Mold grows in ice makers because they stay cold and wet

Mold appears in ice makers because the machine creates the exact conditions mold loves: constant moisture, darkness, and temperatures between 32°F and 50°F where mold can survive dormant. The water reservoir, ice mold surfaces, and the dispenser chute are the most common spots. You'll see black, green, or pink growth, or notice a musty smell when you open the ice bin.

The good news is that mold in an ice maker is removable with household supplies and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The process involves draining the machine, wiping down interior surfaces, running a cleaning cycle if your model has one, and then flushing the system with fresh water. Most mold problems can be prevented by emptying and refilling the water reservoir every week or two, rather than letting old water sit.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the ice maker before you start cleaning, and let any ice currently in the bin melt or remove it by hand.
  • Wipe all interior surfaces with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water, paying special attention to the water reservoir and ice mold surfaces.
  • Run a cleaning cycle using your ice maker's built-in function if available, or manually cycle water through the machine several times after wiping.
  • Flush the system with fresh water by running several batches of ice and discarding them before using ice for consumption.
  • Empty and refill the water reservoir every 7 to 14 days to prevent mold from returning.

Gather your supplies before you start

You need only a few items to clean mold from an ice maker. Collect white vinegar (the standard 5% acidity kind from the grocery store), clean cloths or paper towels, a small brush with soft bristles (an old toothbrush works), and a bucket or large bowl for catching water. Some people use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water; others use straight vinegar. Both work—straight vinegar is slightly stronger but can smell sharp for a few hours.

Do not use bleach or commercial mold removers inside an ice maker. These chemicals can leave residue that ends up in your ice and water, and most ice maker manufacturers specifically warn against them. Vinegar is safe, food-grade, and effective against the mold species that grow in ice makers.

Unplug the machine and remove existing ice

Unplug the ice maker from the wall outlet before you touch any interior parts. This is a safety step—you are working around water and electrical components. If your ice maker is built into a refrigerator, locate the power switch or unplug the refrigerator itself. Wait a few minutes for any residual electrical charge to dissipate.

Open the ice bin and remove any ice currently stored there. If the ice is old or smells musty, throw it away. If the ice is fresh and you want to keep it, transfer it to a freezer bag and store it in your freezer temporarily. Leave the bin open so any remaining ice can melt into the machine's drain system, or manually empty the bin by tilting it and letting water run into a bucket.

Wipe down the water reservoir and interior surfaces

Locate the water reservoir—this is usually a removable plastic tank at the top or back of the machine, or a built-in chamber if your ice maker is integrated into a refrigerator. If it is removable, take it out and empty any remaining water into a sink. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe the inside of the reservoir thoroughly, paying attention to corners and seams where mold hides. Use your soft-bristled brush to scrub any visible mold spots, then rinse the reservoir under running water and set it aside.

Next, wipe the ice mold surfaces—these are the metal or plastic surfaces where water freezes into ice cubes. Soak a fresh cloth in vinegar and wipe every surface the water touches: the mold cavity, the walls around it, and any visible pipes or tubes. If mold is stubborn or thick, let the vinegar sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the dispenser chute and any removable parts with a vinegar-soaked cloth as well.

Do not forget the drain system. If your ice maker has a visible drain line or drain pan, wipe that area with vinegar too. Mold often grows in drain areas because water sits there between cycles.

Run a cleaning cycle or manually flush the system

If your ice maker has a cleaning cycle or self-cleaning mode, consult your manual for how to set up it. Some machines have a button labeled "Clean" or "Cleaning Mode"; others require you to hold a button for several seconds. A cleaning cycle typically runs vinegar or a cleaning solution through the water lines and ice mold, then drains it. This step takes 15 to 20 minutes and does much of the work for you.

If your ice maker does not have a cleaning cycle, you can manually flush the system. Reinstall the water reservoir with fresh water, plug the machine back in, and run one complete cycle to produce a batch of ice. Discard that batch. Repeat this process two or three more times. Each cycle pushes water through the lines and helps rinse away vinegar residue and any remaining mold particles.

Refill with fresh water and test

After the cleaning cycle or manual flushing is complete, empty the water reservoir completely and rinse it under running water. Refill it with fresh, cold water. Plug the ice maker back in (if you unplugged it) and run one final batch of ice. Smell the ice and the bin—there should be no musty odor. If you detect any vinegar smell, run one more batch and discard it.

Once the smell is gone, the ice is safe to use. Store the ice in the bin as normal. The entire cleaning process is now complete.

Prevent mold from returning

The easiest way to stop mold is to keep the water reservoir fresh. Empty it completely and refill it with new water every 7 to 14 days, depending on how often you use the ice maker. If you notice the ice starting to smell or taste off, or if you see any discoloration, empty the reservoir when ready and clean the machine again using the same vinegar method.

If your ice maker sits unused for more than a week or two, empty the reservoir before you leave it idle. Stagnant water is where mold thrives. When you return to using the machine, refill it with fresh water and run a few batches of ice before consuming any.

Keep the ice bin covered when not in use to reduce dust and debris falling into it. If your ice maker is in a particularly humid environment—a basement, garage, or very damp kitchen—consider running the cleaning cycle once a month as a preventive measure, even if you do not see visible mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lemon juice or baking soda instead of vinegar?

Lemon juice works similarly to vinegar because it is also acidic, though it is slightly weaker. Baking soda is alkaline and does not kill mold as effectively. Stick with white vinegar for the best results. It is inexpensive, food-safe, and specifically effective against the mold species that grow in ice makers.

What if the mold smell comes back after a few days?

This usually means mold is still present in a hard-to-reach area, or the water reservoir is being refilled with contaminated water. Clean the machine again using the same vinegar method, and pay extra attention to drain lines and any crevices. If the smell returns repeatedly, the machine may have mold deep inside the water lines, which may require professional service.

Is it safe to use ice from a moldy ice maker?

No. Mold produces toxins that can make you sick. Discard all ice made before you cleaned the machine. After cleaning and flushing the system with fresh water, ice is safe to use again.

How often should I clean my ice maker if I use it daily?

If you empty and refill the water reservoir every 1 to 2 weeks, you should not need a deep cleaning more than once every 2 to 3 months. If you notice any smell or discoloration sooner, clean it when ready. Daily use actually helps prevent mold because water is constantly cycling through the machine rather than sitting still.