Okay, so today was the day I finally got around to tackling the ice machine cleaning. It's one of those jobs you put off, but honestly, it needed doing. The ice wasn't looking as clear, and you just know stuff builds up in there over time.

Getting Started

First things first, I switched the machine off completely. Cut the power at the source, just to be safe. Didn't want any surprises. Then, I opened it up and scooped out all the remaining ice. Tossed that straight into the sink to melt.

The Cleaning Process

Next, I took out all the parts that come off easily. You know, things like the water distribution tube, the scoop, the baffle plate – whatever bits are designed to be removed for cleaning. I carried these over to the sink.

I mixed up the cleaning solution, the stuff specifically made for ice machines. Followed the instructions on the bottle for the right amount of water. Gave those removable parts a good soak and scrubbed them down. Used a soft brush to get into the little corners.

While those were soaking, I tackled the inside of the machine. Sprayed the cleaner solution onto the surfaces inside – the walls, the base, the evaporator plate. Let it sit for a few minutes, like the bottle said, to loosen up any scale or gunk. Then I got in there with a cloth and a brush again, gently scrubbing away anything I could see. Had to be careful not to damage anything delicate.

Sanitizing Step

After the cleaning solution did its job and I wiped it down, it was time to sanitize. Rinsed out my bucket and mixed up the sanitizing solution, again following the product directions carefully. Sprayed the sanitizer thoroughly over all the same internal surfaces I had just cleaned. Also dipped the removable parts into the sanitizer after they were clean.

The sanitizer usually needs to sit for a specific amount of time without rinsing, so I just let it air dry mostly, making sure all surfaces were coated.

Rinsing and Reassembly

Even though the sanitizer often doesn't require rinsing, I gave the removable parts a quick final rinse with fresh water just to be sure, before drying them off with a clean cloth. For the inside, I mostly just let it air dry after the sanitizing step as recommended for the product I used.

Once everything was dry, I started putting it all back together. Slotted the water distribution tube back in, replaced the baffle plate, put the scoop back in its holder. Just reversed the disassembly process.

Finishing Up

With everything back in place, I turned the power back on and started the ice-making cycle. Now, this is important: I always throw away the first couple of batches of ice it makes. Just a precaution to make sure any leftover cleaning or sanitizing solution is completely flushed out.

After tossing the first two batches, the ice started looking good – clear and fresh. Definitely worth the effort. It’s running smoothly now, and it’s good knowing we've got clean ice. It’s a task I try to keep up with regularly now.