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Ice-O-Matic Cleaning Instructions

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If your Ice-O-Matic ice machine isn’t operating properly, there are a few things you should look for that may have contributed to the issue. Most ice machines are air cooled and require proper clearance to make the maximum amount of ice possible. Clearance also affects the amount of dust going into the machine, which affects the system’s ability to keep the condenser cool. If the condenser isn’t cool, your ice machine will work harder and take longer to make ice.

Here are some easy Ice-O-Matic ice machine cleaning tips and instructions for popular ICE, GEM, CIM and MFI series models.

Supplies You’ll Need

How to Clean an Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine

Before jumping into Ice-O-Matic cleaning instructions, you should know how often it needs to be done. The frequency of cleaning will depend on your local water conditions as well as another key factor: yeast. If your business is a brewery, bakery, or pizzeria, yeast in the air will make your ice machine dirty faster, so more frequent cleaning will be required.

There are multiple important steps in cleaning your ice machine:

  • Bin cleaning - After removing the ice, wipe the bin down with a mild cleaner and rinse well. This should be done at least once per week and also after the descaling/sanitizing process.
  • Descaling - This process removes lime scale from the machine. Be sure to use a nickel-safe cleaner. Important: perform descaling and sanitizing together. While descaling is often called “cleaning,” it does not eliminate harmful bacteria like sanitizing does. This process is explained in detail below.
  • Sanitizing - Performed after descaling, this process removes bacteria which could otherwise create biofilm (slime) buildup in your machine, leading to poor ice quality.
  • Condenser cleaning - Brush the dust off the condenser coils often to ensure proper operation. If you have a unit on top of a bin, the condenser is on the back of the machine at the top. If you have an undercounter unit, the condenser is on the bottom.
  • Air filter cleaning - Most Ice-O-Matic machines do not have an air filter. However, if your model does, simply remove it and rinse every 30 days.
  • Water filter change - One thing you can do to ensure your machine lasts longer is to install Ice-O-Matic water filters on the water inline to your ice machine. Swap out the old filter cartridge for a new one every six months. This is the bare minimum required to qualify for Ice-O-Matic’s seven-year parts and labor warranty. Your water filter may need changing more often based on the quality of your municipal supply.
  • Cleaning outer surfaces - It’s easy to keep stainless steel grease-free if you clean it frequently. Do not use any chlorine-based cleaners on stainless steel surfaces. Just use soap and water!

Descaling and Sanitizing an Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine

Descaling and sanitizing an Ice-O-Matic machine is a pretty simple task. First, make sure you have everything you need to perform the process. Ensure you have an approved nickel-safe ice machine cleaner as well as an EPA approved sanitizer. It is important to wear protective eyewear and gloves during this process, as the ice machine chemicals used can cause burns. All ice must be removed from the bin before beginning.

Next, find the control box. If your machine has the icemaker sitting above the bin, the control box is above the bin behind the front panel. If you have an undercounter unit, the control box is on the bottom behind the front panel.

Descaling Instructions:

Here are the detailed steps to descale ice machine. Remember, you will have to sanitize after this process:

  • Step 1—Turn off water supply to the ice maker.
  • Step 2—Access the control box and push the ICE/OFF/WASH switch to the WASH position.
  • Step 3—Press and hold the PURGE switch until all water has been emptied from the water trough.
  • Step 4—Switch the machine to OFF.
  • Step 5—Mix the nickel-safe cleaner, diluted as per the instructions, so there is one gallon of solution. Pour the gallon of solution into the water trough.
  • Step 6—Switch the machine to WASH to circulate the cleaner through the machine. Run for 15 minutes to remove deposits.
  • Step 7—Switch the machine to OFF to end the wash cycle.
  • Step 8—Remove the splash curtain and inspect the evaporator and spillway for mineral residue. If there is still residue, remove it with a clean cloth.
  • Step 9—Unscrew the brass thumbscrews and plastic clamp from the water distribution tube and remove it.
  • Step 10—Disassemble the water distribution tube by rotating it and sliding it out of the outer tube.
  • Step 11—Clean the water distribution tube using a bottle brush to remove all scale.
  • Step 12—Reassemble the water distribution tube, ensuring the tube holes and bump indicator are on top.
  • Step 13—Reinstall the splash curtain, ensuring the the bin switch arm is on the outside of the splash curtain.
  • Step 14—Clean the water trough with a clean cloth. If there is notable scale, mineral, or slime buildup in the trough due to infrequent cleaning, press and hold the PURGE switch until the trough is empty. Then, remove it and clean it in a sink with a mixture of the descaling solution. If only mild buildup is present, the trough can be cleaned as part of the sanitizing process described below.
  • Step 15—Turn the water supply to the ice machine back on and allow the trough to fill.
  • Step 16—Turn the machine to WASH and allow the fresh water to circulate for two minutes. Then, press and hold the PURGE switch for two minutes until all of the cleaning solution has been flushed.
  • Step 17—Allow the trough to fill with fresh water again and repeat the step 16.
  • Step 18—Turn the machine to ICE and make two batches of ice, discarding both batches.
  • Step 19—Turn off the water supply to the machine and purge the water trough by holding the PURGE switch.

