Because you can manually fill portable ice makers instead of relying on a water line, they are practical appliances. In light of the fact that cleaning portable appliances may be necessary sooner rather than later, you may be wondering how to properly clean ice makers. It’s a good thing the procedure is straightforward and quick. The best way to clean a portable ice maker has been carefully investigated.
Cleaning the majority of portable countertop ice makers involves just a few fundamental steps. The only additional equipment needed for the process is a special cleaning solution that you can utilize.
How Frequently Should I Clean My Portable Ice Maker?
The portable ice maker should generally be cleaned every two to six months. However, cleaning may be required as frequently as once per month for units that are frequently used. For more information, see the blog post “How Big Is An Ice Maker Machine?” to learn how large traditional ice makers are.
The US Food and Drug Administration should classify ice as food because it is consumed, according to experts like the refrigeration and HVAC firm Arista. Ice may become contaminated by dangerous substances like mold or even microscopic organisms that cannot be seen.
Therefore, it is best for your health to clean the ice maker once a month. Never apply a sanitizer and an ice maker cleaner at the same time, so be sure to use both.
Why Should You Clean Your Portable Ice Maker?
When kitchen equipment is placed away slightly damp or kept in a cold location that isn’t frequently heated, bacteria are likely to grow on it.
Food poisoning may eventually result from a contaminant that started out as a small food particle. Food poisoning has the potential to return if it is not identified and properly treated, such as by cleaning the ice maker. This makes it more challenging to identify the underlying cause of food poisoning.
It is possible to avoid using contaminated equipment by regularly cleaning an ice maker (at least once per month is ideal). You’ll discover that the ice doesn’t also cause your drink to “taste funny.”
How Can A Portable Ice Maker Be Rigged Of Mold?
Use a cleaning agent for ice makers that is available over the counter and, ideally, has been certified by the US EPA. Although homemade cleaning solutions are an option, commercial cleaning products may be more effective at destroying the mold.
How To Clean A Portable Countertop Ice Maker
Unplug And Drain
Unplugging the power source is the first step in cleaning any electrical appliance because electricity is inherently dangerous. After that, you must drain the ice maker into a bucket or the kitchen sink.
To empty the reservoir, unscrew a plug that is located close to the appliance’s bottom. Reinstall the drain plug after the ice maker is empty.
Add Cleaning Solution And Water
Purchasing a cleaning product made specifically for ice makers that is sold commercially will yield the best results. Compared to alternatives from the home, this will be more thorough.
Some ice machine cleaners have special qualities, like non-toxic formulas that can remove calcium buildup. To make sure that a product works with your appliance, it is best to find a universal one.
On Amazon, you can purchase this ice machine cleaner and descaler by clicking here.
Pouring the cleaning agent into the reservoir requires opening the ice maker and removing the basket. In order to be applied properly, each of these commercial products needs to be diluted with a particular quantity of water. Make sure to use the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer.
Run Clean Cycle Or Ice Cycle
Reconnect the device’s power temporarily. You will likely need to run your ice cycle at least twice or three times in order to flush the cleaning solution throughout the internal system. When these cycles produce ice, throw it away. It’s likely that the taste of the cleaning agent will be carried by the ice.
Waiting until the ice cycles have used up about half of the reservoir’s water will allow you to estimate how frequently this needs to be done. Reconnect the unit after this is finished.
Wash Unit Interior And Basket
Wash the removed basket with soapy water. The cleaner can be applied to the ice maker’s interior surfaces using a washcloth.
Because it will be challenging to reach behind the ice maker’s prongs, you might need to use a spray bottle or brush to completely cover the interior.
Drain And Rinse Cleaning Solution
To clean the interior of the unit, use clean, warm water. Ensure that you carefully touch every area that the cleaning solution scrubbed. Spraying fresh water may require the use of a spray bottle once more.
Any leftover solution will be sunk into the reservoir using this process. Once that is gathered, simply unscrew the drain plug once more to let the entire cleaning solution drain from the appliance.
After replacing the basket and plugging the machine back in, screw the drain plug back in. Use a cloth to dry down the interior if you’re storing or returning the appliance.
The post “Should The Ice Maker Lever Be Up Or Down?” if you’re curious about how other countertop ice maker functions should work.
Things To Avoid With Ice Makers To Reduce The Cleaning Frequency
If you follow a few simple steps, you may need to clean your ice maker less frequently.
Water Sources
One thing to consider is the water source used to make ice cubes. If you are unsure of what contaminants your local tap water may contain, avoid using it. Chalk, a metal like lead, chlorine, sodium silicofluoride, fluorosilicic acid, or debris in the water pipes themselves are some examples of contaminants in the local water supply.
To make tap water fit for consumption, install a whole-house filtration system or a Brita water filter. A different option is to order large water bottles of spring water and use those instead.
Cleaning Solutions
Another error that results from being accustomed to using detergent or washing up liquid in a dishwasher is assuming that cleaning ice makers with sudsy soap is a good idea. They’re not!
The surfaces might be cleaned with soapy water, but the internal components that keep the maker running are probably going to get lathered up. A soapy film that is difficult to remove later can be created when the suds settle. The filters in the ice maker will also be blocked by these, which is likely to make your ice cubes cloudy and unsafe to use.
Schedule a monthly cleaning for your ice maker in your calendar. Long-term replacement costs will be lower, saving you money.
Conclusion
Both operating and cleaning a portable countertop ice maker are simple. It’s critical to comprehend the significance of thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the unit. Despite the fact that they are carried out similarly, cleaning and sanitizing have different purposes. You will always have healthier, better-tasting ice because it is now clear how and how frequently to clean your portable ice maker.