Start with the water reservoir and ice basket

The first step is to unplug the machine and let it sit for 10 minutes so any remaining ice melts slightly and is easier to remove. Open the top lid and lift out the ice basket—this is the plastic container that holds finished ice cubes. Empty any ice into a sink or bowl.

Next, locate the water reservoir, which is the tank that holds water before it freezes into ice. On most Igloo models, this sits at the back or side of the machine's interior. Lift it out gently. If water is still inside, pour it into a sink. Do not force the reservoir if it feels stuck; wiggle it side to side first.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the machine and empty the ice basket and water reservoir before cleaning to avoid electrical hazard and water spills.
  • Wipe interior surfaces with a damp cloth, then use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to dissolve mineral buildup on the evaporator plate.
  • Clean the water inlet valve with a small brush or pipe cleaner to prevent clogs that slow ice production.
  • Run two full cycles of water through the machine after vinegar cleaning to rinse away all residue before making ice again.
  • Clean the exterior with a soft cloth and mild soap; never spray water directly into vents or electrical areas.

Wipe down the interior and evaporator plate

Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the inside walls and floor of the machine. This removes dust, spilled water, and loose mineral deposits. Pay attention to corners and seams where water collects. If you see white or tan crusty buildup, that is mineral scale from hard water—this is normal and will be addressed in the next step.

The evaporator plate is the metal surface where water freezes into ice; it usually sits at the bottom center of the interior. Mineral scale builds up here over time and slows ice production. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. Dip a soft cloth into this mixture and wipe the evaporator plate thoroughly, working in circular motions. Let the vinegar sit for 2 to 3 minutes if scale is heavy, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth.

Clean the water inlet valve and fill tube

The water inlet valve is a small opening, usually near the water reservoir, where fresh water enters the machine. Mineral deposits can clog this valve and reduce water flow. Look for a small tube or opening at the back or side of the interior where the reservoir connects.

Use a thin pipe cleaner, old toothbrush, or small bottle brush to gently scrub inside this opening. Do not force anything into the tube; if you feel resistance, stop and try a thinner tool. Rinse the area with a damp cloth. If the valve remains clogged after gentle cleaning, soak a cloth in vinegar and hold it against the opening for 5 minutes, then try brushing again.

Rinse the machine with fresh water cycles

Plug the machine back in and fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water. Run the ice-making cycle twice without collecting the ice—let it fall into the basket and then empty it. This flushes out any vinegar residue or loose mineral particles. The water should run clear by the second cycle.

If you notice a vinegar smell or taste in the ice after the first use, run one more empty cycle. Some machines take a full cycle or two to clear the vinegar completely, and this is normal. Do not use the ice from these rinse cycles for drinking or food.

Clean the exterior and air vents

Unplug the machine again. Use a soft, damp cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap to wipe the outside casing. Wipe in the direction of any texture or grain in the plastic. Dry when ready with a soft towel to prevent water spots.

For the air vents on the sides or back, use a dry soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. Never spray water directly into vents or near the electrical cord. If vents are very dusty, hold a cloth behind the vent while you brush so dust does not scatter into the room.

How often to clean and what to watch for

Clean the interior and evaporator plate every 2 weeks if you use the machine daily, or monthly if you use it a few times a week. In areas with hard water, you may need to clean more often because mineral scale builds up faster. If ice production slows noticeably or ice cubes become smaller, that is a sign the evaporator plate needs cleaning.

If the machine stops making ice entirely after cleaning, check that the water reservoir is seated properly and that the inlet valve is not still clogged. Run one more empty cycle to may support all vinegar is flushed out. If ice production does not return to normal after these steps, the compressor or refrigerant system may need professional service, which is beyond home maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach or other cleaners instead of vinegar?

No. Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners can damage plastic interior parts and leave toxic residue on surfaces that touch ice and drinking water. White vinegar is safe, food-grade, and dissolves mineral scale effectively. It is the standard cleaner for ice makers.

What if ice cubes taste like plastic or smell strange?

This usually means the machine needs a full rinse cycle or two. Run two empty ice cycles and discard the ice. If the smell persists after that, the water reservoir may have mold or bacterial growth inside; soak it in a vinegar-and-water mixture for 30 minutes, scrub with a bottle brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reinstalling.

Do I need to drain the machine before cleaning?

Yes. Unplug it, empty the ice basket, and remove the water reservoir. Some machines have a small drain plug at the bottom—check your manual. If yours does, open it and let any standing water drain into a shallow pan before you begin cleaning.

How long does a cleaning take?

A full cleaning, including vinegar treatment and rinse cycles, takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Most of that time is the machine running empty cycles. Hands-on work—wiping, brushing, and rinsing—takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Will cleaning fix an ice maker that stopped working?

Cleaning can restore an ice maker that is slow or producing small cubes, because mineral scale is the most common cause. If the machine makes no ice at all and cleaning does not help, the problem is likely electrical or mechanical and requires professional repair.