Cleaning Your Icemaker
Properly cleaning and maintaining your ice maker will ensure a long life for the appliance. If you’re using the ice maker in your bar or in a professional establishment, then it’s especially important to keep the components in working order.
Stainless steel exterior
The stainless steel door is the part of the ice maker that will attract the most attention. Keeping it clean, gleaming, and fingerprint free will require some periodic care.
- Wash the surface with warm, soapy water mixed with an all-purpose cleaner or liquid detergent.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge and never rub against the grain.
- Rinse off the soap with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Special stainless steel wipes will restore its shine.
- Finally, wipe it clean with a dry towel until it looks polished.
The water system
As the ice maker performs its freezing cycle, minerals from the water are released and over time form a scaly buildup in the water system. About every six months, or whenever you see buildup on the machine components, it’s necessary to clean off the mineral deposits using a specialized ice maker cleaner. Some models alert you when it’s time to clean the machine.
The condenser
When a condenser becomes dirty or clogged, it’s important to clean it so the air flow isn’t restricted. Otherwise, temperatures in the ice maker can become too high, reducing its ice production and damaging the internal components.
- Turn off or unplug the machine before you remove the lower access panel and the venting grille.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush attachment to clear the condenser of dirt and lint.
- Replace the grille and the panel and turn the machine back on.
Several ice maker models require you to empty the ice bin before running the cleaning cycle. Always read the manufacturer’s manual for the proper cleaning steps for your machine.
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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany |
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