How to Clean Ice Maker | Step-By-Step Routine

Cleaning an ice maker isn’t complicated, but skipping the right order or using the wrong cleaner can leave you with cloudy, odd-tasting cubes or a machine that breaks down early. Whether you have a countertop model or a built-in unit, the process comes down to one careful sequence: power down, empty, wash, rinse, drain, and dry. The steps below follow the procedures manufacturers document in their own manuals, so they work across most brands.

Before You Start: What You Need

Gather a few basics before you touch the machine. You’ll want a soft cloth or sponge, mild dish soap or baking soda, and either white vinegar or lemon juice for descaling. If your ice maker has a self-clean cycle, check the manual for the exact button sequence and cycle length, since that varies by model. JennAir’s countertop ice maker manual recommends cleaning the interior with warm water and baking soda, using about one to two tablespoons per quart of water.

You might also consider a cleaner made specifically for ice machines. Official guidance frequently recommends using only approved chemicals or descalers for sanitizing, since household products can leave residues that get trapped in the ice.

Cleaning an Ice Maker With a Self-Clean Cycle

Many newer countertop machines include a self-clean mode that handles most of the work. Start by unplugging the unit or switching it off, then remove all ice and empty any standing water from the reservoir.

For machines with a self-clean cycle, the general procedure is:

1. Add a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar or lemon juice to the reservoir.
2. Run the self-clean cycle for about 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Drain the solution completely.
4. Refill with fresh water and run the cycle again to rinse away residue.
5. Drain, wipe the interior dry with a soft cloth, and restart the machine.

After the final rinse, the machine is ready to make ice again. If the unit still smells or tastes off, repeat the vinegar cycle once more before you restart it.

Cleaning an Ice Maker Without a Self-Clean Cycle

Built-in refrigerator ice makers and older countertop models usually need a manual approach. Whirlpool’s product help page outlines the process: turn off the ice maker, wait 5 to 10 minutes for any ice to fall into the bin, then remove all ice. Unscrew the drain cap and let the pan drain completely before cleaning.

Once drained, wash the bin and interior with warm soapy water or the baking soda solution mentioned above. Rinse thoroughly with clean water so no soap residue remains, then dry every surface with a soft cloth. Let the interior air out for a few minutes before restoring power and turning the unit back on. A clean ice maker also starts with clean water going in, so if your tap water is hard, consider filtered water for better-tasting cubes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most cleaning failures come down to a handful of repeat errors. Here’s what to skip:

• Cleaning with the bin still full. Ice insulates the surfaces you’re trying to clean, so empty the bin first.
• Using household cleaners. Abrasive, solvent-based, or alcohol-based products can crack plastic parts and leave chemical residues. Stick to mild soap, baking soda, or an approved ice machine cleaner.
• Skipping the rinse. Leftover vinegar or cleaner will freeze into your next batch of cubes, so rinse and drain thoroughly.
• Forgetting to dry. Moisture left inside can encourage mold growth between cleanings.
• Cleaning while plugged in. Disconnect power before servicing internal components.

If you are shopping for a new unit that is easier to maintain, a clear ice maker roundup can point you toward self-cleaning models that simplify this routine.

A persistent odor or slow ice production means it’s time for a cleaning even if you’re not due.