Enjoy Hygienic Ice With the Best Ice Machine Cleaners
If you love making iced cocktails, ice cream, or just having a cold glass of water, an ice machine is a staple kitchen appliance. And keeping it in pristine condition is imperative for achieving a hygienic environment and making good-tasting ice.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes ice as food, meaning it should be regarded the same as other food products and tools that come into contact with food. That means it’s essential to find a suitable ice machine cleaner to ensure your machine runs optimally and stays free of mold or slime.
Fortunately, a broad range of ice machine cleaners is available on the market. The bad news is that this can make it confusing to choose the most suitable option. In this guide, we reviewed the highest-quality ice machine cleaners of 2023, followed by must-have information on picking the right one to keep your ice machine pristine.
Ice Machine Cleaner: Buying Guide
Ice machines need regular cleaning to sustain their effectiveness. Mold, slime, and bacteria can accumulate on the machine holes and pipes, impacting the ice taste and your health. An unhygienic ice maker could allow harmful bacteria to enter your digestive system through contaminated ice.
If you want to keep your ice supply safe, follow some protocols. One of these is routine cleaning of the machine. This guide covers what you need to know before choosing an ice machine cleaner, including how to use it successfully.
Things To Consider When Buying an Ice Machine Cleaner
Before you finalize your choice of a cleaning product for your ice maker, here are some factors to reflect on:
Removal of mineral and calcium scale
Calcium and mineral deposits are common problems of ice machines, especially if you have hard water. Ensure that the ice machine cleaner you choose has a powerful and safe formula that can remove these traces effectively. It should ideally require less scrubbing and be gentle on your ice machine.
Low foaming
Foam is often produced when using a cleaning agent on any surface. This is because of its chemical composition and excessive scrubbing. When choosing an ice machine cleaner, check the amount of foam it produces and ideally opt for one that doesn’t produce that much. This is because excessive foam may require multiple rounds of cycling water, increasing the chances of chemicals being left behind.
Nickel-free and safe to use
A nickel-free cleaner has an environmentally friendly formula that lets your ice maker produce better-tasting ice. Typically, a nickel-safe formula is compatible with multiple models of ice machines. The formula doesn’t have any nitrates and it also contains low phosphates. This biodegradable formula makes it an instant choice for anyone that wants to protect local water quality.
Highly concentrated
A highly concentrated ice machine cleaner is always worth the price. They last longer, providing a clean finish to your beloved ice maker without repeat purchase. It is important to make sure that the acidic composition is food-grade and safe for the equipment though.
How to Clean an Ice Machine With Ice Machine Cleaner
Before following a general cleaning method, look check your ice machine’s manual and read the ice machine cleaner instructions. Some manufacturers provide detailed directions for the cleaning process. If there aren’t any, following a general approach is always a good option.
Here are the steps to follow when using an ice machine cleaner for your machine:
- Unplug the machine and stop the water supply
- Remove the ice bin’s contents and wipe it down with warm water or a cleaning agent
- Remove the drain cap and empty the residual water, then replace the drain cap
- Place the ice bin back to its position, replug the machine, and run a thorough cleaning cycle
- Dispose of the ice and refill the machine with clean water for a second round
- Throw out the second batch of ice, and then the ice maker is set for regular use
Regular maintenance gives you peace of mind that your ice machine is functioning optimally. Repeat the cleaning process every three to six months for best results.
Why Does an Ice Machine Get Dirty?
There are several reasons behind the build-up in an ice machine. The most common ones are:
- Dirty hands touching the ice
- Melted and dirty water freezing into ice
- Spilled food or beverage particles
- Accumulated dust or dirt
- Minerals in the water supply
Knowing how to clean the ice machine is essential to ensure your machine sustains lesser damage. A quality cleaner that fits your ice machine model will eliminate dirt, bacteria, and even mineral build-up. It should also freshen the ice taste, making it more enjoyable to consume.
Leading Ice Machine Cleaner of 2023 Reviewed in Detail
Essential Values Ice Machine Cleaner
– Best OverallThe Essential Values Ice Machine Cleaner is a must-have for anyone who uses an ice machine. This multi-purpose cleaning solution is designed to restore machines to like-new condition and is suitable for both residential and commercial ice makers. With the proprietary formula, it is both non-toxic and effective in removing build-up from mineral scale deposits which often occur in ice machines.