Sanitizing Instructions:

Here are the steps to sanitize your ice machine:

  • Step 1—Mix an approved sanitizer, diluted per manufacturer’s instructions to yield one gallon of sanitizing solution and pour into the water trough.
  • Step 2—Push the ICE/OFF/WASH switch to WASH to begin circulating the solution through the ice maker. Let run for 10 minutes.
  • Step 3—While the machine is being sanitized, clean all splash areas and interior surfaces of the ice door and bin with the sanitizing solution and a clean cloth. If there are tough stains due to infrequent cleaning, use a soft brush.
  • Step 4—While the sanitize cycle continues to run, clean the condenser fins with compressed air or a soft bristle brush. A vacuum cleaner is handy to pick up the dust. Use caution as the condenser fins may be sharp. Also be careful not to bend them. If they’re bent, straighten the fins using a fin comb.
  • Step 5—Once 10 minutes has elapsed, press and hold the PURGE switch until all the sanitizing solution is drained from the water trough.
  • Step 6—Turn the water supply to the machine back on and allow the trough to fill.
  • Step 7—Turn the switch to WASH and allow fresh water to circulate for two minutes and then press and hold the PURGE switch for two minutes until the sanitizing solution has been flushed.
  • Step 8—Allow the trough to fill with fresh water and repeat step 7.
  • Step 9—The machine is now ready for operation.
  • Step 10—Replace the front panel and reinstall the panel screws using a screwdriver.

Remember: Discard the first two batches of ice produced after cleaning AND again after sanitizing!

How to Descale & Sanitize an Ice-O-Matic CIM Ice Machine 

  • Step 1. Take off the front panel – Loosen the front panel screws to remove the panel from the ice machine.
  • Step 2. Empty the ice machine – Remove all the ice in the machine before descaling your equipment.
  • Step 3. Start the harvest cycle – Press and hold the power button for three seconds to start the harvest cycle.
    • Note: The blue light will flash and turn red when the cycle is complete.
  • Step 4. Access the evaporator - Remove the upper evaporator cover, top panel, splash guard and water distribution tube.
    • Note: Do not remove the lower curtain.
  • Step 5. Start the cleaning cycle – press the CLEAN button located on the lower right-hand side of the unit underneath the power button. The cleaning cycle could last 15 minutes or longer, depending on the water pressure.
    • Note: A solid red and flashing yellow light will simultaneously display for 15 minutes during the cycle.
  • Step 6. Add descaler – Follow the directions on the bottle’s label and pour the correct amount of descaler into the ice machine’s trough.
  • Step 7. Clean the evaporator cover and splash guard – With a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, wipe down the evaporator cover and splash guard.
  • Step 8. Disconnect the water distribution tube – Disconnect the water distribution tube from its connection point above the evaporator. Take out the distribution tube from there, as well as the water spillway.
  • Step 9. Wipe down and sanitize the interior – With a soft cloth and sanitizing solution, wipe down the evaporator, spillway and splash surfaces.
  • Step 10. Descale and sanitize the distribution tube – Dismantle the distribution tube before brushing it with the descaling solution. Rinse it with a damp, clean cloth before wiping it down again, but this time with a sanitizing solution.
  • Step 11. Sanitize the upper evaporator cover and splash guard – With sanitizer and a soft, clean cloth, wipe down the evaporator cover and splash guard.
  • Step 12. Reinstall the dismantled components – Reinstall the water spillway, distribution tube, splash guard and evaporator cover.
    • Note: Make sure the holes on the distribution tube are facing down before reinstalling it into the ice machine.
  • Step 13. Start the sanitizing cycle – Press the CLEAN button located in the lower right-hand corner underneath the power button to start the sanitizing cycle.
    • Note: A solid red and flashing yellow light will illuminate to indicate the start of the cycle.
  • Step 14. Add sanitizer – Follow the directions on the bottle’s label and pour the required amount of sanitizer into the ice machine’s trough.
  • Step 15. Start the ice-making cycle – Press the CLEAN button followed by the POWER button to start the ice-making cycle.
  • Step 16. Reinstall the front panel – With a screwdriver, refasten the screws located on the bottom of the front panel.
  • Step 17. Flush out the cleaning solutions – Allow the ice machine to run for at least 15 minutes to eliminate all traces of the cleaning, descaler and sanitizer solutions. Afterward, discard the ice.

