How to Clean Ice Maker with Vinegar: Cleaning Different Kinds of Ice Makers

Vinegar comes in a wide variety: apple cider, white, balsamic, red wine, and rice. It contains a range of five to 20% acetic acid, making it effective for removing dirt and stains.

As a non-toxic substance, it is safe for cleaning a piece of equipment that processes food such as blenders and ice makers. So, how to clean ice maker with vinegar?

An ice maker is one of the efficient kitchen appliances, but it is also the last one that you will clean. It comes in three major types, including refrigerator ice machine, portable, and the commercial one. Regardless of the brand or model, vinegar can effectively remove the scale scum that builds up in ice machines.

An Important Note

The cleaning process depends on the type of ice maker you own. Some models have a self-cleaning function, while others need manual cleaning.

The cleaning and maintenance of a built-in ice maker are different from a portable one. The owner’s manual is always the perfect information resource on how to use and take care of your ice maker. Nonetheless, you can follow the general rules of thumb.

The General Rules in Cleaning the Ice Maker

You can use any cleaning materials as long as they won’t break or scratch the unit. Make sure that the material is nickel-free and not made of hard surfaces. A soft toothbrush, dry rag, sponge, and paper towels are the safe options.

Before you start with the cleaning process, turn the unit off and unplug it from the socket. Cut off the water supply to the unit too.

You must also remove the ice, water, and all other things that are inside the unit. You can remove the ice in two ways. Press the power and wait until the ice completely melts, or press the power switch after a harvest cycle when the ice drops from the evaporator.

Additionally, remember to remove the parts of the ice maker that need to be cleaned, as written in the instruction manual, and then do the following:

1. Clean the machine thoroughly using the cleaning solution and sponge, making sure that you reach the corners and crevices.
2. Rinse the unit to remove dirt and the cleaning agent.
3. Wipe down all surfaces with a clean, soft rag.
4. Leave the unit open and air dry for a few hours.
5. Connect the unit to the power and restart.
6. Discard the first batch of ice made after cleaning.
7. The unit will be on its optimal condition for another three to six months.

How to Clean Ice Maker with Vinegar

You don’t need to spend much money when you use vinegar for cleaning your ice machine. It is readily available in your pantry. Plus, toilet bleach is for toilets, and you should not use it inside ice machines.

Things You Will Need

As a jumpstart to your cleaning task, below is the list of the materials you need to prepare:

• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Warm water
• Soft cloth
• Soft toothbrush
• Sponge, paper towels, or dry rag
• Spray bottle

Combine all the liquid solutions in a spray bottle and shake. The appropriate ratio is two cups of white vinegar per cup of water.

Although it is not necessary, the lemon juice helps eliminate any moldy smell. For stubborn dirt, full-strength vinegar can be used.

Steps in Cleaning the Ice Maker with Vinegar

Remember, the ice maker directly gets in contact with the water that intends to get inside your body. You can use any cleaning solutions as long as it’s safe and non-toxic, and again, one of the non-toxic solutions that you can use for cleaning is the vinegar.

Once you have gathered all the materials and solutions listed above, you’re ready for the task. Below are the step-by-step guidelines on cleaning the different types of ice machines.

A. Portable Ice Machine

1. Turn the unit off and unplug it from the socket.
2. Take out the bin that holds the ice and the drain cap outside the unit.
3. Drain out the water.
4. Spray the vinegar solution to all parts of the unit’s interior. For optimal results, leave for a few minutes. Remove stubborn dirt with a soft toothbrush.
5. Using a clean rag, wipe all the areas to remove the vinegar solution and dirt.
6. Spray clean water a few times to ensure that the unit is free from the solution or smell.
7. Return the ice bin inside the unit and the drain cap on the unit’ exterior.
8. Fill the machine up with water and turn it on.
9. Throw the first trays of ice.
10. Turn the unit off again and drain the water.
11. Replace the drain cap and fill the machine with water.
12. Turn on the unit.

B. Refrigerator Ice Machine

1. Move up the rod on the ice maker on the way to the interior of the fridge.
2. Do it until it stops moving upward. When it stops moving, the ice maker should turn off.
3. Throw the ice out of the bin and replace the container.
4. Let the ice melt for hours. To melt the ice faster, pour hot water into the ice trays.
5. Pat dry each section of the tray with a clean, soft rag.
6. Spray the vinegar solution to the ice maker and let it sit for a few minutes.
7. Remove the solution by thoroughly rinsing the tray with warm water.
8. Return the rod into its place in the fridge.
9. Turn the unit on and throw away the first batch of ice.

C. Commercial Ice Machine

1. Turn the machine off and unplug it from the socket.
2. Remove the ice from the bin.
3. Spray the vinegar solution to the interiors of the machine, including the crevices.
4. Leave it for five minutes. Re-spray the solution when necessary.
5. Let it sit for another few minutes.
6. There are two types of commercial ice machines: the ones with self-cleaning functions and the ones without this feature. If the ice machine has the wash cycle, set it for five minutes.
7. If the unit does not have this feature, fill the spray bottle with clean water. Spray it down inside the unit to remove the cleaning solution and dirt.
8. Wipe dry the machine with a clean, soft cloth.
9. Turn it on and dump the first batches of ice.
10. The ice machine is ready for use.

