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How to Clean a Manitowoc Ice Machine

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How to Clean a Manitowoc Ice Machine

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Manitowoc ice machines are some of the most reliable units out on the market today. Perfect for any commercial restaurant, hotel and bar, these ice machines are a vital part of any kitchen. To keep your unit running smoothly and producing safe-to-consume products for your customers, you should regularly clean your ice machine every six months. If it's coming up on that bi-annual cleaning, and you're not sure how to go about it, follow these steps to easily clean and sanitize your Manitowoc ice machine.

This guide provides the cleaning and sanitizing procedures for the S-Series, Indigo Series and NEO Series of Manitowoc ice machines. Popular models for these series include the SD0322A, IY0504A and UY0140A.

Items You'll Need

Before You Begin

Before you start the cleaning and sanitizing procedures for your Manitowoc ice machine, there are some important pieces of information you need to keep in mind. Failure to follow the directions and take heed may result in a void warranty, damage to your ice machine, or the production of unsafe ice.

  • Be sure to read and follow all directions and recommended mixture ratios as stated in your ice machine's user manual.
  • Do not mix Manitowoc ice machine cleaner and Manitowoc sanitizer.
  • Do not use sharp objects or force ice from the evaporator or any other major components. This could cause significant damage.
  • As stated above, cleaning and sanitizing should be completed every 6 months.

Cleaning an S-Series Ice Machine

  • Step 1. Turn the switch to the OFF position and then immediately ON so it goes into the Harvest cycle.
  • Step 2. Turn the toggle switch OFF.
  • Step 3. Remove all the ice from the bin/dispenser.
  • Step 4. Set the switch to “CLEAN.” Water will then flow through the water dump valve and down the drain. Once the water trough refills and water flows over the evaporator, you can then add the recommended amount of ice machine cleaner. Refer to your user’s manual to know how much to use for your specific S-Series model.
  • Step 5. Lift off the top to pour Manitowoc ice machine cleaner once the water starts to refill.
  • Step 6. The cleaning cycle will last approximately 35 minutes (80 minutes for S3300 models). Once it’s completed, place the switch in the OFF position.
  • Step 7. To remove the water curtain, gently flex it in the center, remove it from the right side and then slide the left pin out.
  • Step 8. Remove the ice thickness probe by compressing the hinge pin at the top and then pivot the probe to disengage each pin.
    • Note: The probe doesn’t need to be fully removed from the unit for cleaning.
  • Step 9. For single evaporator units, remove the water trough, pull down the water level probe and remove the water diverter.
    • Note: For multiple evaporator units, skip to step 10.
  • Step 10. For single evaporator units, remove the water distribution tube and its cover.
    • Note: For multiple evaporator units, remove the water trough, distribution tubes and ice dampers.
  • Step 11. Scrub or soak all the removed components and dispenser area with a descaling solution and scrub pad.
    • Note: Use a ratio of one gallon of warm water per 16 ounces of Manitowoc Ice descaler for the solution.
  • Step 12. Rinse all components and dispenser area with water.

Once clean, rinse these areas well with water. Now you can begin the sanitizing process. 

Sanitizing Procedure

  • Step 13. Scrub all removed components and the dispenser area with a sanitizing solution and a scrub pad.
    • Note: Use a ratio of six gallons of warm water per four ounces of Manitowoc Ice sanitizer.
  • Step 14. Rinse all components and dispenser area with water.
  • Step 15. Reinstall all the components for your unit in the order of how they were removed.
  • Step 16. Restore power to the ice machine, and flip the toggle switch to "CLEAN" and allow the water trough to refill until the water flows over the evaporator. This will take approximately 3 minutes. 
  • Step 17. Add the recommended amount of Manitowoc Ice Machine sanitizer to the water trough by pouring it between the evaporator and water curtain. Refer to your user’s manual for the proper amount to use. 
  • Step 18. Set the toggle switch to OFF.
  • Step 19. Repeat the cleaning and sanitizing as needed.
  • Step 20. Flip the toggle switch to the "ICE" position.
  • Step 21. Use a damp cloth to clean the unit’s exterior.

Cleaning an Indigo Series Ice Machine

  • Step 1. Access the evaporator compartment by opening the front door. Make sure there is no ice on the evaporator by waiting for remaining ice to fall after the end of a Harvest cycle, or by pressing the power switch and letting the ice melt away. 
  • Step 2. Remove all ice from the bin/dispenser.
  • Step 3. Press the clean switch. Water will then flow through the water pump dump valve and down the drain. You can add the recommended amount of ice machine cleaner after the water trough refills and the display indicates that it’s time to add the solution. Refer to your user’s manual for the proper amount of solution to use.
  • Step 4. Wait until the cleaning cycle has completed (approximately 24 minutes), then disconnect power to the unit. 
  • Step 5. Remove the necessary parts for cleaning. Refer to your manual for which components to remove and how to do so. 
  • Step 6. Create a mixture of cleaning solution and lukewarm water by following the recommended ratio in your manual. For larger mineral build-ups, more cleaning solution may be needed. 
  • Step 7. Take half of the cleaning mixture to clean all components. Soak them for 5 minutes, or up to 15-20 minutes if there is heavy scaling. The cleaning solution will foam up when it comes in contact with lime scale and mineral deposits. You can use a soft nylon brush or sponge to clean off the parts after the mixture has stopped foaming. 
  • Step 8. As the components are soaking, take the other half of the cleaning mixture to then clean food zone surfaces. Use a brush or cloth to clean areas of the ice machine like: 
    • Bin/Dispenser
    • Base (area above water trough)
    • Plastic parts of evaporator (top, bottom and sides)
    • Side walls 

Rinse all areas thoroughly with clean water.

