Clean your KitchenAid ice maker every three to six months by running a cleaning cycle with citric acid or a commercial ice machine cleaner, then flushing the system with fresh water
KitchenAid ice makers accumulate mineral deposits, mold, and bacteria inside the water lines and ice-making components, even though you cannot see them. A buildup reduces ice production, changes the taste of ice, and can eventually damage the machine. The cleaning process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and requires either citric acid (the cheapest option) or a commercial ice machine cleaner like Affresh or Bluapple brand products.
The exact steps depend on whether your model has a built-in cleaning cycle or requires manual cleaning. Most newer KitchenAid refrigerators with ice makers have an automatic cleaning mode you can start from the control panel. Older models or standalone ice makers may need you to pour cleaner directly into the water reservoir and run the machine through a full cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Run a cleaning cycle every three to six months using citric acid or a commercial ice machine cleaner to prevent mineral buildup and mold.
- Check your model's manual or the control panel to find whether your ice maker has a built-in cleaning mode or requires manual cleaning.
- After running the cleaning cycle, flush the system by running two to three full cycles of fresh water through the machine to remove all cleaner residue.
- If your ice tastes bad or the machine produces less ice than usual, cleaning often solves the problem within one cycle.
- Citric acid is the most affordable cleaning option and works as well as commercial products for most mineral deposits.
Finding the cleaning cycle on your KitchenAid refrigerator
Most KitchenAid refrigerators made in the last ten years have a built-in cleaning mode. Look for a button or menu option labeled "Clean," "Cleaning Cycle," "Ice Maker Clean," or "Maintenance" on the control panel or touchscreen. The exact location varies by model year and style—some have a physical button on the front, while others hide the option in a settings menu.
If you cannot find a cleaning cycle on the control panel, check the owner's manual. You can search for your model number (printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or under the crisper drawers) on the KitchenAid website or search "[your model number] manual" online. The manual will tell you whether your machine has a cleaning mode and where to find it.
If your ice maker has no cleaning cycle, you will need to clean it manually by pouring cleaner into the water reservoir and running the machine through a full ice-making cycle. This method works just as well but takes slightly longer because you cannot skip the waiting time between cycles.
Using citric acid to clean your ice maker
Citric acid is a food-safe powder that dissolves mineral deposits inside water lines and ice-making components. You can buy it in the canning section of most grocery stores, at health food stores, or online for about $5 to $8 per container. One container typically lasts for several cleaning cycles.
To clean with citric acid, mix one to two tablespoons of citric acid powder with one quart of warm water in a clean pitcher or measuring cup. Stir until the powder dissolves completely. If your ice maker has a cleaning cycle, pour this mixture into the water reservoir (the tank where fresh water sits before being frozen into ice). If your model requires manual cleaning, pour the mixture slowly into the water inlet valve or directly into the reservoir, depending on your machine's design.
Start the cleaning cycle or run the ice maker through a full cycle. The machine will pump the citric acid solution through the water lines and freeze it into ice. This process takes 20 to 30 minutes. Do not use the ice that comes out during this cycle—throw it away. After the cycle finishes, empty the ice bin completely and discard all ice that was made with the cleaning solution.
Using commercial ice machine cleaner
Commercial cleaners like Affresh Ice Machine Cleaner or Bluapple Ice Maker Cleaner are designed specifically for ice makers and work faster than citric acid on heavy mineral buildup. They cost $8 to $15 per bottle and are available at most hardware stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. One bottle usually cleans one to three machines, depending on the product and how much buildup you have.
Follow the instructions on the bottle exactly—different brands have different mixing ratios and process methods. Most commercial cleaners require you to pour the concentrate into the water reservoir or directly into the water line, then run a cleaning cycle or full ice-making cycle. Some products need to sit in the reservoir for 15 to 30 minutes before you start the cycle, so read the label before you begin.
Commercial cleaners are stronger than citric acid and work better if your ice tastes bad or smells off, which usually means mold or bacteria is present. If you use a commercial cleaner, run at least three full cycles of fresh water through the machine afterward to rinse out all the chemical residue before making ice for drinking.
