Clean your Igloo ice maker every month to prevent mold, mineral buildup, and off-tasting ice

An Igloo ice maker needs cleaning once a month, or more often if you live in an area with hard water. Mineral deposits and mold grow inside the water reservoir and ice-making chamber even when the machine looks clean from the outside. A buildup of scale will slow ice production and eventually clog the water line. The cleaning process takes about 30 minutes and uses only white vinegar and warm water — no special chemicals needed.

Most Igloo models follow the same basic steps: drain the water, run a vinegar cycle through the machine, rinse thoroughly, and refill. The exact location of the drain plug and the button sequence vary by model, so check your manual first. If you no longer have the manual, Igloo's website has PDFs for most models, searchable by the model number printed on the back of your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty the water reservoir completely and locate the drain plug on the bottom or back of the machine before you start.
  • Fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and warm water, then run the ice-making cycle to push the solution through the internal lines.
  • Let the vinegar solution sit inside the machine for 15 to 20 minutes after the cycle finishes to break down mineral deposits.
  • Drain the vinegar water, refill with fresh water only, and run two full cycles to rinse out all vinegar taste and smell.

Gather your supplies and prepare the machine

You will need white vinegar (the standard 5 percent acidity kind from any grocery store), warm tap water, a small bowl or cup, and a cloth or sponge. Do not use apple cider vinegar, cleaning vinegar, or any commercial ice maker cleaner unless your manual specifically names it — vinegar is gentler on the plastic and rubber seals inside Igloo machines.

Unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Locate the drain plug, which is usually a small plastic valve on the bottom front or the back of the unit. Place a shallow pan or tray underneath it to catch the water. Open the drain plug and let all the water in the reservoir run out completely. This step removes stale water and any loose debris before you begin the cleaning cycle.

Run the vinegar cleaning cycle

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a measuring cup — for most Igloo models, you will need about 2 to 3 cups of the mixture. Pour this solution into the water reservoir until it reaches the fill line. Do not overfill; the machine needs room for the solution to circulate.

Plug the machine back in and press the ice-making button or cycle button according to your model's instructions. The machine will begin pulling the vinegar solution through the internal water lines and into the ice-making chamber. Let the cycle run until it stops on its own. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once the cycle finishes, do not drain the water yet — leave the vinegar solution inside the machine for 15 to 20 minutes so it can dissolve mineral buildup on the walls and tubes.

Drain and rinse the machine thoroughly

After the vinegar has sat for 15 to 20 minutes, open the drain plug again and let all the vinegar solution run out into your pan. Wipe down the inside of the reservoir with a damp cloth to remove any loose scale or sediment. Close the drain plug when the machine is empty.

Fill the reservoir with fresh water only — no vinegar this time — and run a full ice-making cycle. When that cycle finishes, drain the water again. Repeat this rinse cycle one more time to remove any remaining vinegar taste or smell. Most people can detect vinegar in the ice or water after just one rinse, so the second rinse is important if you want ice that tastes neutral.

Clean the ice basket and exterior

While the machine is draining, remove the ice basket if it is removable and rinse it under warm running water. Wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Pay special attention to the air vents on the sides and back — dust buildup there reduces cooling efficiency.

If your Igloo model has a removable water filter, check whether it needs replacement. Most Igloo filters are rated for 60 gallons or 3 months of use, whichever comes first. A clogged filter will slow water flow and make the machine work harder.

Refill and test the machine

Once both rinse cycles are complete, fill the reservoir with fresh water to the fill line and plug the machine back in. Run one more ice-making cycle to confirm the machine is working normally. The ice should be clear or slightly cloudy (depending on your water hardness) and should not smell or taste like vinegar.

If the ice still tastes like vinegar after the second rinse, run a third cycle with fresh water only. This is rare but can happen in machines that have not been cleaned in a long time or in areas with very hard water.

How often to clean and what to do between cleanings

Clean your Igloo ice maker once a month as a standard schedule. If you live in an area with hard water — water that leaves white deposits on faucets or in kettles — clean it every two weeks instead. If you notice the ice production slowing down, the ice tastes off, or you see white or brown buildup inside the reservoir, clean the machine when ready rather than waiting for your next scheduled cleaning.

Between cleanings, empty and refill the water reservoir every 3 to 5 days if you are not using the machine daily. Stale water sitting in the reservoir for weeks is where mold and bacteria grow. If you will not be using the machine for more than a week, drain it completely, clean it once, and leave it unplugged and empty until you are ready to use it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lemon juice or citric acid instead of vinegar?

Citric acid works similarly to vinegar and will dissolve mineral deposits, but vinegar is cheaper and gentler on Igloo's plastic components. If you choose citric acid, mix one tablespoon per cup of warm water. Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners — they can damage the seals and leave toxic residue in the ice-making chamber.

What if the drain plug is stuck or leaking?

A stuck drain plug usually means mineral buildup around the threads. Try wrapping a cloth around it for better grip and turning gently — do not force it, as the plastic can crack. If it leaks when you open it, the rubber seal may be worn out. Contact Igloo's customer service with your model number to order a replacement drain plug assembly.

Why is my ice cloudy or white instead of clear?

Cloudy ice is caused by minerals and dissolved gases in your water, not by dirty equipment. It is harmless and normal in areas with hard water. If you want clearer ice, use distilled water in the reservoir instead of tap water, though this will increase your cost and require more frequent refilling.

Can I run vinegar and water through the ice dispenser?

Most Igloo models do not have a separate dispenser line — the ice falls directly into the basket. If your model has a chute or dispenser door, wipe it down with a vinegar-dampened cloth after the cleaning cycle, but do not pour vinegar directly into the dispenser opening, as it may not reach the internal lines.

How do I know if my machine needs a new water filter?

Check the filter housing — most Igloo filters have a date printed on them or a marker you can write on. If the filter is older than 3 months or you have made more than 60 gallons of ice since the last replacement, order a new one. A clogged filter will slow water flow and make the machine noisier than usual.