Moisture breedsissues such as mold, scale, and slime growth.

If you care for your machine, it will continually produce great ice.

Here’s how to ensure your ice maker consistently produces good-quality ice for the long haul.

How to clean a countertop ice maker hero image

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Check for calcium build-up before beginning.

You’ll want to presoak the reservoir, bucket, or removable parts using non-diluted vinegar for 15 minutes.

Rinse, then continue with cleaning as usual.

Materials to clean a countertop ice maker

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Turn Machine Off and Remove Parts

Turn off the ice machine and unplug it.

Take out the ice bucket and dump out the ice.

Remove the stopper from the reservoir to drain it over the sink.

Preparing the countertop ice maker for cleaning

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Take off any detachable parts, like the ice scoop and drip tray.

Use a sponge to scrub off any debris.

For tougher stains or scale, scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Cleaning the detachable parts of the ice maker

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Wipe Interior With a Vinegar Solution

Mix a solution of vinegar and water at a 1:10 ratio.

Dip a microfiber cloth or paper towel in the solution and wipe down the interior of the machine.

Gently rub to dislodge any buildup.

Cleaning the ice maker’s interior

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

For built-up gunk in tight crevices and corners, use a toothbrush to scrub those areas clean.

Rinse the interior of the machine with water.

Wipe Exterior With a Vinegar Solution

Mix a fresh cleaning solution of 1:10 vinegar and water.

Cleaning the ice maker’s exterior

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Dip a clean microfiber cloth in the vinegar mix and wipe the exterior of the machine.

This should remove any dirt, fingerprints, or smudges.

Use a clean cloth to dry the ice maker’s exterior.

Running a cycle after cleaning

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

you might now put all the removable parts back and plug in the machine.

Wipe down the counters, clean the microwave, anddegrease your kitchen cabinets.

you could do this while the ice maker is running its two ice-making cycles.

Vinegar is a food-safe alternative to cleaning solutions designed for the ice maker.

To use it, pour a 10-part white distilled vinegar ratio to one part water into the water reservoir.

execute the cleaning cycle.

The item needs to be thoroughly rinsed.

Be aware that bleach can affect some inner parts and is not considered safe for human consumption.

Do not use any ice that comes into contact with bleach residue particles.

Some countertop ice makers have self-cleaning programs; however, not all do.

If this feature is important

Mold and Health.

United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals.American Lung Association.