Clean your commercial ice maker weekly to prevent mold, scale, and bacteria buildup

A commercial ice maker needs cleaning every 7 to 10 days, depending on your water hardness and how often you use it. Mineral deposits and slime form quickly in the cold, wet environment inside the machine, and they reduce ice quality and machine lifespan. The cleaning process takes 30 to 45 minutes and uses a commercial ice machine cleaner—not vinegar or household cleaners, which can damage seals and leave residue.

Most commercial machines have a self-cleaning cycle you trigger manually, but you still need to scrub the bin, scoop, and visible surfaces by hand. The exact steps depend on your machine model, so check your manual first—some brands have slightly different access points or valve locations. This guide covers the standard process used on most undercounter and modular commercial ice makers.

Key Takeaways

  • Commercial ice cleaner is required; household vinegar or bleach will damage seals and void your warranty.
  • The cleaning cycle runs automatically once you pour cleaner into the water reservoir, but you must manually clean the bin, scoop, and exterior surfaces.
  • Drain the machine completely before starting, and let the cleaning solution sit for the time your manual specifies—usually 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Run fresh water through two full cycles after cleaning to rinse out all cleaner residue before making ice again.
  • If your machine has a water filter, replace it every 6 months or sooner if flow slows down.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: commercial ice machine cleaner (the brand your manual recommends—common ones are Scotsman Ice Machine Cleaner, Manitowoc, or Hoshizaki brand), a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge, clean towels, a bucket for draining water, and your machine's manual. Do not use vinegar, bleach, or all-purpose cleaners. These corrode stainless steel, damage rubber seals, and leave flavors in the ice.

Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaner. Make sure the machine is plugged in and the water supply is turned on—you need power to run the cleaning cycle. Plan to clean during a slow period; the machine will be out of service for about an hour total.

Drain the machine and remove the ice bin

Turn off the ice maker at the power switch. Most commercial machines have a drain valve at the bottom front or back—check your manual for the exact location. Open the valve and let all water drain into a bucket. This step removes old water and any loose debris before the cleaning solution enters.

Once drained, remove the ice bin if it is removable. Lift it straight up or follow the release clips shown in your manual. Empty any remaining ice into a sink or trash. Rinse the bin with warm water and scrub the inside and outside with a soft brush to remove slime and mineral buildup. Pay special attention to corners and the drain hole at the bottom. Rinse thoroughly and set it aside to air-dry.

Pour cleaner into the water reservoir and run the cycle

Locate the water reservoir—on most machines it is the tank you would refill if using a water line connection, or the inlet where water enters the system. Check your manual for the exact amount of cleaner to use; this is usually one bottle (around 16 ounces) for a standard undercounter machine. Pour the cleaner directly into the reservoir or inlet as directed.

Turn the machine back on and look for a "Clean" or "Cleaning" button on the control panel. Press it to start the automatic cleaning cycle. The machine will pump the cleaner through the ice-making mechanism for 15 to 20 minutes. You will see cleaner draining out the bottom—this is normal. Let the cycle run without interruption. Do not open the machine or try to stop it partway through.

Scrub the scoop, exterior, and accessible parts

While the cleaning cycle runs, clean the ice scoop and any removable parts. Soak the scoop in warm water mixed with a small amount of the same commercial cleaner for 10 minutes, then scrub it with a soft brush and rinse completely. Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.

If your machine has an access panel or removable cover, open it and wipe the visible interior surfaces with a damp cloth. Do not spray water directly into electrical components. Use a soft brush to gently remove any visible mineral deposits or slime from surfaces you can safely reach. Close the panel when done.

Rinse the system with fresh water

Once the cleaning cycle finishes, the machine will stop automatically. Open the drain valve again and let any remaining cleaner solution drain completely into your bucket. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Close the drain valve when the flow stops.

Now run two full rinse cycles with fresh water to remove all cleaner residue. Fill the water reservoir with fresh water (or make sure the water line is connected), turn the machine on, and press the cleaning button again. Let the full cycle run. When it finishes, drain again. Repeat this process a second time. After the second rinse, drain completely and leave the drain valve open for 30 seconds to clear the line.

Reinstall the bin and test before use

Slide the clean ice bin back into place and find it according to your manual—usually by pushing up until you hear a click or locking the side clips. Make sure it sits level and drains properly. Close the drain valve.

Turn the machine on and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes without making ice. This allows any remaining water to circulate and ensures the system is working. Then make a small batch of ice—about 10 cubes—and discard it. This removes any trace cleaner taste. After that, the machine is ready for normal use. Store your commercial cleaner in a cool, dry place away from food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar or lemon juice to clean my commercial ice maker?

No. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and will corrode stainless steel parts, damage rubber seals, and void your warranty. Commercial ice machine cleaner is formulated to dissolve mineral deposits without harming the machine's materials. It is the only safe option.

How often should I clean the machine if I use it heavily?

Heavy use or hard water may require cleaning every 5 to 7 days instead of weekly. If you notice ice production slowing down, the ice looks cloudy, or you see mineral buildup inside, clean it when ready. Some machines have a "clean" light that alerts you when it is time.

What if the cleaning cycle does not drain properly?

Check that the drain valve is fully open and not blocked by mineral deposits. If water is still stuck inside after 30 minutes, turn off the machine and manually open the valve wider. If the problem persists, the drain line may be clogged—contact a service technician, as this requires disassembly.

Do I need to replace the water filter after cleaning?

Not every time, but check the filter during cleaning. If it looks discolored or clogged, replace it. Most commercial machines need a new filter every 6 months under normal use. A clogged filter slows ice production and forces the machine to work harder.

Can I clean the machine while it is still making ice?

No. Always turn off the machine and drain it completely before starting the cleaning cycle. Running the cleaning cycle while the machine is in normal operation can damage the compressor and mixing valve.