How to clean an ice machine filter?

Author: Mr. Guido Aufderhar  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Begin by removing the filter from the ice maker. Prepare a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Submerge the filter in this solution and hand wash it gently to remove any dirt or grime. After thoroughly cleaning, rinse the filter with clean water.

Can you run vinegar through an ice machine to clean it?

If mold is present, you can add 3 cups of vinegar to the water line with a funnel and turn on the ice maker so that the vinegar runs through the dispenser. Use a cup to catch the vinegar and use a toothbrush and rag to scrub the dispenser clean of any residue.

Can a filter stop an ice maker from working?

Yes, the water filter in your refrigerator can affect the ice maker. If the water filter is clogged or dirty, it can restrict the flow of water to the ice maker, resulting in smaller ice cubes or no ice being produced at all.

Can you run bleach through a countertop ice maker?

As soon as you notice mold in your countertop ice maker, discontinue use until it has been properly cleaned. Make a solution using nine parts water to one part bleach. Pour this into the reservoir. Run enough cycles to completely drain the reservoir.

Do all ice makers have a filter?

The short answer is not necessarily. An ice machine will operate without a filter, but will quickly start having problems will scale buildup, especially in a city where the water is considered “hard”.

How to Clean a Commercial Ice Machine

What can I run through my ice machine to clean it?

Vinegar is a food-safe alternative to cleaning solutions designed for the ice maker. To use it, pour a 10-part white distilled vinegar ratio to one part water into the water reservoir. Run the cleaning cycle.

Can I leave my countertop ice maker on all the time?

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.

How to deep clean a countertop ice maker?

Use a soft cloth and some warm soapy water, or two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved into a gallon of warm water. Once you've cleaned the interior surfaces, use a soft, damp cloth to rinse. Lastly, wipe down the interior with a soft, dry towel. Replace removed interior parts once they are completely dry.

How long should an ice maker filter last?

It is recommended that the water filter be replaced every nine months, with 2000 gallons of water used, when the indicator light comes on, or as needed. A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the ice maker, which could result in low or no ice production.

How do I know if my ice maker is clogged?

If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage.

What is a good substitute for ice machine cleaner?

You can substitute vinegar for the cleaner solution with the same steps: 1. Use a 10:1 ratio of water to white vinegar instead of an ice-machine cleaner.

Can you use lemon juice to clean ice maker?

Wipe Down the Interior

Make a cleaning solution with a 10:1 ratio of warm water and one of these ingredients: white vinegar, lemon juice, nickel-free ice machine cleaner, or other cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer.

What is in Affresh ice machine cleaner?

Ingredients in affresh® ice machine cleaner
  • Water.
  • Sodium Bisulfate, a descaler and pH adjuster.
  • Citric Acid, a pH adjuster and descaler.
  • Colorants (Acid Green 9 and Acid Yellow 23)

What is the life expectancy of a countertop ice maker?

While it can be convenient to have available ice at the touch of a button, the truth is that these machines simply don't last forever. The average lifespan of an ice maker is 5 years.

What kind of ice does Sonic have?

Sonic ice — also known as nugget, pellet, chewblet or "the good ice" — is made with flaked ice compacted into cylindrical nuggets and loved for its soft, airy texture that makes it more pleasant to chew than traditional ice cubes.

Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity?

Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity? It depends on the model, but ice makers do not typically use a lot of power. The draw can vary depending on what the ice maker is doing—freezing, pumping, or heating the molds—and the range is fairly wide, from 50 to 160 watts, with an average of 100 watts per hour.

How to clean and sanitize an ice machine?

Cleaning Cycle:
  1. Turn off machine and allow ice to melt off evaporator.
  2. Remove access covers.
  3. If equipped, turn on CLEAN/WASH cycle.
  4. Wait for water to fill trough and flow over evaporator.
  5. Add properly diluted Ice Machine Cleaner to trough.
  6. Let machine run through cleaning cycle.
  7. Turn off machine.

What happens if you don't clean an ice machine?

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.

Where is the filter for the ice maker?

The water filter cartridge is located at the bottom of the Ice Maker behind the water filter access door. The "Replace Filter" indicator light will come on when it is time to order a filter. This will occur after approximately 5 months or earlier after periods of heavy icemaking.

How often should you change ice machine filters?

Hoshizaki recommends that you should replace the filter every 6-12 months. This time frame is dependent on your water quality and your unit's ice production rate. If your machine has multiple filters, make sure that they are all replaced at the same time.

Will ice maker stop working if filter is dirty?

A filter is responsible for catching any minerals and particles you don't want going into your ice cubes. Over time, as the filter builds up with this collected debris, it starts to work less efficiently. In other cases, it can cause your icemaker to completely stop working if it becomes clogged.

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