How often does an ice machine need to be cleaned? August 14 2026, 0 Comments
Manitowoce ice machines and really any ice maker requires regular cleaning. The length of time between cleanings will vary per location and dependent on incoming air and water quality.
The minimum recommended time between ice macine cleanings is 6 months.
The 6 month cleaning recommendation is also based on doing a thorough cleaning, with parts removals, sanitizing, and descaling. Simply setting an ice machine to 'clean' is not sufficient to maintiain production or meet certain health standards. In addition, some locations require much more frequent cleanings, where internal components can be removed and sanitized.
Why clean an ice machine?
- Increase ice machines longevity.
- Meet sanitation requirements.
- Maintain optimal efficiency and production.
- Create better tasting and more visually appealing ice.
A clean ice machine will typically last and perform much longer than a neglected piece of equipment. Proper care and cleanings helps reduce the load on certain components, reducing the amount of emergency repairs needed. This also lowers the overrall cost of ownership, allowing you to keep an older machine in service longer.
Efficiency and production is also a primary factor in cleaning an ice machine at regular intervals. If you live in the midwest, you know we have been dealing with another heat wave, which lowers typical ice machine production. That 300lb air-cooled ice machine might only be production 100lb a day, due to how hot the ambient temperature is. If the machine is clean, it has an opportunity to produce more ice and use fewer resources.
Improve the time it takes to clean.
Having proper water filtration can speed up the cleaning process and potentially extend the time between necessary cleanings. However, remember to keep your water filters changed regularly as well, for optimal water filtration.
It also helps to be familiar with your ice machine and the cleaning procedure. Most ice machines have a very specific cleaning regimen, that can be found in their installation, use and care manuals. IceMakerPartsShop.com also recommends keeping a Service Technicians Handbook around for a more detailed explanation of components and proper service and cleaning techniques.
Download your Service Technicans Handbook for free directly from Manitowoc by clicking on this link.
https://manitowocice.sysonline.com/Default.aspx
