Pro Tips To Maintain Your Ice Machine

Ice machines offer incredible utility in both residential and commercial settings during summers. An ice machine or ice maker provides large quantities of ice cubes for homes, offices, hospitals, or food establishments like restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes.

Regular ice machine maintenance is critical for getting safe and clean ice, keeping the unit in top condition, improving its efficiency, and prolonging its lifespan. A little TLC will avoid preventable problems and sudden breakdowns.

Ice machines are complex units. If their cleaning and upkeep are neglected, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, mildew, and germs. Preventative ice machine upkeep habits like cleaning and timely repair and replacement of worn-out parts can help you get the most out of the appliance. Here are a few ice machine maintenance tips from the experts to help your unit run efficiently for longer.

Read the manual

All ice machines come with a user manual containing comprehensive information about maintaining and troubleshooting the appliance. Those who have lost or do not have the owner’s manual can access the necessary information from the manufacturer’s website. Some basic things that the manual includes are frequency of cleaning, type of water filters required and how often to change them, safe to use chemicals, ways to clean the air filter, and things to look for that point to a problem. 

Perform periodic inspections and cleaning

Regular visual inspections are a vital part of ice machine maintenance. Check the unit for debris and slime, inspect the supply line, check bearings and other components for wear and tear and rust, and replace parts as required. Unsanitary conditions can accelerate bacterial growth and pose health risks. 

Replace the water and air filter at least twice a year to avoid clogs and maintain unit efficiency, check for scale build-up and clean the water reservoir every two to three months. If you notice any mold or mildew build-up, call an appliance repair professional to address the issue immediately. Sanitize the storage bin and investigate the dark areas. Periodically clean the machine’s underside and the drain lines.

Test water quality

Testing the quality of water that goes into the ice machine is essential. Dirty and unfiltered water is among the leading causes of ice machine failures. Checking the water quality will help determine the type of filtration needed. A quality water filter will trap all impurities and other harmful particles that can hamper the performance of ice machines.

Use appropriate cleaning tools

Wrong cleaning tools can leave scratches or marks on the ice machine surface, which can harbor mold and bacteria. Ensure to use only safe and gentle cleaning tools and supplies like toothbrushes, nylon brushes, and mild abrasive pads. Buy chemicals approved by the manufacturer to remove scale. Improper or strong chemicals can damage the ice machine. Alternatively, use UV lights, ozone water treatment, and chlorine sachets treatments.

Ensure proper ventilation

Standalone ice machines should have good airflow to function at their best. Overheating is another leading cause of ice maker breakdowns. Ensure to keep the ice machine away from heat sources like ovens, stoves, grills, clothes dryers, and even direct sunlight. Most ice machines come with vents. When installing the unit, ensure proper clearance to avoid blocking or obstructing the vents and give sufficient room for the appliance to breathe.

Avoid long-term ice storage

If you are going away for more than two weeks, empty the unit and clean the bin, dispenser, and drain line. Do not forget to sanitize and flush the unit to prevent slime and mold growth. It is crucial as ice machines are usually designed to store ice for about two weeks. 

An ice machine is an expensive appliance and demands regular care and maintenance. These tips will help your ice maker last longer and protect your investment. Contact a reliable appliance repair professional for more such tips for ice machine maintenance or to fix issues with your unit.