Clean your Cowsar ice maker every three to six months to keep it running smoothly and prevent mold or mineral buildup inside the machine

A Cowsar ice maker — whether it's a countertop or under-cabinet model — collects mineral deposits and bacteria over time, especially if you have hard water. Cleaning takes about 30 minutes and requires only vinegar, water, and a soft cloth. You do not need to disassemble the machine or buy special chemicals.

The process is straightforward: drain the water reservoir, run a vinegar cycle through the system, rinse thoroughly, and refill with fresh water. Most Cowsar models have a cleaning mode built into the control panel that automates much of the work.

Key Takeaways

  • Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar every three to six months, or more often if you have hard water.
  • Always drain the water reservoir and empty the ice bin before you start cleaning.
  • Use only white vinegar and water — do not use commercial descalers or bleach, which can damage internal parts.
  • After the vinegar cycle finishes, run two full water cycles to rinse the system completely before making ice again.

Locate the cleaning mode on your Cowsar control panel

Most Cowsar ice makers have a Clean or Cleaning Mode button on the front panel. Check your user manual for the exact location — it is usually near the power button or in a menu you access by holding down a button for three seconds.

If your model does not have a dedicated cleaning button, you may need to access the function through a settings menu. Consult the manual or contact Cowsar customer service with your model number to confirm the steps for your specific machine.

Drain the water reservoir and empty the ice bin

Before you begin, unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Open the water reservoir (usually accessed from the top or back of the unit) and pour out any remaining water into a sink or bucket.

Empty the ice bin completely — remove all ice cubes and discard them. This prevents vinegar from mixing with ice and ensures the cleaning solution reaches all interior surfaces.

Fill the reservoir with white vinegar and water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in the reservoir. For example, if your reservoir holds 2 liters, use 1 liter of white vinegar and 1 liter of distilled water. Distilled water is better than tap water because it contains fewer minerals that could interfere with the cleaning process.

Do not use apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or any other type — white vinegar is the only safe option for ice maker interiors. Avoid commercial descaling products or bleach, which can corrode metal parts or leave chemical residue.

Run the cleaning cycle

Plug the machine back in and press the Clean or Cleaning Mode button. The machine will pump the vinegar solution through the ice-making system and drain it into the bin. This cycle usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Do not interrupt the cycle once it starts. Let it run to completion. You may hear unusual sounds or see the solution draining — this is normal. When the cycle finishes, the machine will either beep or display a message on the control panel.

Rinse the system with fresh water

After the vinegar cycle ends, empty the ice bin again and refill the water reservoir with distilled water only — no vinegar. Run a full water cycle by pressing the ice-making button or using the normal operation mode. This cycle will pump fresh water through the system and drain into the bin.

Repeat this rinse cycle a second time to may support all vinegar smell and residue are gone. Empty the bin after each rinse. If you still smell vinegar after two rinses, run a third cycle.

Wipe down the exterior and refill with fresh water

While the rinse cycles run, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the outside of the machine, including the control panel and water reservoir opening. Do not spray water directly onto the control panel or electrical connections.

Once all rinse cycles are complete, refill the reservoir with fresh distilled or filtered water. Plug the machine in and run one normal ice-making cycle before using the ice. Discard the first batch of ice cubes — they may still contain trace vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Cowsar ice maker?

Clean every three to six months under normal conditions. If you have hard water (visible mineral deposits on faucets or in kettles), clean every two to three months. If you notice the ice tastes odd or the machine is making less ice, clean it when ready.

Can I use lemon juice or other cleaners instead of vinegar?

No. White vinegar is the only safe cleaning agent for Cowsar ice makers. Lemon juice, commercial descalers, and bleach can damage internal seals, corrode metal components, or leave harmful residue. Stick to white vinegar and water only.

What if the cleaning cycle does not drain properly?

Check that the drain outlet is not blocked by ice or mineral buildup. If water backs up into the reservoir, unplug the machine and let it sit for 10 minutes, then try again. If the problem persists, contact Cowsar support — the drain pump may need professional service.

Is it safe to use tap water instead of distilled water?

Tap water works in a pinch, but distilled water is better because it has fewer minerals. If you use tap water repeatedly, minerals will build up faster inside the machine and you will need to clean more often. Filtered water is a reasonable middle ground.

Can I clean the ice maker while it is plugged in?

No. Always unplug the machine before you drain the reservoir or empty the bin. You can plug it back in once you are ready to run the cleaning cycle. This protects you from electrical shock and prevents the machine from starting unexpectedly.