How To Clean Igloo Ice Maker – Ice makers make ice faster than refrigerator ice makers. The ice cubes are softer and more tasteful too! Though to keep your ice maker making the best ice possible, you must clean your ice maker often. Unless, of course, you have one of these self-cleaning ice makers.
Igloo Ice Maker Cleaning Guide
Whether you have a portable ice maker or a countertop ice maker made by Igloo, the steps to clean it are the same. Follow the instructions below:
Staying on top of the Igloo ice maker’s cleaning and maintenance will enable your machine to continue working properly and efficiently and will also help you avoid costly repairs. At the same time, it will help you ensure that the ice maker’s ice is clean and safe for consumption.
Failure to keep the ice maker clean will result in the growth of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants, which pose a health risk. Moreover, prolonged exposure to water may result in mineral deposit buildup in the equipment, which impacts the ice’s taste and the machine’s performance.
Hence, cleaning your ice maker on a regular basis will improve the machine’s performance and give you clean and better-tasting ice every time. Now that you are convinced about the importance of regular cleaning, read the instructions below to thoroughly clean your Igloo ice maker.
Unplug the ice maker and turn off the water supply
The first obvious step is to switch off the ice maker and disconnect it from the power source and take the plug out.
This will keep you safe from electrocution by ensuring that there is no residual power in the system. It will also help reset the machine and clear any error codes.
If the appliance is connected to a power supply, dislodge it to remove the power source for the duration of cleaning.
Clear out the Igloo ice maker’s ice bucket and remove separable parts
Next, you must remove the ice maker’s ice bucket and remove its ice. If the ice is usable, you can store it in a container in your freezer; if not, discard it in the sink or waste bin.
Use the external drain to remove the melted ice water from the machine into the sink or another container.
Remove the detachable parts from the ice maker, including the drip tray, ice scoop, ice pick, etc.
Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove any ice residue.
Cleaning the detachable parts
Clean the ice maker’s detachable parts with a sponge and dish soap.
Make sure to remove all the gunk and debris from the parts and use a soft cleaning brush if required.
Rinse them with warm water once cleaned and let them air dry.
Cleaning the ice maker’s exterior
Mix one part white distilled vinegar with ten parts water in a bowl.
You can also use lemon juice, dishwashing liquid, or a store-bought commercial cleaner for the purpose.
Now dampen a cloth with the cleaning solution and clean the exterior thoroughly.
Clean the interior
Take the cloth soaked in the cleaning liquid solution and use it to clean the interior of your Igloo ice maker. You can also use a spray bottle to dampen the inner surfaces of the ice maker with the cleaning liquid and then use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the surfaces.
If you have not cleaned the ice maker in a while, dirt or mold may have embedded into the corners and harder-to-reach areas. To ensure proper cleaning of these areas, you may need to use a toothbrush or Q-Tip and apply gentle force to remove all the grime or mold buildup.
Once all the debris has come off the surfaces, rinse the ice maker reservoir with tap water to clear it out. Repeat the rinsing two or three times to get everything out, including the gunk and cleaning liquid residue.
How to remove lime and calcium deposits?
If there are tough stains or a significant buildup of mineral deposits due to hard water or slime, you can apply non-diluted vinegar to the area and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes to loosen the dirt or mineral deposits and then clean with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse with water.
Alternatively, you may need to use a commercial-grade descaling liquid if vinegar does not work. If using a commercial solution, make sure to use protective gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper and safe application. Once you apply the solution, let it sit for at least fifteen minutes and rinse with cold water. You may also need a soft brush to scrape off the tough deposits before rinsing.
Put the parts back in and plug in the machine
Once you have rinsed off the interior, put the ice bucket back in, plug in the machine and run a complete cycle to drain any water or cleaning liquid residue. You can also pour the cleaning solution into the ice maker and run the machine to make ice from the cleaning liquid to ensure the entire debris and cleaner residue are removed. Now dump the ice and rinse the ice maker with normal tap water twice.
Some extra tips
Your ice maker is now ready for use. If the ice maker was not working properly earlier and cleaning it does not resolve the issue, there may be another problem, and you may need to refer to the user manual or get it checked by a professional.
Once you are ready to make ice in your Igloo ice maker, ensure everything is in order and add fresh water to make a new batch of ice.
It is better to use filtered or distilled water to avoid the accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits in the ice maker.
It is also vital not to leave any water in the ice maker once you are done using it.
The pooled water may lead to the growth of bacteria and other contaminants, making the inner environment unhygienic and affecting the ice’s taste.
The Bottom Line
You now know how to clean your Igloo ice maker. Easy! Right? A bit of water, vinegar, rinsing, and then you’re all set. Also, check out our igloo ice maker troubleshooting guide. There you’ll find out what to do when your Igloo Ice Maker is not working and steps on how to reset it. If you prefer a video guide, check out the video below!
The manual says there is a tube totake water from the reservoir to the ice maker. Mine did not come w/a tube