Although ice machines require thorough cleaning at least every six months, and bins need to be emptied and cleaned regularly, the frequency of scheduled preventive maintenance depends on the ice equipment's environment.
For example, ice machines operating near bread-making equipment with airborne yeast particulates will require more attention. Some units' food zone components are easily accessible and removable for more thorough cleaning.
Water quality also impacts the required cleaning frequency of these units. Operators should install water filters to prevent mineral buildup and replace these as needed. The purest water freezes first, which means filtered water equals the fastest freeze and harvest cycles possible between cleanings.
Operators should use ice machine cleaner to remove mineral deposits and lime scale. Sanitizer is then necessary to disinfect the ice machine and bin/ dispenser. Thoroughly rinsing out the bin and purging the ice machine, as well as throwing away the first batch of ice, are crucial to ensure all chemicals have been removed from the ice-making and storage areas.
A nylon bristle scrub brush can be used to clean dirty evaporators. Air-cooled condenser filters or fins should be checked and cleaned monthly. Rooftop remote condensers should be checked for debris. Operators should dry the evaporator and inspect it for deposits.
It's important to keep this component clean as a dirty evaporator will increase harvest times, which will melt more ice in the harvest cycle and require the machine to run longer before the bin is full.
If the ice machine runs constantly, it may have been undersized for the specific application. In this case, parts will tend to fail more often. Replacement is necessary if the ice equipment is struggling to meet capacity or not producing uniform ice shapes. Also, if the unit does not produce the ice volume that the manufacturer has rated for the model, it should be replaced. If safety is compromised with an ice maker interior and/or ice bin that is corroded, rusted or has buildup, a new unit is necessary.
Ice machines typically last 10 years. To ensure a long and productive service life, correctly install ice equipment and have a qualified service agent perform planned maintenance.
