Clean your Manitowoc ice maker by running the built-in cleaning cycle, then manually scrubbing the bin and water system

Manitowoc ice makers have a cleaning cycle you run through the control panel that flushes cleaning solution through the water lines and evaporator. After that cycle finishes, you drain the bin, scrub the interior surfaces by hand, and rinse everything with fresh water. The whole process takes about 90 minutes and should happen every 6 months for machines in normal use, or every 3 months if your water is hard or the machine runs constantly.

You will need a commercial ice machine cleaner (Manitowoc sells their own brand, or you can use a general-purpose ice machine cleaner like Nickel Safe or Ice Machine Cleaner), a soft brush or cloth, a bucket, and access to the machine's drain valve. Do not use vinegar or bleach — they can damage the stainless steel and internal seals.

Key Takeaways

  • The cleaning cycle uses a chemical cleaner to flush the water lines and evaporator, and you start it from the control panel using the machine's menu.
  • After the cycle ends, you manually drain the bin, scrub the interior surfaces and ice scoop with a soft brush, and rinse with fresh water.
  • Hard water buildup requires more frequent cleaning — every 3 months instead of 6 — and you may need to run the cycle twice if mineral deposits are heavy.
  • The condenser coils on the back or side of the machine should be vacuumed or brushed every month to keep the machine from overheating.

Access the cleaning cycle through the control panel

Turn off the ice maker and locate the control panel on the front of the machine. On most Manitowoc models, you press the Menu button, then navigate to Cleaning or Maintenance (the exact label depends on your model year). The panel will ask you to confirm that you have filled the cleaning solution tank — a small reservoir usually located inside the machine or underneath the bin area.

Fill that tank with the correct amount of ice machine cleaner. Manitowoc's own cleaner comes with instructions for dilution; if you use a different brand, follow the manufacturer's ratio. Once the tank is filled, return to the menu and select Start Cleaning Cycle. The machine will pump the solution through the water lines and evaporator for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain it out. Do not interrupt this cycle.

Drain and scrub the ice bin

After the cleaning cycle finishes, the machine will beep or display a message. Turn off the machine and locate the drain valve at the bottom front of the bin — it looks like a small lever or knob. Place a bucket underneath and open the valve fully. Let all water drain completely; this takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how much water is in the bin.

Once the bin is empty, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the interior walls, floor, and corners of the bin. Pay special attention to the corners where mineral deposits and algae tend to collect. Scrub the ice scoop and any removable parts with the same soft brush. Rinse everything with fresh, clean water — either spray it with a hose or pour clean water over the surfaces and let it drain out the valve. Repeat the rinse at least twice to remove all cleaner residue.

Clean the water system and evaporator

Some Manitowoc models have a separate water filter cartridge that should be replaced during cleaning, not just rinsed. Check your machine's manual to see if yours has one; if it does, turn off the water supply, unscrew the old cartridge, and install a new one rated for ice machine use. This step prevents mineral buildup from clogging the water lines.

The evaporator — the part that freezes water into ice — is cleaned by the chemical cycle you already ran, but if your machine has a removable water distribution tube or tray, you can remove it and rinse it under running water to dislodge any loose mineral deposits. Do not soak it or use a brush on the evaporator itself, as you can damage the freezing surface. Reinstall any parts you removed, close the drain valve, and refill the water supply.

Vacuum the condenser coils monthly

The condenser coils sit on the back or side of the machine and release heat. Dust and debris block airflow and force the machine to work harder, which shortens its life and wastes energy. Once a month, unplug the machine, locate the coils (usually behind a removable panel or grille), and vacuum them gently with a soft brush attachment. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to loosen dust before vacuuming.

Do not use compressed air or a high-pressure hose on the coils — you can bend the fins and reduce cooling. If the coils are very dirty, a soft brush and a handheld vacuum work better than any other method. This 5-minute task prevents most overheating problems and keeps the machine running efficiently.

Run a second cleaning cycle if mineral buildup is heavy

If you live in an area with hard water or the machine has not been cleaned in a long time, one cleaning cycle may not remove all mineral deposits. You will notice white or tan crusty buildup on the interior surfaces or hear the machine running louder than usual. In that case, refill the cleaning solution tank and run the cycle a second time, following the same steps as before.

After the second cycle, drain and scrub the bin again, paying extra attention to corners and crevices. Rinse thoroughly at least three times. If buildup persists after two cycles, the machine may need professional descaling — contact a Manitowoc service technician or a local ice machine repair company.

Troubleshoot common cleaning problems

If the cleaning cycle will not start, check that the cleaning solution tank is actually full — the machine has a sensor that blocks the cycle if the tank is empty or not seated properly. Make sure the tank is pushed all the way in until it clicks. If the cycle starts but stops partway through, the machine may have detected a water flow problem; check that the water supply valve is fully open and that no ice is blocking the water line.

If the bin still smells bad after cleaning, mineral deposits or algae may be hiding in the drain line itself. Run the cleaning cycle again, and this time leave the drain valve open during the cycle so the cleaning solution flushes through the drain as well. After the cycle, pour a bucket of fresh water down the drain opening to rinse the line. If the smell returns within a week, the drain line may need professional cleaning or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Manitowoc ice maker?

Every 6 months in normal conditions, or every 3 months if your water is hard, the machine runs 24/7, or you notice mineral buildup. If you see white deposits on the interior or the machine is making more noise than usual, clean it when ready rather than waiting for the scheduled date.

Can I use vinegar or bleach to clean the ice maker?

No. Vinegar is acidic and can corrode stainless steel and rubber seals over time. Bleach can damage the plastic components and leave a taste in the ice. Always use a commercial ice machine cleaner designed for the job — it is formulated to dissolve mineral deposits without harming the machine's materials.

What if ice is coming out dirty or discolored?

Clean the machine when ready using the steps above. Discolored ice usually means mineral buildup or algae in the water system. If the ice is still dirty after cleaning, check that your water filter cartridge is installed and not clogged. If you do not have a water filter, installing one can prevent future discoloration.

Do I need to turn off the water supply before cleaning?

You only need to turn off the water supply if you are replacing the water filter cartridge. For the regular cleaning cycle and bin scrubbing, the machine handles the water automatically. Just make sure the water supply valve is open so the machine can refill after draining.

How long does the entire cleaning process take?

About 90 minutes total: 15 to 20 minutes for the cleaning cycle, 10 minutes to drain the bin, 20 to 30 minutes to scrub and rinse, and the rest is waiting time between steps. Plan to do this when the machine is not needed for ice production.