Sanitizing Procedure

  • Step 9. Create a mixture of sanitizer and lukewarm water based on the recommended ratio in your manual.
  • Step 10. Use half of the sanitizer mixture on all components. You can use a spray bottle and apply the mixture liberally, or you can soak the components in the mixture. Don’t rinse off the parts after sanitizing.
  • Step 11. Use the other half of the sanitizing mixture to sanitize the same food zone surfaces you previously cleaned, making sure to pay attention to:
    • Bin/Dispenser
    • Base (area above water trough)
    • Plastic parts of evaporator (top, bottom and sides)
    • Side walls 
  • Step 12. Rinse all areas thoroughly with clean water. 
  • Step 13. Reinstall all removed parts. Wait 20 minutes.
  • Step 14. Restore power to the ice machine and press the “Clean” button.
  • Step 15. Allow the water trough to refill until the display indicates when it’s time to add Manitowoc Ice Machine Sanitizer. Refer to your manual to determine the proper amount to add to the water trough. 
  • Step 16. Select “Auto Ice On,” then press the checkmark before closing and securing the front door. The ice machine will start making ice automatically once the sanitize cycle has completed (approximately 24 minutes). 

Cleaning NEO Series Ice Machines

  • Step 1. Turn the switch to the OFF position once ice has fallen from the evaporator at the end of a Harvest cycle. You can also wait for the ice to melt off the evaporator after turning off the ice machine. 
  • Step 2. Remove all the ice from the bin.
  • Step 3. Press the “Clean” button to start the cleaning cycle. Water will then flow through the water dump valve and down the drain. Once the water trough refills and water flows over the evaporator, you can then add the recommended amount of ice machine cleaner. The cleaning cycle will last approximately 22 minutes. Once it’s completed, turn off the ice machine unit, then disconnect the power and water supply to the unit. Refer to your user’s manual to know how much cleaner to use for your specific NEO-Series model.
  • Step 4. Remove the proper parts from your unit. Refer to your user’s manual to determine what needs to be removed before continuing the cleaning process. 
  • Step 5. Create a cleaning mixture by combining the cleaner with warm water. Follow the recommended ratio in your user’s manual. For larger mineral build-ups, more cleaning solution may be needed. 
  • Step 6. Take half of this mixed solution and clean all of the removed components. Soak these parts in the solution for 5 minutes (or 15-20 minutes if there is heavy scaling). The solution will foam when it comes in contact with lime scale and mineral deposits, and once it has stopped foaming, you can use a soft brush, cleaning cloth, or sponge to clean off the deposits. Rinse all components with clean water.
  • Step 7. While these components are soaking, take the other half of the cleaning solution and clean all food zone surfaces of the ice machine and bin. Use a brush, sponge, or cleaning cloth to clean areas like: 
    • Plastic evaporator components (top, bottom and sides)
    • Bin sides, top and bottom

Once clean, rinse these areas well with water. Now you can begin the sanitization process. 

Sanitizing Procedure

  • Step 8. Create a mixture of sanitizer and warm water. Follow the recommended ratio.
  • Step 9. Taking half of the sanitizing solution, fill a spray bottle with it and liberally coat the parts with the solution. You can also soak these components in the sanitizing solution. Don’t rinse the components after sanitizing.
  • Step 10. Use the other half of the sanitizing solution to spray down the foodzone surfaces of the ice machine and bin. When sanitizing, pay attention to the same areas as before, like the:
    • Plastic evaporator components (top, bottom and sides)
    • Bin sides, top and bottom
  • Step 11. Don’t rinse after sanitizing.
  • Step 12. Apply food-grade OEM-recommended lubricant to all o-rings, then reinstall the removed components. Wait 10 minutes before you restore power and water to the ice machine.
  • Step 13. Press the “Clean” button once more and allow the water trough to refill, then add the recommended amount of Manitowoc Ice Machine Sanitizer to the water trough by pouring it between the evaporator and water curtain. Refer to your user’s manual for the proper amount to use. The sanitizing cycle will take approximately 22 minutes. 
  • Step 14. Press the “Ice” button to begin the ice-making process.

Exterior Cleaning

Clean the area around your Manitowoc ice machine regularly, and clean up any fallen ice or water spills as they occur. Dust and clean the outside of the ice machine as necessary with mild soap and water. Wipe with a clean cloth afterwards. If your unit has stainless steel, you can use a stainless steel cleaner. Never use steel wool or anything abrasive as this will damage the protective coating of stainless steel and allow for the possibility of rust.

For any other Manitowoc troubleshooting tips, and additional manuals or anything in between, turn to Parts Town to help keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently.

Please contact a local factory authorized service agent who can help with this specific unit and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.

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