Commercial Ice Machine Maintenance: A Complete Guide

Maintaining commercial ice machines is crucial for any business that needs a consistent supply of ice, from restaurants and bars to hotels and hospitals. Neglecting routine maintenance can result in problems like reduced ice production, poor ice quality, increased energy consumption, and the growth of mould, bacteria, and other contaminants.

The challenges of ice machine maintenance often stem from their constant operation in demanding environments. Mineral buildup from water, fluctuating ambient temperatures, and the sheer volume of ice produced can all contribute to wear and tear.

Here’s an overview of everything you need to know for effective commercial ice machine maintenance in your business.

Why is ice machine maintenance important?

Here’s why properly maintaining your commercial ice machine is so important:

Preserving Appliance Longevity

Regular maintenance prevents wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your ice machine and maximising your investment. Consistent upkeep reduces the risk of major breakdowns and costly repairs.

Consistent Functionality

Proper maintenance guarantees a reliable and uninterrupted ice supply and ensures that the machine is producing high quality ice in the correct amount.

Health and Hygiene

Routine cleaning and disinfection prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mould, and other contaminants. They also ensure that the ice produced is safe for consumption, protecting customers and staff from potential health hazards.

Finally, adhering to strict hygiene standards helps businesses comply with health regulations and maintain a positive reputation.

Ice machine cleaning and maintenance schedule

Maintaining a commercial ice machine can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it is completely manageable. To take the guesswork out of the process, we’ve developed a practical, actionable cleaning and maintenance schedule that breaks down exactly what you should be doing and when to do it.

Daily cleaning and maintenance

Daily maintenance of your machine should include a thorough cleaning of the exterior with a food-grade cleaner and a cloth. Don’t neglect the ice and water dispensing spouts if your unit has them.

The ice scoop and its storage container should be washed daily, and a quick visual inspection of the ice bin once per day to check for any visible buildup is good maintenance practice.

Weekly cleaning and maintenance

In addition to the daily cleaning and maintenance, once a week, you should conduct a more in-depth visual inspection of the machine’s interior to be sure there are no issues building up that the daily cleanings aren’t handling.

Weekly visual checks are always essential for finding worn or damaged parts promptly before they go out or cause damage to other components or the ice maker itself. 

Monthly cleaning and maintenance

Monthly upkeep tasks should include an interior cleaning of the ice storage compartment (including the ice drop flap) with a neutral cleaner and cloth. If bagged ice is used, freezers should also be cleaned and sanitiszed monthly.

Additionally, the ice machine should be thoroughly inspected for signs of needing repair, and the water filter should be checked to ensure everything is in order.

Every 3-6 months cleaning and maintenance

Every three to six months, more extensive cleaning is required. This includes disassembling and cleaning removable components such as water lines, air filters, vents, and the condenser. This period also necessitates a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all internal wetted surfaces to prevent the growth of Legionella and other harmful organisms.

Annual cleaning and maintenance

Once a year, a complete sanitation of the machine should be performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using either a chemical disinfectant or heat flushing with a mild chlorine solution or hot water.

This annual deep clean should also include inspections of door gaskets for leaks, checks for rodent or insect infestations, replacement of feeder lines as needed, and verification of proper air gaps in water inlet tubing.

Ice machine cleaning maintenance checklist

Here’s a point-by-point checklist for ice machine cleaning and maintenance (suitable for less frequent but thorough cleaning), such as every six months, with some important factors that you should know.

This checklist provides general guidance only. Specific procedures may vary depending on your make, model and type of ice machine. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed cleaning and maintenance recommendations.

1. Disconnect Power and Water Supply:

• Before starting any maintenance, be sure the ice machine is completely unplugged from its power source to prevent electrical hazards.
• Turn off the water supply to the machine and disconnect the water line to prevent spills.

2. Empty and Discard All Ice:

• Remove all ice from the storage bin and discard it. This prevents contamination during the cleaning process.
• Allow the unit to warm up to room temperature to help with the removal of any remaining ice or frost.

3. Disassemble Removable Components:

• Carefully disassemble all removable parts that come into contact with water (such as water lines, filters, and ice chutes) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• This allows for proper cleaning of all these components.

