How To Maintain Your Commercial Ice Machine

Commercial ice machines can make thousands of pounds of ice every day, and come in different sizes to suit your space. Since ice machines use water, it is susceptible to mold and bacteria; ensuring your ice machine is kept clean and sanitized is important for the safety of your customers and running of your business. 

It is recommended to clean your commercial ice machine every 6 months; depending on the amount of use and the environment your machine is kept in, the time between cleaning could be more. Ensuring your ice machine is properly maintained and cared for will greatly increase its life and long-term efficiency. If you notice any discoloration, smell, debris, or deformation in your ice, then you should clean and sanitize your ice machine.

Newer ice machines have features built-in to aid in the cleaning and sanitizing of ice machines. After buying your ice machine, make sure you keep the user manual on-hand for care instructions. 

Cleaning your ice machine 

1. Turn off the ice machine.
2. Remove all ice from the bin.
3. Add cleaning chemicals (according to product ratio) to the water trough and turn press the 'clean' or 'wash' option (depending on your model).
4. Remove the components as per user manual and hand wash these in the ice machine cleaning chemicals using a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
5. Wipe the outside on the ice bin, including flaps and sides with the cleaning solution.
6. Replace the components (using user manual as a guide).
7. Turn on 'wash' or 'clean' cycle and add cleaning chemicals to the water trough when prompted.

Sanitizing your ice machine

1. Turn off the ice machine.
2. Remove all ice from the bin.
3. Add sanitizing chemicals (according to product ratio) and turn press the 'clean' or 'wash' option (depending on your model).
4. Remove the components as per user manual and wipe with the ice machine sanitizing chemicals using a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
5. Wipe the outside on the ice bin, including flaps and sides with sanitizing solution.
6. Replace the components (using user manual as a guide).
7. Wash or clean cycle and add sanitizing chemicals to the water trough when prompted.
8. Dispose of the first batch of ice.

Proper care and use of your commercial ice machine will reduce potential breakdowns that will negatively affect your business.