ice should taste like plain water. If the taste lingers after five batches, there may be a problem with the rinse cycle; contact the manufacturer or a repair technician.
Manual cleaning if your machine has no cleaning cycle
Older ice makers or compact models sometimes lack a cleaning mode. In this case, you can clean the water lines manually. Turn off the machine and unplug it. Locate the water inlet valve (usually at the back, where the water line connects). Disconnect the water line and place a bucket underneath.
Mix a batch of cleaning solution according to your manual's instructions and pour it slowly into the water inlet opening. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then flush it through with fresh water. Reconnect the water line, plug in the machine, and run three batches of ice to rinse the system. This method is slower and messier than using a cleaning cycle, but it works if your machine does not have one.
Cleaning the ice bin and exterior
While the machine is running its cleaning cycle, clean the ice bin. Remove any remaining ice and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If you see mold or slime (usually black or pink), scrub it with a cloth and a little white vinegar or a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water). Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. If the machine has a water filter, check whether it needs replacement. Most filters should be changed every six months or according to the manufacturer's schedule. A clogged filter reduces water flow and can cause the machine to make less ice or shut down.
How often to clean and when to clean urgently
Clean your ice maker every six months as routine maintenance. If you have hard water (mineral-heavy water), clean it every three months instead. If the machine sits unused for more than a month, clean it before using it again.
Clean when ready if the ice tastes stale, musty, or off; if it looks cloudy or has visible particles; or if the machine is making less ice than usual. These are signs that mineral buildup or mold is blocking the system. Do not wait for the next scheduled cleaning.
When to call a repair technician
If you have run a full cleaning cycle and flushed the system, but the ice still tastes bad or the machine stops making ice, the problem is likely inside the machine and beyond cleaning. A technician can check the water inlet valve, the ice-making mechanism, and the refrigeration system. Do not try to take apart the machine yourself—ice makers have pressurized refrigerant lines that can be dangerous.
If the cleaning cycle button does not work or the machine will not turn on, unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If that does not fix it, contact the manufacturer or a local appliance repair service. Repair costs vary, but a service call usually runs $100 to $200 before any parts are replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my ice maker?
Vinegar is acidic and will dissolve some mineral buildup, but it can leave a vinegar taste and smell in the ice. Many manufacturers do not recommend it and may void your warranty if you use it. A commercial ice machine cleaner is safer and designed specifically for food-contact surfaces.
How long does a cleaning cycle take?
Most cleaning cycles run 30 minutes to an hour. After the cycle finishes, you need another 30 to 60 minutes to flush the system by making and discarding three batches of ice. Plan for about two hours total from start to finish.
What if my ice maker does not have a cleaning button?
Check your manual to see if there is a service mode accessed through a button sequence or menu. If your machine truly has no cleaning mode, you can flush the water inlet valve manually by disconnecting the water line and pouring cleaner through it, then rinsing with fresh water. This is slower but effective.
Is it safe to use the ice right after cleaning?
No. You must discard at least three batches of ice after cleaning to remove any remaining cleaner from the system. The fourth batch should be safe to use, but taste it first to be sure. If it still tastes like cleaner, discard another batch.
What causes cloudy ice?
Cloudy ice is usually caused by minerals in the water (hard water) or trapped air bubbles. Cleaning removes mineral buildup, which often clears up the cloudiness. If the ice stays cloudy after cleaning, your water may be very hard; a water filter or softener can help.