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Maintenance and washing of your ice machine appropriately are important. Failure to care for ice machines effectively may affect the health and safety of your clients.
Moreover, regular cleaning helps to maintain the quality of the ice, increasing the performance of the ice machine, and extending its life. This machine has pumps, sensors, and valves that could have scale accumulated on them if not washed regularly and properly. The scale leads to the growth and multiplication of molds and bacteria in the ice.
That is why you need an excellent cleaner for your ice machine to kill and prevent them from growing or multiplying.
You need to learn the steps to follow when cleaning your ice machine to avoid damage or partial cleaning, which could cause it to hold on to living bacteria and molds. You also need to know the recommendations from the manufacturer on the most suitable cleaner in case it is an Original Manufacturer Equipment (OME) part.
This article offers you the steps on how to wash an ice machine, offers various cleaning products’ full information, and explains various Original Manufacturer Equipment parts and their compatible manufacturer’s equipment.
The most recommended ice machine cleaner in this review is Affresh W11179302. It warrants the complete removal of scales and deposits in icemakers that are free-standing or attached. Affresh W11179302 is easy to use, favors your value for money, and has a pleasant flavor. It can be used on most parts like the evaporator and the bin. More about this product is reviewed below.
The features of a cleaner determine its suitability for purchasing. Although some of them are optional to the user, it is important to note their benefits before opting them out. Most of the time, all the features are considered necessary for the selection to be effective. The following are the key features to consider when choosing the necessary cleaner and determining where to buy ice machine cleaner.
Brand Name | Affresh |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Safely removes scales and deposits |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $ |
Brand Name | NU-Calgon |
Volume | 1 gallon |
Special Feature | Highly concentrated |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$$ |
Brand Name | Essential Values |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Compatible with all ice machines |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $ |
Brand Name | Scotsman |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Approved by original equipment manufacturer |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$ |
Brand Name | FirstBuild |
Volume | 2.5 oz |
Special Feature | Designed for opal nugget ice maker |
Formula | Odorless formula |
Price | $$$ |
Brand Name | IMPRESA |
Volume | 8 oz |
Special Feature | Great for all brands |
Formula | Nickel |
Price | $$ |
Brand Name | Manitowoc Ice |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Genuine replacement part |
Formula | Safe for food |
Price | $$ |
Brand Name | Nu Calgon |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Does not contain Sodium Hypochlorite |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$ |
Brand Name | Kenmore |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Compatible with most ice makers |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$$ |
Brand Name | Nu Calgon |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Best for manitowoc |
Formula | Nickel safe |
Price | $$$ |
The perfect cleaner for ice machines should have a special formulation capable of getting rid of mineral build-up from the machine and maintain the cleanliness for a longer time. An example is a nickel-safe formula made to get rid of these build-ups on nickel-plated surfaces. When buying a cleaner, you should consider the following aspects.
The washing of the machine should be performed using any of the listed cleaners in the article. You can still use the selected cleaner as a home depot ice machine cleaner.Ice machine cleaners should have self-explainable how to use guides and instructions. A cleaner should be specialized to clean almost every free-standing or attached ice machine for efficiency. The instructions manual should include numerous common languages for better understandability by different users from different origins.
The perfect cleaner should be compatible with numerous brands and makers of ice machines. This can be concerning whether it is an Original Manufacturers Equipment (OME) part or a universal cleaner.
An ice machine cleaner and sanitizer should not be overpriced. You should research the standard price before making a purchase. It should also not be too cheap to question its quality and cleaning capacity.
It is advisable to check on the instructions from the cleaner’s manufacturer for the specifications of your model. You should also read the manual of your ice maker to make sure it can be cleaned using the available cleaner or sanitizer. The following steps should guide you on the general cleaning of an ice machine:
You already know and understand what product types to expect in the market due to the knowledge you have gained. This article provides you with the details you need to know about various ice machine cleaning products, including their product description, key features, and the pros and cons. We have provided this information to enable you to familiarize with the products easily and understand each of their constitution and purpose.
You can now look at the following cleaners for ice machines:
Brand Name | Affresh |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Safely removes scales and deposits |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $ |
Manufactured by Affresh®, the product does not harm nickel surfaces on ice makers, thus nickel-friendly. This means that it is a citric or phosphoric grade of food that has a special formulation. It is designed to be used in cleaning all free-standing ice machines. It includes the evaporator, the bin, and filters.
This product’s key features are as follows: it has a special formulation to get rid of hard water and build-up of mineral from the machine’s surfaces. It helps to keep it clean and produce ice with a pleasing taste. It is compatible and multipurpose. It is specially made to clean inside every model and make of free-standing ice machines.
