A staggering low number of users realize the importance of thoroughly sanitizing and cleaning their outdoor ice machines and their components (dispensers, storage bins, and so on and so forth). Performing regular cleanup jobs will only extend and ensure the longevity of the machine, but will also increase the safety of every drink and optimize the ice maker’s power consumption and output.

Like many household objects, it is easy to take the ice machine for granted and omit properly maintaining it. Ice Maker Pro has reviewed the best outdoor ice machines and many of them have control panels that alert the user when the machine needs cleaning.  It is very important to clean the units at least every three to four months. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to recommend a few cleaning tips to make this process easier. Here is how to clean and maintain outdoor ice machines.

The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance

One thing that people are unaware of is the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (or F.D.A) includes ice in the list of foods. As a result, similar to an oven or a microwave, any type of ice machine, especially those that are constantly exposed to the elements of nature like the outdoor models, must be cleaned regularly in order to ensure the most sanitary conditions possible.

Since the units are in constant contact with water on the inside and outside humidity, the machines can develop slime, mold, and scales that will eventually contaminate the water and turn what should have been a refreshing drink into a serious health hazard. The cleaning process that every owner should follow is quite complex (we will elaborate later) and consists of three phases:

• A throughout clean up in order to remove scale, lime, various mineral deposits.
• Sanitisation – disinfecting the unit, removing the slime and algae.
• Maintenance

Further on, here are some telltale signs of needing to clean up the outdoor ice machine:

• The quality of ice is sketchy (either too soft or filled with sediments)
• The ice machine does not produce complete, whole cubes
• Rate of efficiency is much lower than the one specified on the manual
• The ice machine stopped releasing any ice

Before delving into any details, it is worth noting that some ice machines manufacturers recommend using specific cleaning products and methods, so make sure to consult the guidebook for any instructions. Other general pieces of advice: make sure to always wear rubber gloves and protective safety glasses when using sanitizer and cleaning solutions and to discard the first round of ice that the machine produces after the cleanup.

How to Clean the Outdoor Ice Machine

Cleaning the outdoor ice machine might seem like an arduous task at the beginning (especially if you do not have any natural technical inclinations), but once you get the hang of it, it is actually quite easy and straightforward. Here is a short, easy to follow step by step cleaning guide:

1. The first step is opening the front door and locating the evaporator compartment. Do not leave the ice there as this could make the whole cleaning process harder and even redundant.
2. The way one removes the ice from the evaporator is highly dependent on the model of the unit, but most ice machine will have some kind of devices that will facilitate this process, so you will not need to do it manually with a small shovel and a bag. All you have to do is either trigger the power switch at the end of a harvest cycle or press the same button and wait until the machine automatically melts all the ice inside.
3. Next up, simply press the button that indicates the cleaning option. After one minute or so, the machine’s display will recommend adding ice machine cleaning solution.
4. Wait until the machine completes its cleaning cycle. This process usually takes about 20 minutes, after which you have to unplug the dispenser and the machine.
5. Following the instructions from the manual, remove the parts that need to be cleaned.
6. Check the manual yet again to see the exact recommended ratio of lukewarm water and cleaning solution you need to use. Save half of the lukewarm water in a separate container for later use.
7. Using a sponge, a soft cloth or a soft-bristle nylon brush, carefully clean the components that you have removed of any traces of slime, lime and mineral deposits.
8. Put the cleaned components in the lukewarm water that you have saved to soak and using the same instruments mentioned above, clean the side walls, base, bin, dispenser and other areas of the ice machine.
9. Wash the machine with water for a final time.

How to Sanitize the Outdoor Ice Machine

Now that you have properly cleaned the ice machine, it is time to sanitize it. Sanitizing the unit will not only extend the machine’s lifespan but will prevent any bacteria and debris from excessively building up, making future cleaning jobs easier to pull off. Here is what you need to do:

1. Grab a washbasin or a big enough container of your choice and mix the sanitizing solution and lukewarm water in it. Now, as always, the ratio of sanitizing solution and lukewarm water is highly dependent on the model of the machine. Make sure to check the instructions manual.
2. Use this mixture to sanitize all the components that you have removed. Remember to not rinse the parts with water after sanitizing them.
3. Meanwhile, using the same instruments mentioned during the previous entry, sanitize the areas that you have cleaned before.
4. Check the manual for installation instructions and replace all the parts that you have removed.
5. Wait for 20 minutes, until the sanitizer takes full effect.
6. Plug the machine in, press the button that indicates ‘’wash’’ or clean’’.
7. Once the water tank refills itself and the display tells you to add a chemical, pour a certain amount of sanitizer in the water trough.

Properly cleaning and sanitizing the outdoor ice machine might seem like a difficult task, but most models come with comprehensive guidebooks that offer clear and precise instructions. Make sure to do regular cleanups, once every four to six months in order to extend the machine’s lifespan as much as possible and ensure the cleanest beverages possible for your friends, family or clients. Make sure to read through this article, and you will get all the information that you need.