Keeping your ice maker clean ensures that all of your drinks have great, fresh ice, even though it might not be as susceptible to crumbs, dirt, and stains as other areas of your kitchen, such as the floor or counters. Even while it might appear complicated, cleaning your ice maker is actually quite simple and only needs soft towels and mild soap. To maintain the flawless operation of your machine, follow these professional advice.
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How Frequently Your Ice Maker Should Be Cleaned
Your ice machine needs to be cleaned twice a year. However, certain machines could require more regular washing. It’s recommended to keep an eye on any changes to your ice if you’re not sure how frequently your ice maker needs maintenance. It’s time to clean your maker if the ice appears hazy or tastes strange.
How the Ice Maker Bin Should Be Cleaned
As you clean an installed ice machine, you should turn off your refrigerator. You won’t have to put your food in a cooler while you’re cleaning because it’s a rapid process.
- Switch the machine off: Regardless of the model, start by disconnecting your refrigerator or turning off your ice maker at the switch (for countertop models). While the bin is being removed, the ice maker should be turned off to avoid collecting ice and spilling it around the freezer.
- Move the Ice: Take out the ice bin and empty the ice after turning off the machine. The coarse ice is really a good way to clean the garbage disposal’s blades, so if you have one, throw the extra ice down the chute and grind it. Another option is to transfer the ice to a freezer-safe container and store it there.
- Wash the Ice Bin: Rinse the bin with clean water. “If there are stains or areas where dirt is visible, clean them with mild soap and water, then rinse well to get rid of the soap residue.” Use warm water or a warm towel to melt tough ice pieces; using tools to chisel away at them could be hazardous. Avoid removing ice from the ice maker bin with an ice pick.
- Dry completely: Before you put the bin back in, make sure it is totally dry. Any extra water in this area can freeze and cause gum.
- Connect the refrigerator: When cleaning the ice maker in your freezer, don’t forget to plug it in right away whenever you’re done.
How the Ice Maker Dispenser Should Be Cleaned
You will also need to clean the portions of your ice maker that are accessible from within the freezer or refrigerator, in addition to the bin. the actions listed below:
- To stop ice from spilling onto the floor in the event that the dispenser paddle is inadvertently squeezed, put the dispenser in lock mode.
- Clean the ice chute and dispenser pocket with a sponge or moist cloth.
- A mild soap can be used to remove stains that are not easily removed with a sponge or damp cloth. Use a fresh, moist cloth or sponge to wipe away any soap residue.
- Any extra moisture should be dried.
- Once cleaned, open the dispenser.
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