Okay, so I finally got around to cleaning my GE ice machine the other day. It wasn't making ice quite as fast, and honestly, the cubes maybe tasted a tiny bit... off. Time for a clean.

Getting Started

First thing I did was grab the bottle of GE ice machine cleaner I keep under the sink. Make sure you get the stuff actually meant for these machines, that's important.

Then, I went over to the machine. Safety first, always. I switched the main power toggle to 'Off'. Didn't want any surprises.

The Cleaning Process

Next up, I pulled out the ice bin. Had to dump all the existing ice. Didn't want that mixing with the cleaner. I just tossed it in the sink.

With the bin out, I looked inside the machine. Following the instructions on the cleaner bottle, I poured the recommended amount of the cleaning solution directly into the water reservoir. Then added the amount of fresh water it said to mix with it.

Put the bin back in place for the cycle. Then, I found the 'Clean' or 'Wash' cycle button on my GE model. Pressed that. The machine kicked on and started circulating the cleaning solution. It does its own thing, running the water over all the parts where ice forms.

This cleaning cycle took a little while. I just let it run until it automatically stopped.

Rinsing is Key

Once the cleaning cycle finished, the next step is super important: rinsing. You gotta get all that cleaner out.

• I drained the cleaning solution out according to the machine's instructions (mine has a drain hose).
• Then, I filled the reservoir with fresh water and ran a rinse cycle. Some machines just have you run the regular 'Ice' cycle, but discard the ice. Mine has a rinse option, basically just circulating fresh water.
• I did this rinse process three times. Added fresh water, ran the cycle, drained it. Repeat. Just wanted to be absolutely sure no cleaner taste was left.

Wiping Down

While I had things accessible, I took a soft cloth with some mild soap and water. I wiped down the inside of the bin really well.

I also paid attention to the ice chute – where the ice actually drops out. Gave that a good wipe. Made sure to dry it afterwards; don't want wet spots freezing up and blocking ice later.

That little area behind the dispenser cradle, where you push your glass, I wiped that down too. Sometimes water splashes there. A little vinegar and water works, or just the mild soap mix I was already using.

Finishing Up

After all the rinsing and wiping, I put the clean, dry ice bin back in. Checked that the drain was closed properly.

Then, I switched the main power toggle back to 'On'. The machine started its process to make ice again.

I always discard the first full batch of ice made after cleaning. Just a habit, probably overkill after all that rinsing, but makes me feel better.

And that was pretty much it. The machine's humming along nicely now, and the ice is back to being clear and tasting fresh. Definitely worth doing regularly.