What You Should Know About Commercial Ice Machines

If you are into the food and retail business, you must understand the importance of keeping your commercial ice machine sanitized. The Food and Drugs Administration considers ice as food and that a particular food code must be observed and followed.

Sometimes, the local ordinances identify the specific times on how often you need to clean the machine. The law is not only to keep the quality of the food you serve but also to satisfy your customers.

What Are the Precautions to Keep in Mind When Using Vinegar for Cleaning?

How to clean ice maker with vinegar also involves measures to prevent accidents and unwanted results. Although vinegar is a mild antiseptic and natural by-product, it still has negative effects when not properly used.

With that in mind, make sure that you spray it on the interiors of the ice machine, and not directed to your eyes. When it accidentally gets in your eyes, flush it with running water for around eight minutes.

The most crucial advice is this: do not mix vinegar with bleach as it can emit a toxic chlorine gas. Liquid cleaners and drop-in toilet bowl cleaners contain bleach and can be very harmful when combined with vinegar. It is essential to be on your current state of mind when doing household tasks.

Why Do You Have to Keep Your Ice Maker Clean?

If you think keeping your ice maker clean is a small thing, think again. Aside from sanitation, there are many other reasons it is a must. These reasons include the power consumption you wish to save and the quality of the ice you want to achieve, such as:

1. Crystal-Clear

If you want to make transparent ice, your ice machine should not contain unwanted elements that might cause cloudy ice or less clarity. Although there are select units designed for freezing crystal-clear ice cubes, they still require regular maintenance and cleaning.

2. Fresh Smelling

When debris is present in the ice machine, there will be a possibility that the ice has an unwanted odor. Ice should not smell like anything. Unfortunately, any ice machine accumulates odors over time.

The vinegar solution that you use in the cleaning process may also contribute to this undesirable smell. That is why it is essential to rinse the interiors of the unit well after cleaning. Spray a generous amount of clean water to remove any unwanted sour smell.

3. Great Taste

Ice machines can also absorb the minerals and flavors present in the water. If you don’t clean it regularly, the mildew will build-up, which can cause your ice to taste fusty. Keep the unit clean to ensure that the ice tangs like pure water.

Ice makers are prone to mold and mildew due to the tap water. If you have allergies to these organisms, you need to keep your machine clean regularly.

How Often Should You Clean the Ice Machine?

The answer varies according to the type and size of the unit, and how often you are using it. Nonetheless, there are clear indicators that the ice machine needs to be cleaned up. If you notice one of these signs, your ice machine is due for a cleaning:

• The unit freezes ice cubes that are smaller than usual.
• The ice has a cloudy appearance.
• The ice melts faster than usual.
• The ice tastes or smells odd.

How to Use Vinegar as a General Cleaning Solution

Vinegar is a product of plant fermentation. Its 10 percent acetic acid composition makes it effective at breaking down bacteria, molds, grease, and mineral deposits. These elements are the major causes of stains and rust in many household furniture and appliances.

Vinegar also serves as a minor antiseptic; thus, preventing bacterial growth. With its composition, vinegar can be considered as a wonder substance.

It is one of the green-cleaning products because it does not harm the environment, pets, and humans. Plus, it is really cheap and always available in the kitchen pantry.

To maximize the uses of vinegar, here are some tips on how to use it as a cleaning agent:

• For deep-seated dirt and stains, spray the vinegar solution and let it sit for several minutes.
• To sanitize the kitchen countertops, toilet seats, and other surfaces, let the vinegar sit for a minimum of 60 seconds before rinsing off.
• For mirrors, spray the solution and wipe it dry with a lint-free fabric.
• You can also use vinegar as a natural odor eliminator. To do so, spray it on the area just as you would do with a commercial air freshener.
• For rust or mildew build-up in the toilets and bathroom, allocate a few minutes for the vinegar to work. Rub the area with an old soft toothbrush until the accumulation loosens up. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• For more hard-core cleaning on the sink, toilet, bathtubs, cooktop, and oven, sprinkle baking soda. Then, spray the vinegar until it dampens the baking soda and creates a paste. Use a sponge or any scouring material to scrub the dirt, soap layers, odors, and grease off.

Conclusion

It is undeniably true that the vinegar has a lot of uses in the household. One important application is cleaning the ice machines. Since these appliances get in contact with water, cleaning agents made with toxic chemicals is not advised.

As a non-toxic solution, vinegar is safe for removing molds and mildew and preventing the build-up of these microorganisms inside this appliance.
Keeping your ice machine clean ensures its optimal performance. A hygienic ice machine creates crystal-clear ice without any foul smell or taste. It ensures that you enjoy every piece of ice.

Although cleaning your ice machine is often underestimated, the benefits are enormous, including the power-consumption that you can save or the bacterial growth that you can avoid.