It weighs one pound and product dimensions of 2.5 x 3.63 x 7.88 inches. This product is white, made with an ABS material, and is packed in quantities of one item package. It is ranked among Amazon’s best sellers at position 3,009 in Home & Kitchen and position 5 in Coffee & Espresso Machine Cleaning Products. The product was first available on the 10th of April, 2018.
Brand Name | NU-Calgon |
Volume | 1 gallon |
Special Feature | Highly concentrated |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$$ |
This product is factory-made by Nu-Calgon Inc. It ensures the cleanliness of the ice maker, safety, and readiness to offer water in frozen form for every person. It is designed for machines that have evaporators made of nickel plates. Nu-Calgon Inc 428708 is friendly to food surroundings. It is concentrated to assist you in removing scale on surfaces.
It contains 8.78 pounds of weight and dimensions of 3 x 2 x1 inches. Its part number is S1-428708, with the model number of 428708, green in color, and packaged in measures of 1. It’s ranking among Amazon’s best-selling products is #8,140 in Industrial & Scientific, #106 in Commercial All-Purpose Cleaners, and #4,241 in Household Cleaning. The product was first released on the 6th of June, 2011.
Brand Name | Essential Values |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Compatible with all ice machines |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $ |
Every person often considers budgeting before buying something. Essential Values cleaner is recommended because it suits every person’s ability to buy with a budget. This product can be used four times per bottle. This explains one bottle can last for a year or more. It is 100 percent nickel-safe and a powerful product, thus high efficiency. This ice machine descaler reinstates the full performance of the machine.
The features of Essential Values cleaner include the following: it has universal compatibility. This product can be used with every type of ice maker, virtually including commercial, under-counter, kitchen, flake, countertop, and residential. It does not harm nickel, chrome, and stainless steel. It is made with a safer and non-toxic formulation.
Manufactured by Essential Values, this cleaner weighs 1 pound and has dimensions of 3x3x8 inches. EV-IceMachine-Cleaner is its model number. It is ranked by Amazon among its best-selling products at #21 in Appliances and #14 in Ice Makers.
Brand Name | Scotsman |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Approved by original equipment manufacturer |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$ |
It is an ice machine cleaner solution that leads to ice systems of high efficiency and superior performance. It is specially made for Scotsman equipment. Scotsman 19-0653-01 Clear1 Cleaner 16oz is a part of the replacement of the equipment of the original manufacturer. This feature makes it more preferred to other cleaners because it is reliable and good performing. It is specially made for Scotsman ice machine systems.
This product is manufactured by Scotsman. It has dimensions of 2.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds. The product’s number is SC19-0653-01. Amazon has ranked it #1,744 in Industrial Scientific, #259 in All-Purpose Household Cleaners, and #33 in Commercial All-Purpose Cleaners among its best-selling products.
Brand Name | FirstBuild |
Volume | 2.5 oz |
Special Feature | Designed for opal nugget ice maker |
Formula | Odorless formula |
Price | $$$ |
It is produced to maintain the efficiency of Opal routinely to eliminate scale internally and externally and retain the fresh taste of the ice. This ice machine cleaner solution has very minimal smell and is much effective. The kit has a pair of 2.5-ounce bottles of solution for cleaning, sponge, a piece of cloth for cleaning, and four Q-tips.
The following are the features of First Build OpalCleaningKit01:
This product is manufactured by First Build, and its manufacture number is OpalCleaningKit01. It weighs 8 ounces with product dimensions of 1.5 x 1.5 x 5.63 inches. First, Build OpalCleaningKit01 is green in color, and its material is plastic. The installation method is the countertop, item package quantity is one. Second, Build OpalCleaningKit01 is ranked among Amazon’s best-selling products at position 6,415 in Tools & Home Improvement and position 822 in Parts & Accessories. The product was first available on the 28th of June, 2018.
Brand Name | IMPRESA |
Volume | 8 oz |
Special Feature | Great for all brands |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$ |
This product eliminates hard water mineral deposits, thus avoiding deterioration. It is compatible with all ice makers and a powerful cleaner. It is friendly and thus a nickel-safe cleaner. The 2-Pack cleaner contains a pair of bottles in every pack. Each bottle has four times of usage. It works great with all of the icemaker’s major brands.
