How To Clean A Manitowoc Ice Machine January 09 2014, 3 Comments
This article will cover the steps required to properly clean the inside of a Manitowoc ice maker. Please note that depending on the size of the machine and which series, you may have some slight differences. The most common difference may be the amount of cleaner required or the frequency of cleaning.
It is recommended that you clean and sanitize your ice machine at least every 6 months, however must be done on an as needed basis. There are companies that can perform a water analysis to decide how often a cleaning may be necessary or even recommend a water filter system. If you are having problems with slime, typically with machines located near bread baking areas, I'd recommend a K-00206 Guardian Sachet.
Step 1
First turn your ice machine toggle switch to the OFF position, after the last batch of ice falls from the evaporator. Alternatively you may turn the ice maker switch to OFF and wait for the ice to melt off of the evaporator.
Step 2
To allow for easier access to the components of the ice maker, remove the top cover. This will also allow you to more easily add the cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
Step 3
Remove all ice from the bin. Depending on the cleaning and sanitizing solution you use, this may not be necessary, but is recommended. Please consult the warning labels on the cleaning and sanitizing chemical you are using.
Step 4
Move the toggle switch to the CLEAN position. At this point the ice maker will turn on, energizing the water dump valve. Once emptied, the water trough will then refill with fresh water, wait until water begins to flow over the evaporator, then add the right amount of ice machine cleaner to the trough.
Tip! Generally you can expect to add just 3 ounces of cleaner for 300-400lb cubers, 5 ounces for machines producing up to 1200 lbs, and 9 ounces on machines making between 1400 and 1800 lb of ice in a 24 hour period. Again, please consult your specific ice machine and cleaning product being used. In addition, ensure that if you are cleaning a Manitowoc cuber that you use NICKEL SAFEchemical.
Step 5
Wait until the clean cycle complete, which can take up to 30 minutes. Once hte clean cycle is complete, move the toggle switch to the OFF position and disconnect power to the ice machine.
Step 6
Remove the following parts for a more thorough cleaning.
- Water Curtain, by slightly flexing the center and pulling each individual tab out.
- Ice Thickness Probe, by pinching the hinges on the top of the sensor.
- Distribution tube, by removing the thumbscrews at the top of the evaporator and pulling it away from the sealing o-rings.
- Water Trough, by depressing tabs closest to the outside of the machine. (On applicable machines only, some troughs cannot be removed.)
- Water Level Probe, by pulling straight down from the bottom of the machine and then detaching the pig-tail of wires.
- Water Pump, by pulling the pump straight down, then unplugging from the wire harness. *Warning, do not soak the water pump motor in the cleaning or sanitizing chemical.
- Evaporator Tray, by loosening the thumbscrew on the far left bottom of the evaporator and sliding the tray left. (On applicable ice makers only, some machines are not equipped with evaporator trays.)
Step 7
Create a solution of cleaner chemical and warm water. Depending on how bad the scale build up is, depends on the solution you will mix, usually it is recommended to add 16 oz of cleaner chemical to 1 gal of water.
Step 8
Use 1/2 of the solution you created to clean all components. The solution will foam when it comes into conctact with scale build up, once the foaming stops use a nylon brush to clean the parts. Do not use any brush that would be too abrasive, it is important that you do not scratch the components. Allow parts to soak for at least 5 minutes. When finished, rinse all parts with clean water.
Step 9
While waiting for the components to soak, use the other half of the solution to clean the interior foodzones in the ice machine. Again, use a solft nylon brush to thoroughly clean the following areas:
- side walls
- base
- evaporator plastic parts, including the trim along the sides and molding
- bin or dispenser
When you are finished scrubbing the food zone areas of the ice machine, rinse with clean water.
Step 10
Mix a solution of sanitizer and warm water. We recommend using treating 6 gal. of water with 4 oz of sanitizer.
Step 11
Use half of the solution created to sanitize all components removed. Use a cloth or sponge to apply the solution to all the surfaces or simply soak all components in a large enough container. Do NOT rinse the parts after sanitizing.
Step 12
Use the remaining sanitizer solution to clean the foodzone surfaces inside the ice maker. Use a cloth or sponge to apply to the areas listed in Step 9. Do NOT rinse the sanitized areas.
Step 13
Replace all ice maker parts.
Step 14
Reapply power to the ice maker and place the toggle switch to the CLEAN position.
Step 15
Wait roughly 2 minutes until the water starts to flow over the evaporator. At this point add the sanitizer to the water trough. We recommend adding 3 ounces of sanitizer to machines producing 300-1200 lb of ice per day and 6 ounces to ice makers producing 1400-1800 lb of ice per day.
Step 16
The ice maker will stop after completing the CLEAN cycle. Place the machine in the OFF Position and disconnect power.
Step 17
Repeat step 6.
Step 18
Repeat step 10, by creating another sanitizer and warm water solution.
Step 19
Use half of the sanitizer solution to sanitize all removed components, repeating the sanitizing steps.
Step 20
Repeat sanitizing the inside of the ice maker by following step 12.
Step 21
Install removed ice maker parts, restore power, and move the switch to the ICE position.
If you have any questions about properly cleaning or maintaining a Manitowoc ice machine, please feel free to contact Ice Maker Parts Shop.
Comments
RODGER KASOMA on June 17 2015 at 09:37AM
apart from the recomended K-00206 GUARDIAN SACHET is there any chemical one can use?
Lynn - Ice Maker Parts Shop Admin on March 29 2015 at 06:47PM
@Jamnga, this article that you just posted on covers the simple steps of cleaning your ice machine. Depending on the model of course, but contains the basics for any Manitowoc machine.
Jamnga Reddy on March 25 2015 at 12:31AM
can I get easy step of cleaning or maintaining of Manitowoc ice machine