GEM-MFI Series
Cleaning/Sanitizing Procedures
Page
2
Sanitizing
Prior to Sanitizing the ice machine and/or Bin/Dispenser, perform the following:
1. Remove the ice machine front panel.
2. Turn the machine “
OFF
” at the
ON/OFF
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
)
Sanitizing Instructions-Ice Machine
1. Use an EPA approved food equipment sanitizer at the solution mix recommended by the sanitizer manufacturer.
2. Slowly pour the sanitizer solution into the water reservoir until full. Wait 15 minutes, then switch the
ON/OFF
switch
to the
ON
position.
3. As the ice machine begins to use water from the reservoir, continue to add more sanitizing solution to maintain a
full reservoir.
4. After all of the sanitizing solution has been added to the reservoir, and the reservoir is nearly empty, switch the
ON/OFF
switch to the “
OFF”
position.
5. Drain the water reservoir and freezing assembly using the drain tube attached to the to the freezer water inlet.
Return the drain tube to its normal position and replace the drain plug end cap. Wash and rinse the water reservoir.
During this time, wipe down all other ice machine splash areas. Inspect to insure that water transport system
components are in the correct position.
6. Place the
ON/OFF
switch to the
“ON”
position and replace the front panel.
7. Continue ice making for at least 15 minutes to flush out any cleaning or sanitizing solution.
8.
Remove and discard all ice in the storage bin. DO NOT USE any ice produced from the cleaning solution
.
Sanitizing Instructions-
Bin/ Dispenser
1. Use an EPA approved food equipment sanitizer at the solution mix recommended by the sanitizer manufacturer.
2. Sanitize the bin interior, this includes the bin door, bin walls, window track and snout area with an approved sanitizer
using the directions for that sanitizer. Note: This includes the bin drain.
3.
Remove and discard all ice in the storage bin. DO NOT USE any ice produced from the cleaning solution
.
Common Questions
•Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine/Bin Cleaning
Cleaning or de-liming an ice machine refers to the process of removing mineral buildup and scale from the evaporator
and other components. Ice-O-Matic recommends cleaning the ice machine at least every 6 months. More frequent
cleaning may be needed depending on water quality and filtration system used. It is the responsibility of the operator to
determine the optimal frequency for their particular environment. Cleaning will not remove microbial, mold, or slime.
The machine should always be sanitized after cleaning.
Ice-O-Matic recommends a “nickel-safe” cleaner such as Nu-Calgon or equivalent. Typically the chemical composition
is as follows:
Water 53% to 82%
Phosphoric Acid 15% to 40%
Citric Acid 3% to 7%
Ice-O-Matic recommends cleaning be done by a trained technician and that they follow detailed steps as prescribed in
the Technical Service Manual.
Most cleaners list in their instructions an ounces to a gallon mixture for proper level of solution. Pouring undiluted
cleaner directly into the machine will not give proper dilution level. Ice-O-Matic recommends mixing in a plastic
container before pouring into trough.
•Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine/Bin/Dispenser Sanitizing
Ice-O-Matic recommends sanitizing or disinfecting an ice maker a minimum of every six months. More frequent
sanitizing may be needed if the machine is in a high yeast environment or if RO water is being used. It is the
responsibility of the operator to determine the optimal frequency for their particular environment.
Ice-O-Matic recommends an EPA approved sanitizer such as Nu-Calgon IMS-II or equivalent. Sanitizing is a simple
matter of running the EPA approved sanitizer through the ice machine/bin/dispenser and wiping down surfaces with
the sanitizer. If being done at the same time as the cleaning process, sanitizing must be done after the cleaning
process. Follow the process as prescribed in the Owner’s Manual. Note: this process requires the ice be removed from
the bin.
Ice Machine Cleaner contains acids.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
Refer to ice machine cleaner manufactures
emergency instructions on container label.
