Kold-Draft Ice Machine Cleaning
When it comes to making large batches of ice, Kold-Draft has a wide selection of solutions to get the job done. Their line of commercial ice machines is used in various restaurants, hotels and other commercial kitchens and businesses. To keep making quality ice, routine cleaning and sanitizing is a must. Below are instructions for Kold-Draft ice machine cleaning.
This guide is for GB and GT models.
Machine Cleaning Procedures
Kold-Draft recommends that you clean these machines every 3-6 months depending on your facility’s water conditions. Remember to wear rubber gloves and goggles during cleaning. Also, make sure you don’t use ammonia solutions or mix cleaner and sanitizer together.
- Step 1. Mix your cleaner – On GB and GT55X machines, mix a bag of 55R-01000 Ice Machine Cleaner in 2 qt. of warm water for each evaporator or water plate assembly. On GT3XX machines, mix half a bag of 55R-01000 Ice Machine Cleaner in 1 qt. of warm water.
- Step 2. Prepare the machine – If the unit is operating, wait for the harvest cycle starts and the water plate begins to close before setting the “ICE-OFF-WASH” switch to “WASH.” Then, remove the ice from the bin and turn off other ice makers on the same bin.
- Step 3. Remove the water level control tube – Once the water fill is completed, flip the “ICE-OFF-WASH” to “OFF.” Remove the water level control tube from the cap by pining the water level control hose. Hold the tube high to prevent it from overflowing.
- Step 4. Add cleaner to the machine – Release the hose and pour about half the cleaning solution into the tube. Place the tube on the cap as you pinch the water level control hose. Pour the remaining solution into the control stream box.
- Step 5. Let the water circulate in the machine – Flip the “ICE-OFF-WASH” switch to “WASH,” and let the cleaner circulate for about 15 minutes. Pull the right side of the water plate down before the pump stops. Hold it until the pump won’t restart when released.
- Step 6. Allow the machine to rinse out cleaner – The water plate will open and dump the cleaner before it closes instantly. The water system will then refill. To rinse all the cleaning solution out effectively, repeat the dumping and refilling process three times.
- Step 7. Mix your sanitizer – Mix 2 oz. of 5.25% of sodium hypochlorite with 1 qt. of clean water. Sodium hypochlorite is a household bleach or an equivalent.
- Step 8. Add sanitizing solution to the machine – Follow steps 3 and 4 to add sanitizing solution to the machine’s control tube and the remaining sanitizer into the control stream box.
- Step 9. Let water circulate in the machine – Follow instructions in step 5. Allow the sanitizing solution to circulate for about 15 minutes before dumping and rinsing twice. If necessary, reset the water level probes to their proper levels.
- Step 10. Clean and sanitize accessible parts – While the cleaning and sanitizing cycles are in progress, rinse and sanitize parts in the ice-making compartments. Use clean cloths to wipe down the components. Use a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup of baking soda per 1 gal. of warm water. Use a sanitizing solution of no less than 1 tsp. of 5.25% of sodium hypochlorite per quart of clean water.
- Step 11. Check the machine and reinstall parts – Once cleaning and sanitizing is done, flip the “ICE-OFF-WASH” switch to “ICE” to make sure the cuber and water level probes are working properly. Reassemble the parts and secure the cabinet enclosure panels.
Bin Cleaning Procedures
Kold-Draft recommends that you clean the bin periodically. If the bin’s drain has a horizontal run, remove the ice from the left side and flush it with 2 qt. of hot water once every month. If it has long drain lines, flush it once every week. Also, make sure you don’t use ammonia solutions, appliance polishes, finish preservatives or cleaners in the storage bin.
- Step 1. Clean the exterior frequently – Make sure to clean the exterior of the bin regularly. Use a soft cloth, warm water and mild dish soap.
- Step 2. Empty the bin and clean the interior – Empty the storage bin and unplug the power cord connected to the ice maker. Clean the interior by following the instructions supplied with the bin.
- Step 3. Clean the panels, pan and door – Remove the inspection panel, drain pan and the top, left and right end panels. The sliding bin door can be taken off by lifting them up and pulling out from the bottom.
- Step 4. Reinstall panels, pan and door – Once the cleaning is completed, reinstall the enclosure panels, drain pan and door. Then, plug the unit back into the outlet.
- Step 5. Clean the ice maker – Follow the machine procedures above or in the operator’s manual.
For more Kold-Draft ice machine cleaning instructions, check out our Kold-Draft manuals online.