If you have an ice machine in your restaurant, you should know that keeping it clean is essential—and wiping the exterior is not enough. Having it cleaned inside and out by a company that provides refrigeration service should be a part of your regular maintenance routine. Listed below are some of the benefits this measure can offer.

3 Reasons to Have a Refrigeration Service Clean Your Ice Machine

1. Avoid Contamination

Similar to chillers and refrigerators, an ice machine is considered to be food equipment. It has to undergo occasional inspections and is subjected to the same sanitation standards as other machines in the kitchen. A neglected ice maker can turn into a breeding ground for mold or bacterial growth and contaminate food in the process. Pay attention to your machine’s water filtration system to check for microbial growth or slime-forming bacteria that can affect the taste.

2. Maximize Efficiency

Overlooking the machine’s cleaning schedule may result in reduced ice production and longer dispensing periods. Buildup or obstructions in the valves, sensors, pumps, hoses, and compressor can slow freezing or water flow, which will result in no ice. In locations with hard water, calcium and lime deposits adhere to surfaces and reduce water flow. Having it cleaned at least once every three months lets you avoid significant, costly repairs, reducing unnecessary downtimes during operating hours.

3. Extend Its Service Life

In addition to regular cleaning from your staff, have your ice maker inspected by a refrigeration service provider. While cleaning, a professional will alert you to any issues or deteriorating parts you otherwise would not have noticed until it was too late. This allows you to maintain a clean, functional ice machine for longer.

For high-quality cleaning and refrigeration service for your ice machine and other restaurant equipment, count on the experts at Commercial Refrigeration of KY in Campbellsville, KY. For over three decades, they have offered high-quality freezers, ice makers, and other kitchen equipment for restaurants and commercial clients. Call (270) 465-2910 to schedule a consultation to discuss custom kitchen solutions, or visit them online to learn more about their services.