Your ice machine works hard, but over time things like mineral deposits and even bacteria can build up inside, leading to ice that tastes less than fresh. Experts say ice machines should be cleaned about once every 9 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water or high humidity.
Increased Risk of Contamination
Dirty ice machines provide an ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. As these microorganisms proliferate, they can contaminate the ice produced, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
Clean the ice maker at least once a week or every three days. Clean the interior with diluted detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth, then rinse with clear water. Do not use bleach or vinegar to clean the internal components.
Peak Season Maintenance Tasks
Frequency: At least once a month. Tasks: Disassemble the machine, clean all parts with a commercial ice machine cleaner, and sanitize with a food-safe sanitizer. Benefits: Prevents the buildup of mold, algae, and mineral deposits that can contaminate ice and reduce efficiency.
The FDA specifies that all commercial ice machines need to be cleaned at least two times per year, but they also recommend sanitizing it four times a year to meet food safety standards.
Clean Twice a Year – Every 6 Months
However, depending on the type of ice machine and its location, it may need deep cleaning every three months. It is critical that you clean all areas of your ice machine from the interior, exterior and compressor, to the ice machine's storage bin.
Sanitation: A dirty ice machine can harbor bacteria and other contaminants that are harmful to human health. Regular cleaning and maintenance helps prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, keeping the ice safe to consume.
A good ice machine is the difference between foggy cubes and a crisp, refreshing drink. Sadly, with every piece of equipment comes a lifespan. With proper cleaning, a quality ice machine will last around 4 to 5 years on average, sometimes even longer. So how do you know when it's time to replace your ice machine?
You should clean your ice machine as part of your regular deep cleaning schedule, whether it's spring cleaning, New Year's cleaning or any other time of year. While you can use vinegar or lemon juice to deep clean your ice maker, affresh brand recommends using an ice machine cleaning solution instead.
Most ice makers can be left on all the time in order to ensure that you always have a fresh supply of ice. Like refrigerator ice makers, these appliances are typically designed to run constantly.
Mold and slime form because ice machines provide a damp and dark environment where they can thrive. In commercial kitchens, flour, yeast, and dust in the air give these growths an unlimited supply of food to continue to flourish.
The base and exterior of the ice machine should be cleaned daily and kept free of water around the machine to avoid slippery floors.
Since the identification of Legionella bacteria in 1976 after a deadly outbreak following an American Legion convention in Philadelphia , multiple studies have found Legionella bacteria growing in ice machines[1].
If there's a musty odor whenever you open the ice dispenser, that's a red flag. Visible signs might include black, green, or white spots around the edges or inside the ice maker.
Your ice machine should be cleaned and sanitized at least once every six months for efficient operation. This maintenance process requires you to first perform a cleaning procedure to remove lime, scale, and mineral deposits, followed by a sanitizing procedure to disinfect the unit and remove algae and slime.
Here's how to clean mold and slime from your ice maker:
Spray your EPA-approved cleaner and saturate the contaminated surfaces. If needed, wipe the areas to remove the contaminants.
Ice Machine - Cleaning & Sanitizing Service. Cost? - $182.00 to $272.00 - for a thorough cleaning and sanitizing - that can pass a health inspection. It usually takes from 2 to 3 hours - depending upon the condition of the ice machine: water scale buildup, rust, and black mold.
Although ice machines operate at a cold temperature, bacteria and mold can still accumulate over time. This makes it important to stick with a regular cleaning and sanitizing schedule.
The system should be sanitized using a solution of water and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach). Any commercial sanitizer recommended for ice machine application is acceptable.
A good rule of thumb is to clean out your ice maker every four to six months “or when you feel that the ice smells funny,” says Carter. This is the best way to keep bacteria out of your ice trays and ensure your ice is fresh.
Ice Machine Sanitization
Hotel ice machines should receive two professional sanitization visits per year.
What Makes Ice Clear? Commercial ice machines usually circulate water over a plate/grid that is freezing cold. This causes ice to freeze from the inside out, or one layer at a time. The cleanest, purest water freezes, and the minerals, impurities and air bubbles continue moving along.
An average commercial ice machine should last anywhere from 7 to 10 years depending on the equipment brand, water quality, ambient conditions, and whether it has been properly maintained.