How to Clean Your Ice Maker for Better-Tasting Drinks

While your ice maker may not be as prone to crumbs, dirt, and stains as other parts of your kitchen—like the floor or countertops—keeping the machine clean guarantees fresh, delicious ice for all of your beverages. While it may seem like an involved process, cleaning your ice maker is relatively straightforward and requires only mild soap and soft towels. Use these expert tips to keep your machine running smoothly.

How Often to Clean Your Ice Maker

You should clean your ice maker twice per year, says Laura Johnson, a research and development expert at the LG Electronics Home Appliances Lab. Some machines may need to be washed more frequently, however. If you're unsure of how often your ice maker needs attention, it's best to monitor any changes to your ice. "Ice that looks cloudy or tastes off is an indication that it is time to clean your maker," says Johnson.

Materials Needed

Avoid harsh, concentrated cleaners and abrasive materials like paper towels or scouring pads when cleaning your ice maker, say experts from Electrolux. Instead, opt for tools that won't scratch or damage your appliance:

• Gentle, mild soap
• Water
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Dry towels
  

How to Clean the Ice Maker Bin

You should turn off your refrigerator while cleaning an installed ice maker. It's a quick process, so you won't need to move your food into a cooler while you're washing.

1. Turn Off the Machine. Whatever its model, begin by turning your ice maker off, either at the switch (for countertop iterations) or by unplugging your refrigerator. "The reason for turning off the ice maker is to prevent it from harvesting ice and dumping it all over the freezer while the bin is removed," say Electrolux experts.
2. Move the Ice. Once the machine is off, pull out the ice bin and dump out the ice. If you have a garbage disposal, dump the excess ice down the chute and grind it—the coarse ice is actually an effective way to cleanse the disposal's blades, says Johnson. You can also move the ice into a freezer-proof container and keep it.
3. Wash the Ice Bin. Use clean water to rinse the bin. "If there are stains or areas with visible dirt, then use mild soap and water to clean, then rinse thoroughly to remove the soap residue," says Electrolux experts. Melt stubborn chunks of ice with warm water or a warm cloth (chipping at it with tools can be dangerous). "Don't use an ice pick to get ice off the ice maker bin," says Johnson.
   
4. Dry Thoroughly. Make sure the bin is completely dry before you reinstall it. "Any excess water here could freeze and gum things up," says Johnson.
5. Plug in the Refrigerator. If you're cleaning the ice maker installed in your freezer, remember to plug in the appliance as soon as you finish the task.
   

How to Clean the Ice Maker Dispenser

In addition to the bin, you'll need to wipe the parts of your ice maker that are accessible from inside the refrigerator or freezer. Electrolux experts recommend the following steps:

1. Put the dispenser in lock mode (this prevents ice from emptying onto the floor if the dispenser paddle is accidentally pressed).
2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the dispenser pocket and ice chute. 
3. If there are stains that cannot be removed with just a damp cloth or sponge, a mild soap can be used. Remove any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
4. Dry any excess moisture.
5. After cleaning, unlock the dispenser.
   

Check Your Water Filter

If your ice still tastes unpleasant after cleaning your ice maker, it may be time to take a look at your water filter. "Replace the water filter and then flush the line, dispensing on and off for approximately five minutes," Johnson says. After reinstalling the water filter and cleaning the dispenser, dispose of the first new batch of ice.