How to Descale & Sanitize an Ice-O-Matic GEM or MFI Series Ice Machines 

Descaling Instructions 

  • Step 1. Remove the front panel – Using a screwdriver, unfasten the two screws bolting the front panel to the ice machine.
  • Step 2. Remove the ice and filter – Remove all the ice and filter before you begin descaling and sanitizing your unit.
  • Step 3. Turn off the power and water supply – On the inner left-hand corner of the machine, you’ll find the power switch. Go ahead and turn it to its off position. Next, locate and shut off the water supply.
  • Step 4. Take off the water reservoir cover – Remove the cover on the water reservoir assembly located on the right wall of the ice machine.
  • Step 5. Drain the water reservoir and freezer assembly – First place a bucket underneath the machine. Next, remove the plug capping the drain tube to empty the water reservoir and freezer assembly.
    • Note: Don’t forget to return the drain to its original position when you’re done!
  • Step 6. Prepare the cleaning solution – Following the dilution instructions on the label, mix a nickel-safe descaling cleaner with warm water. You use a funnel to prevent spillage.
  • Step 7. Add descaler – Slowly pour in the descaling solution to the reservoir’s fill line. From there, wait 15 minutes for the solution to break down the scale buildup.
  • Step 8. Clean the front sensor – With a cloth dampened with diluted descaling solution, wipe off the front sensor.
  • Step 9. Rinse the filter – Rinse the filter in a sink with warm water and allow it to air dry.
  • Step 10. Turn on the power and water supply – After waiting a full 15 minutes, you can now turn the ice maker back on and open the water supply line.
  • Step 11. Add more cleaning solution – You should regularly check the reservoir levels throughout the cleaning cycle to ensure it doesn’t run out or get too low.
    • Note: Keep adding the cleaning solution until it's all used up.
  • Step 10. Turn off the power and water – Once you’ve used up all the cleaning solution, turn off the ice maker and shut off the water supply line.
  • Step 11. Drain the water reservoir and freezer assembly – First place a bucket underneath the machine. Next, remove the plug capping the drain tube to empty the water reservoir and freezer assembly.
    • Note: Don’t forget to return the drain to its original position when you’re done!
  • Step 12. Clean the reservoir water sensor – With a cloth dampened with cleaning solution, wipe off the reservoir water sensor.
  • Step 13. Rinse the water reservoir – Turn on the water supply again and rinse the water reservoir before sanitizing.

Sanitizing Instructions 

  • Step 14. Prepare sanitizing solution – Following the dilution instructions on the label, mix an EPA-approved sanitizer with warm water. You use a funnel to prevent spillage.
  • Step 15. Add sanitizing solution –  Slowly pour in the sanitizing solution until it reaches the reservoir’s fill line. From there, replace the lid and turn on the machine. Wait 15 minutes for the solution to settle.
  • Step 16. Add more sanitizer – You should regularly check the reservoir levels throughout the cleaning cycle to ensure it doesn’t run out or get too low.
    • Note: Keep adding the cleaning solution until it's all used up.
  • Step 17. Turn off the power and water – Once you’ve used all the cleaning solution, turn off the ice maker and shut off the water supply line.
  • Step 18. Drain the water reservoir and freezer assembly – First place a bucket underneath the machine. Next, remove the plug capping the drain tube to empty the water reservoir and freezer assembly.
    • Note: Don’t forget to return the drain to its original position when you’re done!
  • Step 19. Turn on the power and water supply – Turn the ice machine back on and open the water supply line.
  • Step 20. Reinstall the filter and front cover – Insert the now dry filter before reinstalling the front cover, taking care to refasten the two screws on either side of the panel.
  • Step 21. Flush out the cleaning solutions – Allow the ice machine to run for at least 15 minutes to eliminate all traces of the descaler and sanitizer solutions. Afterward, discard the ice.
  • Step 22. Clean the exterior – Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth, warm water and mild dish soap or, alternatively, stainless steel cleaner.

Additional Resources 

Need more help? Check out our vast library of Ice-O-Matic ice machine manuals for more cleaning instructions and tips.

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

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