Mold grows in ice makers because they stay wet and cold—the exact conditions mold loves
Mold in an ice maker means the water inside is sitting long enough for spores to settle and multiply. This happens most often in machines that aren't used daily, in humid kitchens, or when water sits in the reservoir or lines for more than a few days. The mold itself is usually black or green and appears on the ice, the walls of the ice bin, or inside the water lines where you can't see it.
The fix depends on where the mold is. Surface mold on the bin or visible parts comes off with a vinegar soak and scrubbing. Mold deeper in the water lines requires running a cleaning cycle with a commercial ice maker cleaner or a vinegar solution. Both methods take about 30 minutes of active work, though the machine needs time to run its cycle afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Mold grows in ice makers because water stays cold and still—turn off the machine and empty the bin as soon as you spot mold.
- Surface mold on the bin and walls comes off with white vinegar and a soft brush, but mold in the water lines requires a cleaning cycle.
- Most ice makers have a cleaning mode or a way to run water through the system; check your manual for the exact button or setting.
- After cleaning, run the machine for 10 to 15 minutes and throw away the first batch of ice to clear any remaining vinegar or cleaner.
- To prevent mold from returning, use the ice maker at least once a week and empty the bin if you won't use it for more than a few days.
Cleaning the ice bin and visible surfaces
Start by unplugging the machine or turning it off at the wall. Remove the ice bin completely—most slide out or lift straight up. Empty any ice into the sink and throw it away; do not use it. Rinse the bin under warm running water to loosen any loose mold or debris.
Fill a bowl with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dip a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge into the solution and scrub the inside walls of the bin, paying special attention to corners and the bottom where water pools. For stubborn mold, let the vinegar solution sit on the spot for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing again. Rinse the bin thoroughly under running water until the vinegar smell is mostly gone, then dry it completely with a clean cloth.
While the bin is out, look inside the machine itself where the bin normally sits. Use a damp cloth with the vinegar solution to wipe down any visible mold on the interior walls or the ice-making surface. If you see mold on the ice chute or the opening where ice falls into the bin, clean that too. Dry everything with a clean cloth before putting the bin back in.
Running a cleaning cycle to clear the water lines
Mold inside the water lines is harder to reach, but most ice makers have a way to flush the system. Check your owner's manual for a "clean" button, a "flush" setting, or instructions for running a cleaning cycle. Some machines have a dedicated cleaning mode you set up by holding a button for a few seconds; others require you to remove a filter or access panel.
If your machine has a cleaning mode, fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water instead of plain water. Run the cleaning cycle according to your manual—this usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and pushes the vinegar solution through the water lines and into the ice mold. If your machine does not have a cleaning cycle, you can still run it normally with the vinegar-water mix in the reservoir, though this is slower and less thorough.
After the cleaning cycle finishes, empty the reservoir completely and refill it with fresh water. Run the machine again for another full cycle to rinse out the vinegar. Throw away the ice from both cycles—do not use it. The first batch of ice made with fresh water is safe to use, though it may still taste slightly of vinegar; if so, run one more cycle and discard that ice too.
Using a commercial ice maker cleaner as an alternative
If vinegar does not work or you prefer a commercial product, ice maker cleaners like Affresh or Bluefin are made specifically for this job. These come as tablets or liquid and work the same way as vinegar: you add them to the water reservoir and run a cleaning cycle. Follow the instructions on the package exactly, as different brands have different mixing ratios and cycle times.
Commercial cleaners are often stronger than vinegar and may work faster on heavy mold buildup. They also tend to leave less smell behind. The downside is that they cost more than vinegar and you need to rinse the system more thoroughly afterward—usually two or three cycles with fresh water instead of one.
What to do if mold keeps coming back
If mold returns within a few weeks, the machine is staying too wet between uses. Use the ice maker at least once a week to keep water moving through the system. If you go on vacation or won't use the machine for more than a few days, turn it off and empty the bin and reservoir completely. Leaving water sitting in a cold, dark machine is an open invitation for mold.
Check that the drain line is clear and water is not pooling anywhere inside the machine. Some ice makers have a small drain plug at the bottom of the reservoir; if yours does, open it and let any standing water drain out before closing it again. Make sure the kitchen is not unusually humid—if it is, run a dehumidifier or improve ventilation, as mold grows faster in damp air.
If mold keeps returning even after cleaning and regular use, the machine may have a crack or leak in a hidden water line that is allowing water to sit in a place you cannot reach. At that point, the machine is usually cheaper to replace than to repair.
Preventing mold before it starts
The easiest way to avoid mold is to keep water moving. Run your ice maker at least once a week, even if you do not need the ice. If you know you will not use it for a while, turn it off and drain the reservoir and bin. Do not leave water sitting in the machine for more than three or four days.
Keep the kitchen reasonably dry. If you live in a humid climate or your kitchen tends to be damp, wipe down the outside of the machine and the area around it regularly. Make sure the machine has good air circulation and is not pushed into a corner where moisture can build up.
Empty the ice bin once a week even if you have not used all the ice. Old ice can develop a stale taste and sitting ice can allow mold spores to settle. If the ice smells off or looks discolored, throw it away and run a fresh cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use ice that has mold on it?
No. Mold can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions, especially in people with weak immune systems. Throw away any ice that looks discolored, smells musty, or came from a machine you know had mold. After cleaning, run at least one full cycle and discard that ice before using the machine again.
Can I use bleach to clean the ice maker?
No. Bleach leaves toxic residue that is hard to rinse out completely and can contaminate ice. Stick to white vinegar or a commercial ice maker cleaner made for this purpose. Both are safe and effective.
How long does it take to clean mold out of an ice maker?
Surface cleaning takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Running a full cleaning cycle with water lines takes another 20 to 30 minutes depending on your machine. Add another 10 to 15 minutes if you need to run a second rinse cycle. Plan for about an hour total from start to finish.
What if my ice maker does not have a cleaning mode?
You can still clean it by filling the reservoir with a 50/50 vinegar and water mix and running the machine normally. It takes longer than a dedicated cleaning cycle because the vinegar moves through the system more slowly, but it still works. Run two or three cycles with the vinegar mix, then two cycles with fresh water to rinse.
Can mold in an ice maker make me sick?
Yes, mold can cause nausea, stomach cramps, or allergic reactions depending on the type of mold and how much you ingest. Some people have no reaction; others get sick from small amounts. Do not take the risk—clean the machine as soon as you spot mold and throw away any ice made before you cleaned it.