Does your countertop Opal ice maker produce cloudy ice cubes? Learn how to clean Opal ice maker at home with these easy steps.

Learn How to Clean Opal Ice Maker in Simple Steps

You love your Opal ice maker. It gives you the perfect nuggets of ice that are soft, crunchy, and chewable. But you also know that it needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good shape and prevent any nasty surprises.

Cleaning an Opal ice maker may seem like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be easy and fun if you know the right steps and tips. In this article, we will show you how to clean Opal nugget ice maker in a few simple steps. We will also answer some of the most common questions and problems that people have about Opal ice maker cleaning and maintenance.

By the end of this article, you will know how to sanitize, descale, and clean your Opal ice machine like a pro. You will also learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes and issues that can affect your Opal ice maker’s performance and quality. And you will enjoy your nugget ice even more, knowing that it is clean and fresh.

So, are you ready to learn how to clean Opal ice maker? Let’s get started!

Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your Opal or Frigidaire ice maker, you need to do some preparation. Here are the things you need to do before cleaning:

Turn off and unplug the Opal: It will prevent any electrical shocks or damage to the machine.
Remove the filter and reinstall the reservoir screen: The filter needs to be replaced every three months or after 540 pounds of ice production, whichever comes first.
Dislodge any hard mineral build-up: You can use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently scrape off any white or yellow deposits on the ice chute or inside the bin.
Drain the Opal of any water through the drain tubes: You can find the drain tubes on the back of the machine, near the bottom. Pull them out and let the water drain into a bucket or sink.

Once you have done these steps, you are ready to sanitize your Opal ice maker.

What You Need to Sanitize the Opal

Sanitizing your Opal ice maker is important to kill any bacteria or mold that may grow in the water reservoir or the ice bin. You should sanitize your Opal ice maker at least once every six months or more often if you notice any odor or slime in the machine.

To sanitize your Opal ice maker, you will need the following items:

A cleaning solution that is approved for use with ice makers. (Opal Cleaning Kit, or make your own).
A clean cloth or sponge
A soft-bristled brush
A large bucket or sink

You will also need to follow the cleaning solution ratios recommended by the manufacturer or the product label. For example, if you are using the Opal Cleaning Kit, you will need to mix one packet of cleaning powder with one quart of water. If you are using bleach and water, you will need to use one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.

Once you have prepared your cleaning solution and gathered your supplies, you are ready to sanitize your Opal ice maker.

How to Sanitize the Opal

To sanitize your Opal ice maker, follow these steps:

Pour the cleaning solution into the water reservoir until it reaches the max fill line. Do not overfill the reservoir.
Plug in and turn on the Opal. Press and hold the clean button for three seconds. The button will turn blue and the display will show add water and ice.
Wait for about five minutes until the display shows ready to enjoy. The Opal will start making ice with the cleaning solution.
Discard the first two batches of ice. They may have a slight chlorine taste or smell.
Let the Opal continue making ice with the cleaning solution until the reservoir is empty. It can take up to an hour.
Turn off and unplug the Opal. Drain any remaining water through the drain tubes.
Rinse the water reservoir with clean water and drain it again.
Wipe the inside of the ice bin with a clean cloth or sponge soaked in the cleaning solution. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse the ice bin with clean water and wipe it dry.

You have successfully sanitized your Opal ice maker. You can now reinstall the filter (if you have one) and fill the reservoir with fresh water. Your Opal is ready to make clean and delicious nugget ice again.

How to Remove Mineral Deposits (Descaling)

Mineral deposits, also known as scale, can build up inside your Opal ice maker over time. It can affect the quality and quantity of the ice produced and the performance and lifespan of the machine. You should descale your Opal ice maker at least once every three months, or more often if you have hard water.

To descale your Opal ice maker, you will need the following items:

White vinegar
A large bucket or sink
A clean cloth or sponge
A soft-bristled brush

Steps for Descaling your Opal Ice Maker

Fill the reservoir with vinegar to the max fill line. Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaner.
Plug in and turn on the Opal. Press and hold the clean button for three seconds. The button will turn blue and the display will show add water and ice.
Wait for about five minutes until the display is ready. The Opal will start making ice with the vinegar.
Discard the first two batches of ice. They may have a slight vinegar taste or smell.
Let the Opal continue making ice with the vinegar until the reservoir is empty. This may take up to an hour.
Turn off and unplug the Opal. Drain any remaining vinegar through the drain tubes.
Rinse the reservoir with clean water and drain it again.
Wipe the inside of the ice bin with a clean cloth or sponge soaked in vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse the ice bin with clean water and wipe it dry.

You have successfully descaled your Opal ice maker. You can now fill the reservoir with fresh water and enjoy your nugget ice.

How to Clean the Sensors

The sensors in your Countertop ice maker are responsible for detecting the water level, the ice level, and the ice quality. They need to be cleaned regularly to ensure accurate readings and optimal performance. You should clean the sensors at least once every three months or more often if you notice any problems with the ice production.

To clean the sensors, you will need the following items:

White vinegar
A clean cloth or sponge
A cotton swab or toothpick

Steps of Cleaning Opal Countertop Ice Maker Sensors

Turn off and unplug the Opal. Remove the ice bin and the drip tray.
Locate the sensors on the front of the machine near the ice chute. There are two sensors: one on the left and one on the right.
Dip a cloth or sponge in vinegar and gently wipe the sensors. Do not use too much pressure or force, as this may damage the sensors.
Use a cotton swab or toothpick to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in the sensor holes.
Wipe the sensors again with a clean cloth or sponge soaked in water.
Dry the sensors with a soft cloth or paper towel.

You have successfully cleaned the sensors in your Opal ice maker. You can now reinstall the ice bin and the drip tray.

How to Clean the Exterior

Clean the exterior of your Opal ice maker regularly to keep it looking shiny and new. You should also clean the exterior if you notice any stains, spills, or fingerprints on the surface. To clean the exterior, you will need the following items:

A soft cloth or sponge
Mild soap and water
A stainless steel cleaner (optional)

Steps to Cleaning Exterior of Opal Countertop Ice Maker

Unplug the Opal ice maker and let it cool down completely.
Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild soap and water to wipe the exterior surfaces gently. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can scratch or damage.
If your Opal ice maker has a stainless steel finish, you can use a stainless steel cleaner to enhance its appearance. Use only a liquid cleaner that is free of grit and rub in the direction of the brush lines with a damp, soft sponge. Do not use appliance wax, polish, solvents, or chemicals on the stainless steel.
Plug in and turn on your Opal ice maker.

You have successfully cleaned your Opal’s exterior.

How to Clean Your Ice Bin

The ice bin is where your nugget ice is stored and dispensed. It should be cleaned regularly to prevent any dirt, dust, or bacteria from contaminating your ice. You should clean your ice bin at least once every month or more often if you use your Opal frequently.

To clean your ice bin, you will need:

A soft cloth or sponge
Mild soap and water
A vinegar solution (optional)

Steps of Cleaning Your Opal Countertop Ice Bin

Unplug your Opal and let it cool down completely.
Remove your ice bin from its front by lifting it and pulling it out easily.
Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild soap and water to wipe its inside and outside. Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they may scratch or damage its surface.
If you notice any mineral deposits or stains on your ice descale follow the steps highlighted above.

You have reached the end of this guide on how to clean Opal ice maker. I hope you found it useful and informative. Check out our other helpful guides on kitchen appliance cleaning hacks.