The basic cleaning steps for your Igloo ice maker

An Igloo ice maker needs cleaning every month or two, depending on how often you use it and how hard your water is. The process takes about 30 minutes and requires only items you have at home: white vinegar, warm water, a soft cloth, and a small brush. You do not need to take the machine apart or call a technician for routine cleaning.

The goal is to remove mineral buildup and mold from the water lines and ice-making surfaces. Hard water leaves calcium and lime deposits that slow ice production and can affect taste. Mold grows in the water reservoir if the machine sits unused or in humid conditions. Both problems are preventable with regular cleaning.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty the ice basket and water reservoir completely before you start, and unplug the machine from the wall outlet.
  • Run a cleaning cycle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to dissolve mineral buildup inside the lines.
  • Scrub the water reservoir, ice basket, and scoop by hand with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
  • Rinse all removable parts thoroughly under running water and run two full cycles of fresh water through the machine before making ice again.
  • If ice comes out cloudy or tastes off after cleaning, run another water-only cycle to flush out vinegar residue.

Emptying and preparing the machine

Start by unplugging the ice maker from the electrical outlet. This is the most important safety step and takes only a second. Then open the top and remove the ice basket—dump any ice into a sink or bucket. If the basket has a removable cover or divider, take that out too.

Next, locate the water reservoir. On most Igloo models, this is a removable tank at the back or side of the machine. Lift it out gently and pour out any remaining water. If the reservoir feels slimy or smells stale, that is a sign mold is growing and cleaning is overdue. Set the reservoir aside on a clean surface—you will clean it separately in a moment.

Running a vinegar cleaning cycle

Fill the now-empty water reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and warm tap water. For a typical Igloo maker, this usually means about 2 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of water, but check your manual if it specifies a reservoir capacity. Stir the mixture gently and pour it back into the machine.

Plug the machine back in and press the power button to start a cleaning cycle. The machine will run through its normal ice-making process, pushing the vinegar solution through the water lines and freezing mechanism. This dissolves calcium deposits and kills mold spores. Let the cycle run to completion—do not interrupt it. The ice that comes out will smell and taste like vinegar; throw it away.

Run a second vinegar cycle if the machine has not been cleaned in more than three months or if you live in a hard-water area. After the second cycle, empty the ice basket again.

Cleaning removable parts by hand

While the vinegar cycle is running, clean the parts you removed. Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Drop in the ice basket, the water reservoir, and the ice scoop.

Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside surfaces of the basket and reservoir. Pay special attention to corners and seams where mold likes to hide. If you see stubborn white or gray buildup, use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub it away. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool—these can scratch the plastic or metal surfaces.

Rinse each part thoroughly under running water until the soap is completely gone and the water runs clear. Shake off excess water and set the parts on a clean towel to air-dry while you finish the machine.

Flushing the machine with fresh water

After the vinegar cycle is done, fill the reservoir with fresh tap water only—no vinegar. Plug the machine back in and run a full ice-making cycle. This flushes vinegar residue out of the lines. Empty the ice basket when the cycle finishes and throw away the ice.

Run a second water-only cycle for the same reason. This second flush is important because any vinegar left in the machine will affect the taste of your ice. If you skip this step, your ice may taste sour for the first batch or two.

Reassembling and testing

Once the second water cycle is complete, dry the water reservoir with a clean cloth and slide it back into place. Make sure it sits flush and locks or clicks into position—check your manual if you are unsure. Place the ice basket back in the machine and close the lid.

Plug the machine in and run one more cycle to make sure everything works normally. The ice should be clear or slightly cloudy (depending on your water), smell neutral, and taste like nothing. If the ice still tastes vinegary, run another water-only cycle.

Preventing buildup between cleanings

Empty the ice basket once a week, even if you are not using the ice. Sitting ice can develop an off-taste or absorb odors from the freezer. If the machine will sit unused for more than a week, empty the reservoir and leave the lid open so air can circulate.

If you have very hard water—you will notice white buildup on faucets or in kettles—clean the machine every four to six weeks instead of every two months. If you live in a humid climate or the machine is in a damp basement, mold can grow faster, so check the reservoir monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a commercial ice maker cleaner instead of vinegar?

Yes. Products made for ice makers work the same way as vinegar—they dissolve mineral deposits and kill mold. Follow the product instructions for mixing and cycle time. Vinegar is cheaper and works just as well for routine cleaning, but commercial cleaners may work faster on heavy buildup. Never mix vinegar and commercial cleaners.

What if the machine stops making ice after I clean it?

This usually means water is not flowing into the reservoir properly. Check that the reservoir is seated all the way in and locked into place. If it is, unplug the machine, remove the reservoir, and look for a small tube or valve where the reservoir connects—make sure nothing is blocking it. Plug back in and try again. If ice production does not resume, the water pump may need service.

Is it safe to drink the ice from the first cycle after cleaning?

No. Throw away ice from the first two cycles after cleaning, even if you ran water-only cycles. Vinegar residue or cleaning solution can linger in the lines. The ice becomes safe to use after the second water cycle.

How do I know if my water is hard?

Hard water leaves white, chalky buildup on faucet aerators, inside kettles, or on shower heads. If you see this in your home, your ice maker needs cleaning more often. You can also buy an inexpensive water hardness test strip at a hardware store to check.

Can I put the ice basket and reservoir in the dishwasher?

Check your manual first. Most Igloo ice maker baskets and reservoirs are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but some are not. Hand washing with warm soapy water is always safe and takes only a few minutes. If your manual says dishwasher-safe, use a gentle cycle and skip the heat-dry setting.