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ICE Series 

Cleaning/Sanitizing Procedures 

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ICE Machine and/or Bin/Dispenser Cleaning and Sanitizing Instructions 

Cleaning should be scheduled at a minimum of twice per year. 
Sanitizing should be performed after each cleaning or more frequently as required. 

Note: Electrical power will be ON when performing the following cleaning instructions. 

The cleaning and sanitizing of any commercial ice machine are important procedures all operators need to have in 
their preventive maintenance protocol. While similar, these two procedures are uniquely different and accomplish 
different things. Cleaning or de-liming, dissolves the mineral deposits on the evaporator and removes scale, calcium 
and other mineral buildup. Sanitizing disinfects the machine and removes microbial growth including mold and slime.  

In either case, it is important to use solutions that do not harm the ice machine. Never use cleaning or sanitizing 
solutions that contain Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Carbolic Acid, Acetic Acid, diluted Acetic Acid or 
non-food-grade vinegar (concentration of acetic acid greater than 6% and does not contain enzymes created in 
processing) or any chlorine-based solution such as bleach, chlorine dioxide or any type of salts such as potassium 
chloride (potassium salts) or sodium chloride. Check the label or the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet 
(MSDS) to be sure. These chemicals can attack the surface of the evaporator as well as other metal components 
causing corrosion and flaking. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water can be very acidic and can attack the evaporator and 
other metal in the ice machine. Because the RO process removes all minerals and metals from the water it can 
promote the faster growth of microbial, mold and slime. If RO water is used, Ice-O-Matic recommends the water pH is 
verified to be a neutral 7.0 to minimize the corrosive effects. Incorrect cleaners, sanitizers, and RO water that does not 
have a neutral pH could void the machine’s warranty. 

Cleaning 

Prior to Cleaning the ice machine and/or Bin/Dispenser, perform the following: 
1. Remove the ice machine front panel.
2. Make sure that all the ice is off of the evaporator.  If ice is being made, wait for cycle completion then turn the

machine “

OFF

” at the 

ICE/OFF/WASH

 selector switch.

3. Turn off the potable water supply to the ice machine.
4. Remove all ice in the storage bin. (

Required for cleaning and/or sanitizing

)

Cleaning Instructions-Ice Machine 

1. Initiate the wash cycle at the 

ICE/OFF/WASH

 switch by placing the switch in the 

“WASH”

 position.  Depress the

Purge Switch

 to flush the remaining water from the water trough. Release the 

Purge Switch

 when the water

trough is empty

2. Terminate the wash cycle at the 

ICE/OFF/WASH

 switch by placing the switch in the 

“OFF” 

position.

3. Add recommended amount of approved nickel safe ice machine cleaner (diluted per manufacturer’s instructions) to

the water trough. (Reference cleaner Manufacturer’s instructions on the package)

4. Initiate the wash cycle at the 

ICE/OFF/WASH

 switch by placing the switch in the 

“WASH”

 position.  Allow the

cleaner to circulate for approximately 15 minutes to remove mineral deposits.

5. Depress the 

Purge Switch

 and hold until the ice machine cleaner has been flushed down the drain

4. Terminate the wash cycle at the 

ICE/OFF/WASH

 switch by placing the switch in the 

“OFF” 

position.  Remove the

splash curtain and inspect the evaporator and water spillway to ensure all mineral residue has been removed.

5. If necessary, wipe the evaporator, spillway and other water transport surfaces with a clean soft cloth to remove any

remaining residue.  If necessary, remove and clean the water trough thoroughly to remove all scale or slime build-
up, remove the water distribution tube, disassemble and clean with a bottlebrush.  Reassemble all components and
repeat steps 2 through 5 as required to remove any remaining residue.

7.

Sanitizing the Ice Machine is required after cleaning per Sanitizing Instructions

Cleaning Instructions-Storage Bin/ Dispenser

 

1. Open the bin door and remove all of the ice in the storage bin, store the ice in a clean container for reuse or discard.
2. Add recommended amount of approved nickel safe ice machine cleaner (diluted per manufacturer’s instructions)

(Reference cleaner Manufacturer’s instructions on the package)

3. Thoroughly wash all surfaces within the bin, this includes the bin door, bin walls, window track and snout area with

soap and water and rinse.  Note: An extended handle soft bristle brush may be required.

4. Allow the mineral deposits to absorb the cleaner for approximately 15 minutes to remove and loosen the mineral

deposits. Note: This includes the bin drain.

5. Thoroughly wash all surfaces within the bin, this includes the bin door, bin walls, window track and snout area with

soap and water and rinse.  Note: Repeat Steps 3, 4 and 5 as required.

6.

Sanitizing the Storage Bin/Dispenser is required after cleaning per Sanitizing Instructions.

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