Cleaning a Freestanding Ice Maker

Freestanding ice makers are specialty appliances which produce ice in large quantities. Household-sized freestanding ice makers produce 50 pounds of ice per day, ideal for large families, those who entertain frequently, and business offices. Commercial-sized ice makers can produce a whopping 400 pounds of ice per day. To keep ice makers looking new and running at their most efficient levels, they will need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Some ice makers have a self-cleaning feature. If you are lucky enough to have one of these, you will be able to run the self-cleaning cycle to remove hard water buildup from the inside of your machine. If you don't have a self-cleaning model, be sure to install a water softener and check the manual that came with your ice maker to see the specific instructions for cleaning your water lines. Ice makers that are serviced at least every six months will be more likely to keep their lines running clear.
Freestanding ice makers have cooling systems consisting of condenser coils and an air vents on that can get dusty and oily. Both of these areas need to be cleaned quarterly to keep these powerful ice maker systems operating efficiently. To clean the condenser, remove the grill by unscrewing it and sliding it off. Use a vacuum hose with a brush attachment to clean off all of the coils thoroughly. Clean the grill with all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a warm, wet cloth. Let everything thoroughly dry, then carefully replace the grill.
The exterior of most ice makers will also need to be cleaned often to keep them looking like new. There is nothing less appetizing that looking for the ice makers at a hotel only to find a dirty machine covered in cobwebs. Don't let your large investment become one of those forsaken ice makers. Dust as frequently as you notice it accumulating, which will vary depending upon where you live and where your machine is located. Most ice makers will need to be dusted at least monthly. Ice makers which are located outside and/or used daily will need to be cleaned more frequently. Freestanding ice makers will also benefit from a more thorough wipe-down from time to time. Fill a bucket with dish detergent and water, or use a spray bottle filled with all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the entire outside of your unit.
To clean the interior, most ice makers will need simply to have their bins emptied and sanitized. Unplug the electrical connection and remove all ice before beginning. Use a solution of 1 gallon warm water to 1 tablespoon of bleach to clean the bin. The bins in smaller ice makers are removable, so you can place them into a sink or bathtub. If you are cleaning one of the commercial ice makers without a removable bin, place the bleach and water solution into a spray bottle, and wipe well with a damp cloth to clean the entire bin area thoroughly. Rinse well, let dry thoroughly, and replace.
In a busy home or business, ice makers will likely be some of the most frequently used appliances. Regular cleaning will help your ice makers run efficiently, produce clean and pure ice and look like new.