Tired of cloudy cubes and a questionable ice maker scent? Unlock the clean with our in-depth 8-step on how to clean countertop ice maker.

Is Your Ice Maker Making You Miserable? Fix It in 8 Simple Steps!

Love that endless stream of icy goodness from your countertop maker? Don’t let lurkin’ grime ruin your frosty fun! This 8-step guide reveals the secret to sparkling clean ice, every time. Skip the funky cubes and enjoy crystal-clear perfection every time. ✨ Plus, get pro tips on frequency, deep cleaning secrets, and mold-busting hacks. Mold? Conquered. Funky smells? Gone. Worry-free ice? Delivered. Let’s dive in!

What You Need to Clean Your Ice Maker

Before you start cleaning your ice maker, make sure you have the following items ready:

• A soft cloth or sponge.
• A small brush or toothbrush.
• Dish soap.
• White vinegar.
• Water.
• A large bowl or bucket.
• A measuring cup.

You don’t need special or expensive products to clean your ice maker. These everyday household items will do the job just fine.

How Often to Clean Your Ice Maker

Cleaning your ice maker, whether Frigidaire or Opal, depends on how often you use it and the water quality. You should clean your ice maker at least once every three months. However, if you notice any of the following signs, you may need to clean it more often:

• Your ice has a foul odor or taste.
• Your ice is cloudy or discolored.
• Your ice melts faster than usual.
• Your ice maker makes less ice than usual.
• Your ice maker makes loud or unusual noises.

These signs indicate that your ice maker may have mineral deposits, bacteria, mold, or other contaminants that affect its performance and hygiene. To prevent these problems, use filtered or distilled water for your ice maker, and empty and dry the water reservoir when unused.

How to Properly Clean Your Ice Maker

Now that you know what you need and how often to clean your ice maker, let’s see how to do it in 8 easy steps.

1. Unplug the Ice Maker and Drain the Reservoir

The first step is to unplug the ice maker from the power source and drain the water reservoir. It will prevent electric shocks and help you eliminate old or stagnant water. To drain the reservoir, look for a drain plug or cap at the bottom or side of the unit. Remove it and let the water flow out into a bowl or bucket. You may need to tilt the unit slightly to remove all the water.

2. Clean the Detachable Parts

The next step is to clean the detachable parts of the ice maker, such as the ice basket, scoop, tray, or lid. These parts are usually easy to remove and wash with warm water and dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub them and rinse them well gently. Then dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.

3. Clean the Scoop and Basket With Dish Soap

The scoop and basket are the parts that come in direct contact with your ice, so make sure they are clean and sanitary. Wash warm water and dish soap thoroughly with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse them well, dry them with a clean towel, or let them air dry.

4. Use a Vinegar Solution to Clean the Ice Maker

The vinegar solution is the key to cleaning the inside of the ice maker, where mineral deposits, bacteria, mold, or other contaminants may lurk. Vinegar is a natural and safe cleaner that can dissolve these impurities and disinfect your ice maker.

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a large bowl or bucket to make the vinegar solution. You’ll need about four cups of each for a standard-sized ice maker.

5. Remove Tough Stains With Undiluted Vinegar

If you notice any tough stains or spots inside your ice maker, you may need undiluted vinegar to remove them. Pour some vinegar into a small cup or bottle and apply it directly to the stained areas with a small brush or toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it gently until the stain disappears.

6. Clean Hard-To-Reach Spots With a Toothbrush

Some parts of your ice maker may be hard to reach with a cloth or sponge, such as the corners, crevices, or vents. Use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to clean these areas. Gently brush the dirt or grime and wipe it with a damp cloth.

7. Rinse Out the Ice Maker With Water

After you’ve cleaned the ice maker with the vinegar solution, you need to rinse it out with water to remove any vinegar residue or odor. Fill the reservoir with clean water and run a normal ice cycle to do this. Discard the ice and repeat this process until the vinegar smell is gone. You may need to do this two or three times.

8. Dry the Ice Maker With a Cloth

The final step is to dry the ice maker with a clean cloth. Wipe down the inside and outside of the unit, ensuring no moisture remains. It will prevent mold or bacteria growth and keep your ice maker fresh and ready.

Tips to Keep Your Ice Maker Clean Longer

Now that you know how to clean your countertop ice maker, here are some tips to keep it clean longer:

• Use filtered or distilled water for your ice maker. It will reduce the mineral deposits and improve the quality and taste of your ice.
• Empty and dry the water reservoir when not in use. It will prevent any stagnant water or mold growth.
• Store your ice in a freezer or cooler. It will prevent your ice from melting and refreezing, which can affect its texture and flavor.
• Clean your ice maker regularly. It will prevent dirt, grime, or contaminants from building up and affecting your ice maker’s performance and hygiene.

How to Deep Clean a Moldy Ice Maker

If you ever encounter a moldy ice maker, don’t panic. Mold can grow in moist, dark places like your ice maker. However, you can get rid of it with some extra cleaning steps. Here’s how to deep clean a moldy ice maker:

• Follow steps 1 to 3 as usual.
• Use a bleach solution to clean the ice maker. Bleach is a powerful cleaner that can kill mold and sanitize your ice maker. Mix one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water in a large bowl or bucket to make the bleach solution.
• Follow steps 5 to 7 as usual, but use the bleach solution instead of the vinegar solution.
• Rinse out the ice maker with water several times until the bleach smell is gone.
• Follow step 8 as usual.

Key Takeaway

Cleaning your countertop ice maker is not a difficult task, but it’s an important one. Following these 8 easy steps, you can keep your ice maker clean and sanitary and enjoy fresh and tasty ice anytime. 

Remember to use filtered or distilled water for your ice maker, empty and dry the unused reservoir, store your ice in a freezer or cooler, and clean your ice maker regularly. If you ever encounter a moldy ice maker, don’t worry. You can deep clean it with some bleach and get rid of it. Kitchen appliances require care and this guide will help you maintain them for a long time.