4. Clean and Sanitise Removable Parts:

• Wash all disassembled parts by scrubbing away any mineral deposits, mould, or other buildup.
• Sanitise the parts using a food-grade sanitiser or a mild chlorine solution. Then rinse thoroughly with fresh water and allow it to air dry.

5. Clean the Interior of the Machine:

• Wipe down the interior surfaces of the ice machine, including the storage bin, evaporator, and any other accessible areas.
• Pay close attention to crevices and corners and then rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry with a clean.

6. Inspect and Clean the Condenser:

• If accessible, inspect the condenser coils for dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any buildup.
• Be very careful not to damage the delicate fins on the condenser.

7. Check and Replace Filters:

• Inspect the water filter and air filter (if applicable) and replace them if they are dirty or clogged. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement intervals.

8. Sanitise the Machine:

• Prepare a sanitising solution (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) or use a 50-100 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution. Circulate the solution through the ice-making and storage systems.
• Drain the sanitising solution and flush the machine with fresh water until all traces of the solution are gone.

9. Reassemble and Test:

• Reassemble and secure the cleaned components.
• Reconnect the water and power supplies and run a test cycle to ensure the machine is working correctly and producing clean ice.

10. Inspect for Leaks and Damage:

• Closely check all water lines and connections for leaks.
• Check door gaskets and other seals for damage.
• Inspect for rodent or insect infestation.

Ice machine troubleshooting guide

Troubleshooting common issues with commercial ice machines is essential for keeping everything in proper working order. By understanding the most common potential problems and their solutions, you can minimise downtime, ensure consistent ice production, and extend the lifespan of your unit.

Finding and resolving minor issues early can prevent them from turning into major breakdowns that can cost more time and money in the long run.

Here are some common ice machine problems and troubleshooting tips:

Ice machine not producing ice

If your machine is not producing ice, there are a few common culprits you should check when troubleshooting the issue. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Power supply issues: Check the circuit breaker and be sure the machine is properly plugged in and getting power.
• Water supply problems: Check that the water supply valve is open and that there are no kinks or blockages in the water line.
• Frozen evaporator: If the evaporator is frozen, defrost the machine and check for issues with the defrost cycle.
• Dirty filters: Clean or replace the air and water filters.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: Check that the internal thermostat for the unit is working and reading correctly.
• Refrigerant leak: Check that your unit has refrigerant and that there are no leaks. A refrigerant leak should be inspected by a qualified technician.

Ice machine leaking water

Water leaks can occur from various locations or components, and for various reasons. Here are some of the more common issues and how they should be handled:

• Loose water line connection: Check for loose or damaged water lines and connections.
• Damaged seals or gaskets: Inspect door gaskets and other seals for cracks or damage.
• Clogged drain line: A blocked drain line can cause water to back up and leak.
• Cracked or corroded evaporator plate: A cracked or corroded evaporator plate should be inspected by a qualified technician.

Low ice quality

Low-quality (cloudy, soft, or off-tasting/smelling) ice can be caused by quite a few issues. Here is what you should keep an eye out for and what you can do about them.

• Water quality issues: Test the water quality and consider installing a water filtration system.
• Dirty water filter: Replace the water filter.
• High water temperature: Warm water can result in soft or cloudy ice. Ensure the water supply temperature is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
• Mould or bacteria growth: Perform a deep clean of the machine.

Small or hollow ice cubes

You may find that your machine is producing small, hollow, or otherwise misshapen or improper ice. In these cases, there are a few things you’ll want to check. Here are some of the most common causes for this issue: 

• Low water pressure: Insufficient water pressure can result in smaller or hollow cubes. To resolve this issue, check the water pressure and ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Dirty evaporator plate: Mineral buildup on the evaporator plate can hinder ice formation. In this case, clean the evaporator plate with a mild descaling solution.
• Refrigerant issues: Low refrigerant can cause these issues. If you suspect an issue, have a technician check the refrigerant levels.

Browse Bromic commercial ice machines

You should now understand why proper maintenance of commercial ice machines is important. You also have an actionable approach to when and how you should be cleaning your unit and how to troubleshoot some of the more common issues you may encounter.

At Bromic, our machines are maintenance-friendly, and we provide ongoing support to help you keep your machine in the best possible working order. Browse Bromic commercial ice machines today and find the product you need in your business.