This ice cleaner deeply penetrates calcium build-up and doesn’t leave behind an unpleasant taste, making it ideal for keeping your ice tasting nice. One bottle of this ice machine cleaner provides up to four uses, so you can get over a year’s worth of cleaning power out of each purchase. The Essential Values Ice Machine Cleaner is also compatible with all types of ice makers, including countertop models, crushed ice makers, portable units, under-counter models, and built-in machines. To use this cleaner and descaler solution all you need to do is add the solution, clean and ready to enjoy clean-tasting ice.
- Cleans ice maker easily and quickly
- Restores ice production and removes any unpleasant odors
- Removes water stains and makes clear, clean ice
- Does not require the use of harsh chemicals
- May take multiple cleaning cycles for best results
Nu Calgon Ice Machine Cleaner
– Easy To UseLimescale is the most common problem impacting ice machines. As it spreads, it creates physical obstruction which restricts water flow and can lead to your machine jamming. If your ice machine frequently faces this trouble, you should consider investing in the Nu Calgon Ice Machine Cleaner.
This option is formulated to eliminate mineral and calcium deposits accumulated over the ice machines. As a uniquely designed phosphoric food-grade product, you can use it to clean nickel-plated or tin-plated evaporators. This makes the cleaning and repair process easier. You can use it every three months or follow the directions provided by the ice machine manufacturer. When all protocols are followed, this ice machine cleaner can extend the life of your precious ice machine.
- Uses phosphoric food-grade product
- Removes mineral and calcium deposits
- Can be used on steel, plastic, and glass
- May not be effective for mold and mildew
IMPRESA Ice Machine Cleaner and Descaler
– Most VersatileDo you want to extend your ice machine’s hygiene and overall durability? Are you looking for a long-term investment in an ice machine cleaner? If so, the IMPRESA Ice Machine Cleaner and Descaler should be your pick. It can eliminate lime deposits to extend the lifespan of your machine and enhance the overall taste of the ice it makes.
From countertop ice machines to residential and industrial ones, this cleaner is compatible with all appliances. Its effective formula has deemed it perfect for a wide range of high-end brands, such as Manitowoc, Scotsman, and Whirlpool. The ingredients are 100% nickel-safe to gently clean ice machines. You can use each pack to clean your ice machine eight times, which is a higher frequency than other cleaners and makes this product worth the price.
- Compatible with multiple ice machines
- 100% nickel-safe formula
- Can be used eight times
- Removing foam requires too much water
GE Profile Opal Ice Machine Cleaner
– Best for Opal Nugget Ice MakersRoutine maintenance of the Opal Nugget Ice Maker is vital to keep it functioning optimally. If you own one, you should definitely invest in the GE Profile Opal Ice Machine Cleaner. This kit has an effective formula and provides everything you need to keep your machine tidy, including two 2.5-ounce bottles, a sponge, a cleaning cloth, and 4 Q-tips. The formula is odorless and gives more powerful results than other options.
Users of this ice machine should use this cleaning kit every six months to remove internal and external scaling and build-up. The machine will also indicate when it requires cleaning. If you use it regularly, this ice machine cleaner will help your machine maintain its sound performance and the ice it produces will continue to taste fresh.
- Helps produce fresh ice
- More effective than in-house cleaning agents
- Works as a good descaling agent
- Doesn’t remove calcium carbonate
People Also Asked
A: Yes, though it may not offer maximum efficiency. To do so, fill an empty spray bottle with vinegar and apply it to the inside of your ice machine. Leave the cleaner for five minutes and then run a wash cycle. If the ice machine is very dirty, you may need to run two cycles.
A: A nickel-safe ice machine cleaner is designed with food-grade phosphoric acid. It removes the limescale and mineral deposits without any harsh chemicals.
A: If you don’t use an ice machine cleaner, it may cause problems like limescale build-up. This can impede heat transfer in the ice machine and result in longer ice-making times. Other problems could be a reduction in ice production and the need for costly repairs. Not cleaning the machine can also lead to the growth of harmful mold and slime.