2-Pack ice maker cleaner is manufactured by IMPRESA, and its part name is 2pkice. Its weight is 1.35 pounds, while package dimensions are 8.5 x 6 x 2 inches. Amazon has ranked it among its best-selling products at position 8,800 in Tools & Home Improvement and position 1,137 in Parts & Accessories by Amazon. The product was first available on the 9th of May, 2019
Brand Name | Manitowoc Ice |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Genuine replacement part |
Formula | Safe for food |
Price | $$ |
This cleaner is designed for Manitowoc ice machines that offer state of the art services to the industry of food and drinks. Manitowoc Ice 000000084 is an OME part for Manitowoc ice makers. The reason for its recommendation is its good performance, and it is reliable.
This product has product dimensions of 13 x 13 x 11 inches and a weight of 1.3 pounds. Its model number is MAN000000084, and UPC is 851332085131. It has been ranked by Amazon among its best sellers at position 101 in Commercial All-Purpose Cleaners, 7,028 in Industrial and Scientific, 746 in All Purpose Household Cleaners, and position 9 in Freezer Parts and Accessories.
Brand Name | Nu Calgon |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Does not contain Sodium Hypochlorite |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$ |
This ice machine cleaner and sanitizer ensure a bacteria-free environment in the ice machine, thus preventing the growth of molds. It is designed as an ice machine sanitizer, where it is often used after generally cleaning the machine using other solutions. It can also be used in general cleaning of the ice machine.
Manufactured by Nu-Calgon, this product has a volume of 473 milliliters and a weight of 1 pound. Its model number is BD4087 and part number B007PAXFGE. The dimensions of this product are 8 x 2 x 2 inches. This product is ranked among Amazon best sellers at #8 in Bulk Quantity Hand Sanitizers, #3,246 in Foot, Hand & Nail Care Products, and #236 in Hand Sanitizers.
Brand Name | Kenmore |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Compatible with most ice makers |
Formula | Nickel-safe |
Price | $$$ |
It is designed for 50# OEM 4396808P. It acts as an ice maker descaler for this equipment. It is made with nickel-safe formula 16 Oz that helps in safe removing of deposits and scale on attached and free-standing ice makers. Kenmore 16Oz Cleaner is in position 177,408 in Home & Kitchen, and #431 in Replacement Upright Vacuum Filters by Amazon among its best-selling products.
Brand Name | Nu Calgon |
Volume | 16 oz |
Special Feature | Best for manitowoc |
Formula | Nickel safe |
Price | $$$ |
This product is designed with nickel safe formula 16 Oz and is also a sanitizer for ice makers. It has an ice machine cleaner and sanitizer bundle, which requires no rinse after application. It is ranked among Amazon’s best-selling products at position 91,186 in Health & Household, and position 1538 in All-Purpose Cleaners.
The following are some of the questions that most people usually ask about ice machine cleaners:
The final decision to determine the best brand to purchase among the listed cleaners is upon you. I am sure that you can choose the best brand considering the information provided in this article. The Original Manufacturer Equipment (OME) parts should be used with their ideal compatible manufacturer’s equipment for them to be reliable and effective. Reading the manufacturers manual for directions on how to use a given ice machine cleaner solution is a paramount step before starting the cleaning process to ensure proper cleaning and preventing harm to the ice maker. Also, check whether your ice machine is nickel-coated and that you use a cleaner formulated to be nickel-coating friendly to avoid damage. Are you still not sure which ice machine cleaner to use on your ice maker? Do you doubt the effectiveness and efficiency of various cleaning products? Are you wondering where to buy ice machine cleaner and how to go about the purchasing process? Ask your questions in the comment section and let me advise you based on my professional experience and knowledge. You can also share your thoughts and ideas in the comment box regarding the information you have obtained from my article. It would be my pleasure to read your views.The full cycle of sanitization is about 20 minutes. Push the “wash” or “clean” button on the ice machine, then watch the display until it prompts you to pour the sanitizer to the channel of water. Wait for the sanitizing cycle to finish then set the machine to produce ice.
The ice machine should be washed and sanitized according to the recommendations of its manufacturers. Generally, ice machines that are used commercially must be washed and sanitized about 2 to 4 times every year using an effective commercial ice machine cleaner. It should rely on the capacity of usage, the location of the machine, and the state of the water.
The best method to prevent molding in your ice maker is to normalize washing and sanitizing. Consider two times of cleaning per year. Make sure that the environment you keep the ice machine is free from dust, yeast, or other airborne particulates.
Periodical cleaning of ice machines is important for the prevention of calcium and lime build-up, which results in the formation of scale.
Image Credits - Amazon.com, Photo Stocks.
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Yvonne Ferguson is a culinary enthusiast and dedicated cooking tech reviewer. She’s constantly looking for the most up-to-date products and information to share with IceMakersHub readers. Yvonne enjoys making family-friendly recipes while sharing tips on choosing handy appliances for a healthy life.
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