How to Deep Clean Your Scotsman Ice Machine - Memphis Ice

Before we get into the nitty gritty of the cleaning process, take precautions for your safety and the safety of the machine. Here are some key safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from cleaning agents and debris
• Machine Shutdown: Prior to cleaning, turn off and unplug the machine to prevent accidents or electrical hazards.

To get started, you'll need a few essential tools and cleaning supplies. Gather the following items:

• Ice Machine Cleaning Solution: Choose a food-grade, non-toxic ice maker cleaner suitable for ice machines
• Soft Cloth or Sponge: To wipe down surfaces without scratching them
• Food-Grade Sanitizer: Necessary for sanitizing the ice bin and other components.
• Screwdriver: For accessing and disassembling various parts of the machine.
• Water Hose or Sprayer: Used for rinsing components during the cleaning process.
• Safety Gloves and Goggles: As mentioned earlier, these protect you during the cleaning process.

The ice bin is where the ice you serve to your customers is stored, so it's crucial to keep it clean. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Empty the Ice Bin: Start by emptying the ice bin completely.
2. Hand Washing: Scrub your ice machine with dish soap and hot water.
3. Sanitizing the Bin: Use a food-grade cleaner and sanitizer to scrub the ice bin to ensure that no contaminants are left behind.
4. Proper Drying: After sanitization, ensure the bin is properly dried to prevent any potential contamination from drying cloths or towels.

The air filter, positioned on the lower front grill, captures airborne dust during the machine's operation. As accumulated dirt gradually hinders the air circulation, it can lead to reduced efficiency in the refrigeration system. 

To maintain optimal performance, it is important to regularly clean the air filter, following these steps:

1. To remove the filter, gently slide it to the right until it clears the ice machine.
2. Wash the filter to remove accumulated dust and dirt, ideally in a utility sink.
3. Reinsert the filter back into its place within the ice machine.

Your ice machine condenser needs semi-annual cleaning to stay in peak working condition. Ensure you handle it with care to prevent any damage to the condenser fins. Here's how to clean the condenser:

1. Lightly brush away dust from the condenser to clear any surface buildup.
2. Use a vacuum to thoroughly clean the condenser, ensuring it is free from dust and debris.

Related: Ask the Experts: What’s the Difference Between Air-Cooled and Water-Cooled Ice Machines?

A clean water system is essential for preventing scale and mineral buildup and ensuring ice quality. Follow these steps to clean the water system:

1. Empty the Water Reservoir: Make sure the water reservoir is emptied to start with a clean slate.
2. Apply an Ice-Machine Cleaning Solution: Use an ice machine cleaner to cleanse the water system.
3. Running a Cleaning Cycle: Follow your machine's instructions to run a cleaning cycle.
4. Rinsing the System with Clean Water: After the cleaning cycle, rinse the system with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

The evaporator is responsible for ice production. Keep it clean for optimal performance:

1. Accessing the Evaporator: Depending on your ice machine model, your machine’s evaporator location may vary. Consult your machine's manual to locate and access the evaporator.
2. Gently Scrubbing the Surface: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the evaporator's surface. Avoid harsh abrasives that may damage it.
3. Rinsing and Sanitizing: Rinse the evaporator and then sanitize it to ensure it's free from contaminants.
4. Reassembling the Evaporator: Once clean, reassemble the evaporator according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Related: How Often Should An Ice Machine Be Serviced?

A clean exterior not only enhances the appearance of your ice machine but also promotes the hygiene of your ice. Here's how to clean the exterior:

1. Remove Dust and Debris: Begin by wiping away any dust or debris from the machine's surfaces.
2. Wipe Down with a Damp Cloth: Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with a gentle cleaning solution to wipe down all external components.
3. Sanitize Touch Points: Pay special attention to touch points like the control panel, handles, and buttons. Sanitize these areas to maintain hygiene.

To ensure your Scotsman ice machine remains in peak condition, consider enrolling in our Preventative Maintenance Program. You’ll get routine cleaning for your ice machine at the frequency you need—without any hassle. 

Regular maintenance not only prolongs the machine's lifespan but also guarantees high-quality ice production, keeping your customers satisfied and preventing costly repairs. Let us help you make cleaning and maintaining your Scotsman ice machine a routine part of your business operations! Contact us today to learn more!