Why and when to clean your ice maker

Your ice maker collects mineral deposits, mold, and bacteria over time—even though it makes ice. Hard water minerals build up on the water inlet valve and inside the ice mold, while stagnant water in the lines can grow mold if the machine sits unused. You'll notice cloudy ice, slower production, or a stale taste in the cubes themselves. Cleaning takes about 30 minutes and should happen once or twice a year, or more often if you have very hard water.

The good news: you do not need to take the ice maker apart. Most of the cleaning happens by running a cleaning cycle with a commercial ice maker cleaner, then flushing the system with water. If your ice maker has been off for weeks or months, cleaning becomes more important because standing water breeds bacteria.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the ice maker and empty the bin before you start, then locate the cleaning cycle button on your model—it is usually on the control panel or accessible through the fridge's digital display.
  • Commercial ice maker cleaners like Affresh or Summit are designed for this job and cost $5 to $15; they dissolve mineral buildup without harming plastic or rubber parts.
  • The cleaning cycle runs automatically once you add cleaner and press the button, then you run two or three water-only cycles afterward to rinse out all the cleaning solution.
  • If your ice maker has no cleaning cycle button, you can manually flush the system by turning off the water supply, running the machine until it stops, then turning water back on and running it again.

Gather your supplies and prepare the machine

You will need a commercial ice maker cleaner—Affresh Ice Machine Cleaner and Summit Ice Machine Cleaner are the most common brands, sold at most grocery stores and online. Do not use vinegar or bleach, which can damage the plastic and rubber seals inside the machine. You also need a small cup or container to pour the cleaner into, and access to your ice maker's control panel.

Empty the ice bin completely and turn off the ice maker using the power switch or the control panel. If your fridge has a water filter, you do not need to replace it before cleaning—the cleaner solution will pass through it. Let the machine sit for a few minutes after turning it off so any remaining water drains.

Run the cleaning cycle

Look for a button labeled "Clean," "Cleaning Cycle," or "Maintenance" on your ice maker's control panel. On some models, especially newer ones with digital displays, you access this through a menu—check your user manual if you cannot find it on the front. Once you locate the button, pour the entire contents of the cleaner bottle into the water reservoir or directly into the ice maker's water inlet, depending on your model's design.

Press the cleaning cycle button. The machine will run automatically, pumping the cleaning solution through the water lines and ice mold. This cycle typically takes 6 to 10 minutes. You will hear the motor running and may see cleaning solution drip into the bin. Do not stop the cycle early—let it run to completion so the cleaner reaches all the internal parts.

Flush the system with water cycles

Once the cleaning cycle finishes, empty any liquid from the ice bin. Now you need to run the ice maker on a normal cycle two or three times using only water to rinse out all the cleaning solution. Each cycle takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After the first water cycle completes, dump the ice and any water from the bin, then run the cycle again.

After the second or third water-only cycle, the ice should look clear and smell normal. If the ice still smells like cleaner or tastes off, run one more water cycle. Once you are satisfied, turn the ice maker back on and it will resume normal operation.

What to do if your ice maker has no cleaning cycle button

Older ice makers and some compact models do not have an automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, you can manually flush the system. Turn off the water supply to the ice maker—look under the sink or behind the fridge for the water shut-off valve labeled for the ice maker or refrigerator. If you cannot find it, you can also turn off the main water supply to the house, though that is less convenient.

With the water off, turn on the ice maker and let it run until it stops and no more water flows. This empties the lines. Then turn the water supply back on and run the ice maker again to flush fresh water through. Repeat this flush cycle two or three times. This method is slower than a cleaning cycle, but it removes mineral buildup and stagnant water effectively.

Cleaning the ice bin and exterior parts

While the cleaning cycles run, wipe down the ice bin with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. If the bin has a removable cover or door, take it off and rinse it under warm water. Do not use harsh scrubbers on plastic bins—a soft cloth is enough.

Check the water inlet valve at the back of the fridge where the water line connects. If you see mineral deposits or discoloration around the connection, turn off the water supply, disconnect the line, and soak the valve in a bowl of white vinegar for 15 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly before reconnecting. This is optional but helpful if water flow has slowed.

How often to clean and signs you need to clean sooner

Clean your ice maker once or twice a year as routine maintenance. If you have very hard water—you can tell by white buildup on faucets or inside kettles—clean it every six months. If the ice maker sits unused for more than a month, clean it before using it again to remove any bacteria that may have grown in standing water.

Watch for these signs that cleaning is overdue: ice cubes are cloudy or white instead of clear, the machine produces ice more slowly than it used to, ice tastes stale or musty, or the water dispenser flow has slowed. Any of these means mineral or mold buildup is blocking the lines.

When to call a professional

If you have cleaned the ice maker and the ice is still cloudy, production is still slow, or the machine will not turn on, the problem may be a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water line, or a failing compressor. These require professional repair. Also call a technician if you cannot locate the cleaning cycle button and do not feel comfortable manually shutting off the water supply.

If the ice maker leaks water into the bin or onto the floor, do not run it again—turn it off and call for service. A leak usually means a cracked water line or a failed seal, and running the machine will only cause more water damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to clean my ice maker?

No. While vinegar works on some appliances, it can damage the rubber seals and plastic parts inside an ice maker. Use only a commercial ice maker cleaner made for this purpose. Vinegar is also less effective at removing mineral deposits from the water inlet valve and mold from the lines.

What if my ice maker does not have a cleaning cycle button?

You can manually flush the system by turning off the water supply, running the ice maker until it stops, then turning the water back on and running it again. Repeat this two or three times. It takes longer than an automatic cycle but achieves the same result.

How long does a cleaning cycle take?

The cleaning cycle itself takes 6 to 10 minutes. After that, you need to run two or three water-only cycles to rinse out the cleaner, each taking 10 to 15 minutes. Plan for about 45 minutes total from start to finish.

Is it safe to use the ice maker while cleaning?

No. Turn off the ice maker before adding cleaner and do not turn it back on until you have completed all the water-only rinse cycles. Using the ice or water dispenser during cleaning will dispense the cleaning solution, which is not safe to consume.

Why is my ice still cloudy after cleaning?

Cloudy ice usually means mineral buildup, which cleaning should fix. If it persists, you may have very hard water and need to clean more often, or the water filter may need replacement. If the ice is still cloudy after two cleanings, the water inlet valve itself may be clogged and require professional service.