Do you have an ice dispenser machine at your restaurant, hotel, or bar? It’s very important to make sure you keep your appliance clean. Many people don’t realize just how important it is to have a clean equipment.
The FDA actually holds ice to the same standards as food. As a result, you should be cleaning your commercial ice machine at least twice per year.
Here’s how to clean commercial ice machines and why it’s so important.
Why You Should Keep Your Ice Dispenser Machine Clean
If you don’t keep your ice machine with dispenser clean, bacteria and even viruses can find their way inside. Mold, algae, scale, and other gunk can also build up very quickly. This can contaminate your ice and make it dangerous to use.
It’s most important to keep clean your ice machine for the safety of your customers and your team. However, it’s also very important to make sure you’re adhering to FDA requirements.
Since the FDA defines ice as a food, you’ll need to make sure that you are handling it with the same standards you would use for any food you serve in your establishment.
Not following these requirements could end up damaging your reputation or even result in health department fines, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
On top of that, cleaning your commercial ice maker can actually make it last longer and save you time and money on maintenance. Dirty commercial ice machines can’t maintain full capacity, take longer to produce ice, and have trouble maintaining the right temperature.
A clean ice dispenser machine is going to be more efficient and is less likely to develop problems that need expensive repairs.
Signs Your Ice Dispenser Machine Needs A Cleaning
It’s best to clean your appliance two to four times per year, regardless of its performance. Cleaning it proactively is the best way to prevent problems – try setting a calendar reminder to ensure it gets done on schedule. However, there are some signs to watch for that indicate that your commercial ice machine with dispenser needs a cleaning.
Of course, the biggest sign that your machine needs cleaning is if you see dirt or grime inside – this should be addressed immediately. An odor is also a sign that your ice dispenser machine should be cleaned right away.
When your ice machine starts to get dirty, it can also affect the quality of the ice – you might notice that it has a soft texture or even appears cloudy. The commercial ice machine may also produce misshapen or broken cubes. If you aren’t getting usable ice cubes and ample ice supply, you should check your ice machine right away.
Another big sign that your ice dispensing machine needs to be cleaned right away is if it isn’t producing ice effectively. It might have a very low ice supply or not release cubes frequently.
The ice maker may also have a difficult time switching into harvest mode. If you notice any of these signs, you should clean your ice dispenser machine right away to prevent damage and ensure that you are getting clean ice.
How To Clean Your Ice Maker
Before you clean your ice maker, consult the owner’s manual to see if there are any procedures that are specific to the model you use. The cleaning process may vary slightly between various models, but generally follows the similar steps.
Step by Step Instruction On How To Clean Your Ice Machine
Here’s a step-by-step look at how to clean your dispensers.
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- Start by removing all of the ice from your ice machine. The ice needs to be out of the machine in order to effectively clean it. The easiest way to do this is to turn the ice dispenser machine off before you plan to clean it and let the ice melt.
- Remove the internal components from the ice dispenser and maker. You will need to clean these parts separately.
- Start the cleaning cycle by pushing the ‘clean’ button. Some models will have this button labeled as ‘wash’ instead. Water will start to flow through the ice machine with dispenser to flush it out.
- Once the water tray has refilled, you can use a specialized ice machine cleaner, add your cleaning solution and wait for the cleaning cycle to finish. This ice machine cleaning process takes about 20 minutes, and you can turn the appliance off afterwards to complete the cleaning. Be sure to wait for the cleaning cycle to finish before you continue.
- Next, use the cleaning solution to clean the internal components that you removed earlier. Dilute the cleaning solution according the instructions in your owner’s manual. Be sure to scrub off any mineral deposits that may have built up. The cleaner will foam up, and then you can gently scrub away these deposits with a sponge or soft-bristled brush.
- Clean any other parts of the machine that have not yet been cleaned. This includes cleaning mineral deposits off of the evaporator plates and condenser coil, as well as cleaning the drain, storage area, ice bin and exterior. Make sure you’re cleaning the exterior with a damp cloth to avoid damaging it.
- Rinse the ice maker thoroughly and let it air dry before continuing. It’s important to make sure all of the cleaning chemicals have been removed before proceeding. If necessary, replace the water filter on your ice machine. These water filters generally need to be replaced every six months.
- Once you’ve cleaned your equipment, make sure to sanitize it. This will remove the bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that you can’t see. You’ll want to use a sanitizer designed specifically for ice dispenser and maker and make sure you dilute it appropriately. Sanitize both the removable parts and the ice maker itself. Wait for at least 20 minutes and don’t rinse the sanitizer – it is designed to remove pathogens without being rinsed.
- Turn the ice maker back on and run the sanitizer cycle. Allow the water tray to fill up and add the proper amount of sanitizer. The machine will run a cycle that sanitizes the machine internally.
- Start the automatic ice making cycle. You’ll need to wait about 20 minutes before the machine makes its first batch. It’s best to throw out the first batch of ice, just in case there is any cleaning solution remaining in the machine. You may want to observe the next few cycles just to make sure that everything is working properly.
Tips For a Clean Ice Machine
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Cleaning your ice dispenser machine can be a bit daunting if you’ve never done it before.
Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your ice machine a little bit easier.
Keep the area around your ice machine clean.
In many commercial kitchens, most commercial ice makers are placed in high-traffic areas near other important devices. When the ice machine is in a high-traffic area, dirt and debris can build up over time and make their way into the ice maker.
A good way to prevent problems is to actively keep the exterior of your ice dispenser and the area around it clean. Sweeping and wiping off any hard surfaces are small, easy things to do, but they can make a big difference in terms of cleaning your ice machine.
Use the right products.
It’s important to make sure you’re using the right ice machine cleaner and sanitizer when you’re cleaning your ice dispenser machine. You can’t just use any products – they should be designed specifically for cleaning a commercial ice machine.
Additionally, the products you need to use may vary slightly depending on the ice machine models you have. Be sure to check with your manufacturer to see what cleaning solutions they recommend.
Use appropriate safety measures.
Ice machine cleaners can have harsh chemicals in them, so be sure to protect yourself and the space around you when cleaning your ice machine with a dispenser. Keep the cleaners in a safe place when you’re not using them, and be sure to handle them very carefully to avoid spills.
You should also make sure you’re wearing appropriate protective gear while cleaning. This should include gloves and protective eyewear, and you may also want to wear a jacket to protect your clothing.
Don’t be afraid to hire a professional for deep cleaning.
You and your team should learn the basics of cleaning your ice dispensing machine so that you can keep it in good condition. However, it can be easier and more efficient to work with a professional and qualified ice machine technician for deep cleaning.
A commercial ice machine cleaning company will be able to clean your ice machine regularly and look for damage. Some manufacturers may even offer some form of cleaning service for their customers, so be sure to check with them to see what is available to you.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your ice maker regularly is incredibly important. Not only does it result in cleaner, higher-quality ice for you and your customers, but it also helps to extend the life of your ice dispenser.
Commercial ice machine cleaning should be a part of you and your team’s regular maintenance routine. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional cleaner for the more complex parts of the job.