Flushing your ice maker after cleaning
After you finish the cleaning cycle, the most important step is flushing the system with fresh water. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and run the ice maker through a complete cycle. Throw away all the ice that comes out. Repeat this process two more times—three full water cycles total—to make sure no cleaner residue remains in the lines.
If you skip the flushing step or do not flush enough times, the next ice you make will taste like citric acid or chemical cleaner. This does not make the ice unsafe to eat, but it is unpleasant. If this happens, keep running water cycles and throwing away the ice until the taste goes away, which usually takes one or two more cycles.
After the third flush cycle, the ice should taste normal and the machine should be ready to use. If you notice the ice still tastes off after three flushes, run one or two more cycles before using the ice for drinking.
Cleaning the ice bin and exterior parts
While the cleaning solution is running through the machine, clean the ice bin and any removable parts. Remove the ice bin from the refrigerator and wash it with warm soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth. If the bin has stubborn stains or a buildup of mineral deposits on the walls, scrub it with a soft brush or sponge and a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Wipe down the exterior of the ice maker with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. If your model has a water filter, check whether it needs to be replaced. Most KitchenAid refrigerators have a water filter that should be changed every six months or according to the manufacturer's instructions. A clogged or old filter can reduce ice production and affect water quality, so replacing it at the same time you clean the ice maker is a good practice.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning
The most common mistake is not flushing the system thoroughly after cleaning. If you run only one water cycle instead of three, cleaner residue will remain in the lines and affect the taste of your ice. Always run at least three full cycles of fresh water and throw away all the ice before using the machine for drinking.
Another mistake is using the wrong type of cleaner. Never use vinegar, bleach, or general-purpose descalers in your ice maker—these can damage the internal components or leave a taste that is hard to remove. Stick to citric acid or commercial ice machine cleaners, which are designed for this purpose and are safe for food-contact surfaces.
Do not forget to empty the ice bin before you start cleaning. If you run the cleaning cycle with old ice still in the bin, the cleaner solution will mix with the old ice and make it unsafe to eat. Always remove all ice from the bin and discard it before starting the cleaning process.
When to clean your ice maker and warning signs
Clean your ice maker every three to six months as a routine maintenance task, even if the ice looks and tastes fine. If you live in an area with hard water (water with high mineral content), clean it every three months. If you have soft water or a whole-house water filter, you can wait up to six months between cleanings.
Clean your ice maker when ready if you notice any of these warning signs: ice that tastes bad or smells off, ice production that drops below normal, ice cubes that are smaller or cloudy, or visible mold or discoloration inside the ice bin or on the ice itself. These signs mean mineral buildup, mold, or bacteria is present, and cleaning will usually fix the problem within one cycle.
If cleaning does not improve the ice quality or production after two cycles, the problem may be a broken water inlet valve, a clogged water line, or a failing compressor. In that case, contact a KitchenAid service technician or a refrigerator repair professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my KitchenAid ice maker?
No. Vinegar can damage the internal seals and components of your ice maker and leaves a strong taste that is difficult to remove even after flushing. Use citric acid or a commercial ice machine cleaner instead, both of which are designed for ice makers and are safe for food-contact surfaces.
How long does it take to clean an ice maker?
The cleaning cycle itself takes 20 to 30 minutes, and flushing the system with fresh water takes another 60 to 90 minutes (three full cycles of 20 to 30 minutes each). Plan for about two hours total from start to finish, including time to clean the ice bin and exterior parts.
What if my ice maker does not have a cleaning cycle?
Pour the citric acid or commercial cleaner solution into the water reservoir, then run the ice maker through a full cycle as if you were making ice normally. The machine will pump the cleaning solution through the lines and freeze it into ice. Throw away all the ice, then run three more full cycles with fresh water to flush the system.
Is it safe to use ice made during the cleaning cycle?
No. Always throw away all ice made during the cleaning cycle and the first two or three water-flush cycles. The ice may contain cleaner residue or mineral deposits that were loosened during cleaning. Only use ice that comes out after the third flush cycle.
Do I need to replace my water filter when I clean the ice maker?
Not necessarily, but it is a good time to check. If your water filter is due for replacement (usually every six months), replace it at the same time you clean the ice maker. A fresh filter will improve water quality and ice taste, and it reduces the frequency of cleaning cycles needed in the future.