Commercial ice makers need cleaning every month, and descaling every three to six months, depending on your water hardness

A commercial ice maker accumulates mineral deposits, mold, and bacteria inside its evaporator and water lines if you do not clean it regularly. The machine will produce less ice, ice with off-flavors, or ice that looks cloudy. Most manufacturers require documented cleaning as a condition of the warranty. You can do a basic cleaning yourself in about an hour, but descaling—removing hard mineral buildup—usually needs a commercial descaling solution and may require a technician if the machine is heavily scaled.

The exact steps depend on your machine's model and whether it has a built-in cleaning cycle. Always check your owner's manual first; some machines have automatic cleaning modes that do most of the work for you. If you cannot find the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online—most post PDFs for free.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the machine and empty the bin before you start; never clean a running ice maker.
  • Most commercial machines have a cleaning cycle you run with a cleaning solution, followed by several rinse cycles with fresh water.
  • Descaling removes mineral buildup that regular cleaning does not touch and should happen every three to six months in hard-water areas.
  • If ice tastes bad, looks cloudy, or the machine produces less than normal, cleaning or descaling is usually the first fix to try.
  • Heavy scaling or mold inside the evaporator often requires a service technician because the parts are not easily accessible.

Gather your supplies before you start

You will need a commercial ice machine cleaning solution (not household cleaners), fresh water, clean cloths or sponges, and a bucket. Common cleaning solutions include Scotsman Ice Machine Cleaner, Manitowoc Ice Machine Cleaner, or equivalent products sold by restaurant supply companies. Do not use vinegar, bleach, or general-purpose degreasers—they can damage seals and leave residue that affects ice taste.

You will also need the machine's manual or a printout of the cleaning instructions for your specific model. If the machine has a water filter, have a replacement on hand; filters should be changed during cleaning. Wear gloves and may support the room is well-ventilated, since cleaning solutions have strong odors.

Turn off the machine and remove ice from the bin

Switch off the ice maker at the power switch or unplug it. Wait a few minutes for the compressor to stop running. Remove all ice from the storage bin and discard it—do not use it. Wipe the inside of the bin with a clean, damp cloth to remove any loose debris or dust.

If the bin has a drain plug at the bottom, open it to let any standing water out. Some bins have a removable basket or strainer; take it out and rinse it under running water. Set these parts aside to dry.

Run the cleaning cycle with cleaning solution

Fill the water reservoir with the commercial cleaning solution mixed according to the bottle's instructions—usually a concentrate diluted with water. Most machines have a cleaning mode or cleaning cycle button on the control panel. Consult your manual for the exact location and how to set up it.

Start the cleaning cycle and let it run without interruption. The machine will pump the cleaning solution through the evaporator and water lines. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will hear the compressor running and see cleaning solution drip into the bin. Do not stop the cycle early.

When the cleaning cycle finishes, the machine will pause or display a message. Empty the bin of the used cleaning solution and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.

Run multiple rinse cycles with fresh water

Refill the water reservoir with fresh, clean water only—no cleaning solution. Run the rinse cycle (or cleaning cycle with water) at least three times. Each rinse flushes remaining cleaning solution from the evaporator and lines. After each rinse, empty the bin and inspect the water for cloudiness or odor. If the water still smells like cleaning solution after the third rinse, run another cycle.

This step is critical. Leftover cleaning solution will affect the taste of ice and can damage the machine over time. Take your time here; it is better to rinse too many times than too few.

Descale if you have hard water or heavy mineral buildup

Descaling removes mineral deposits (calcium and magnesium) that regular cleaning does not dissolve. If your water is hard, or if ice looks cloudy or the machine produces noticeably less ice than before, descaling is the next step. You can descale when ready after cleaning, or as a separate maintenance task.

Use a commercial ice machine descaler (such as Scotsman Descaler or Manitowoc Descaler) mixed according to instructions. Fill the reservoir, set up the cleaning or descaling cycle, and let it run. The process is the same as cleaning: run the descaling solution through, then rinse with fresh water at least three times. Descaling takes longer than cleaning—usually 30 to 45 minutes total—because the solution needs time to break down mineral buildup.

In areas with very hard water, descale every three months. In soft-water areas, descale every six months or when you notice cloudiness or reduced output.

Replace the water filter and reassemble

If your machine has a replaceable water filter cartridge, now is the time to change it. The filter housing is usually located near the water inlet or inside the cabinet. Turn off the water supply, unscrew the old filter, and install a new one hand-tight—do not over-tighten. Turn the water supply back on and run water through the filter for 30 seconds to remove air.

Reinstall any removable parts you took out, such as the bin basket or drain plug. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Plug the machine back in or switch it on at the power switch. Run one more short cycle with fresh water to may support everything is working, then discard that ice.

When to call a service technician

If cleaning and descaling do not improve ice production or taste, or if you see mold or slime inside the machine that you cannot reach, call a commercial refrigeration technician. Heavy scaling inside the evaporator, mold in the water lines, or a failing compressor requires professional tools and parts.

Also call a technician if the machine leaks water, makes unusual noises, or will not complete a cleaning cycle. These are signs of internal damage that cleaning will not fix. Most commercial ice machine service companies charge a diagnostic fee (typically $75 to $150) plus parts and labor if repair is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean a commercial ice maker?

Clean monthly as routine maintenance. Descale every three to six months depending on water hardness—ask your water utility about mineral content, or descale more often if you notice cloudiness or reduced output. Machines in high-use settings (bars, restaurants) may need cleaning every two weeks.

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

No. Vinegar and bleach can damage seals, corrode metal parts, and leave flavors in ice. Use only commercial ice machine cleaning and descaling solutions. These are formulated to dissolve mineral deposits and bacteria without harming the machine.

Why does my ice look cloudy after cleaning?

Cloudiness usually means mineral deposits are still present or the machine was not rinsed enough after cleaning. Run additional rinse cycles with fresh water, then descale if cloudiness persists. If the problem continues after descaling, the water supply itself may have very high mineral content—consider a water softener or reverse-osmosis filter.

What if the machine will not start a cleaning cycle?

Check that the water reservoir is full and the machine is powered on. Some models require you to hold a button for several seconds or press a specific sequence. Consult your manual for the exact steps. If the machine still will not respond, there may be an electrical or control board issue—contact a technician.

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

No, but you should close the water inlet valve if your machine has one. This prevents fresh water from entering the reservoir while you are running cleaning solution through. If there is no valve, straightforward turn off the machine and let it sit for a few minutes before filling the reservoir with cleaning solution.