Providing ice is a valuable service, whether you’re serving a community or a health care facility. Ice is also classified as a food by the FDA, so it’s essential to meet all cleanliness standards. Here are some guidelines for maintaining a commercial ice machine to ensure it functions properly. 

3 Commercial Ice Machine Maintenance Tips 

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Different ice maker brands tend to have different cleaning procedures, so review the instructions for your unit. For example, some ice makers need to be taken apart before cleaning, while others come with automatic processes.

You also need to use the recommended cleaning and sanitizing solutions to avoid causing damage. 

2. Clean at Least Twice a Year 

Defer to your ice maker instruction manual for the right cleaning frequency. Otherwise, clean it at least once every six months. This will ensure the machine works as intended, but you can also clean the maker if you notice certain signs. 

If your ice has started to look cloudy or tastes off, the time has come for cleaning. Machines producing smaller quantities of ice may also need maintenance.

3. Take Care When Cleaning 

When cleaning your commercial ice machine, wear all the recommended protective gear, including safety goggles and rubber gloves. Also, don’t combine the cleaning and sanitizing solutions, which can produce toxic gases. 

Unless the instructions specify otherwise, first empty the ice, then launch the clean cycle. Add cleaner as indicated, and disconnect the ice machine once the cycle completes. Take out the removable parts and soak them in a diluted cleaning solution while you use a cloth or soft brush to scrub all the surfaces and parts in the machine. Lastly, sanitize the parts before reassembly. 

Does your commercial ice machine need maintenance? Contact the professionals at Pacific Ice Services in Honolulu, HI. In addition to providing your ice machine with timely care, these experts can service refrigerators, freezers, and water filtration systems. Call them today at (808) 839-6839 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.