The Importance of Ice-O-Matic Equipment Maintenance
In order to keep your Ice-O-Matic equipment producing sanitary ice at the standard you expect, it’s crucial you follow the company’s recommended cleaning and maintenance guidelines. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of your Ice-O-Matic ice maker helps ensure the ice you serve is clear, tastes pure, and is free of any contaminants that may be harmful to you or your customers.
Keep reading to learn more about Ice-O-Matic’s instructions for cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining your ice machine.
Always check the spec sheets provided with your specific Ice-O-Matic model to make sure you’re following the most up-to-date instructions for your machine.
Ice-O-Matic Cleaning & Sanitizing Instructions
Even with professional installation and connection to a reliable, potable water source, your Ice-O-Matic equipment requires regular cleaning to minimize the potential of contaminants getting into your ice. Note that cleaning is not the same as sanitizing, which should be done after cleaning is completed.
Before you begin, make sure your ice maker is not currently in the middle of an ice cycle. It’s recommended you wear gloves and protective eyewear as you’ll be working with chemicals. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the front panel on your ice machine.
- Initiate a harvest cycle: Press and hold the power button for three seconds to begin a harvest cycle. When it’s finished, your machine will automatically switch off.
- Access the water reservoir: Remove the top cover and splash guard to reveal the curtain and water reservoir.
- Initiate a clean cycle: Press the clean button to switch the machine out of off mode and begin a clean cycle.
- Add descaling solution: Water will begin to circulate. Once it does, add Ice-O-Matic’s nickel-safe descaling solution. Check the literature that came with your machine to see the amount of cleaner required for your model.
- Prevent splashing: Replace the splash guard and top cover to prevent water or chemicals from reaching floors, walls, or surrounding equipment.
- Wait for cleaning to finish: After about 25 minutes, the cleaning cycle will finish, and the machine will automatically shut off.
- Complete descaling: Press the clean button again to complete the first phase of cleaning your ice machine. Now, it’s time to sanitize.
Sanitizing your ice machine is an important step that should always directly follow a cleaning cycle. While cleaning will remove debris and limescale buildup, the sanitizing cycle removes pathogens like harmful bacteria, mold, and fungus from inside your machine.
- Repeat previous steps: Ice-O-Matic instructs operators to repeat the steps required of a cleaning cycle, but with the company’s own nickel-safe sanitizing solution added instead of the cleaning solution.
- Allow the cycle to complete: Like the cleaning cycle, the sanitizing cycle will take about 25 minutes to complete.
- Finish up: After sanitizing is complete, wipe down the exterior of the ice machine with a clean rag to remove any traces of chemicals.
- Initiate the ice cycle: After you finish wiping down your machine, press the power button to begin a new ice cycle.
- Replace the front panel: Screw the front panel back onto the machine until you’re ready to clean your ice maker again.
To ensure pure and consistent results, Ice-O-Matic recommends using its own name-brand, nickel-safe cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
Cleaning and Sanitizing the Ice Bin
The above steps are specific to the interior of your Ice-O-Matic production head, but the ice storage bin also requires maintenance to keep your ice free of contaminants. To clean and sanitize the ice bin, you’ll need to first make sure no water or ice remains in the bin and your machine is switched to clean mode.
To clean your ice bin, create a solution of clean water and Ice-O-Matic cleaner according to the specifications the literature recommends for your model. Scrub the door, track, drain, and interior of the bin using a soft cloth or brush, then allow the solution to soak for about 15 minutes to remove limescale and mineral deposits. Wash once more, then rinse with clean water.
Repeat this process with a solution of Ice-O-Matic brand sanitizing solution, then replace the bin and resume regular use.
Ice-O-Matic Ice Maker Maintenance
To keep your Ice-O-Matic equipment running smoothly, there are several accessories and additional supplies available through the company. Buying these extras made specifically by Ice-O-Matic eliminates potential issues with incompatible equipment, assuming the parts purchased are compatible with your specific Ice-O-Matic model.
- Cleaning and sanitizing solutions: As mentioned above, Ice-O-Matic offers its own cleaning and sanitizing chemicals that are recommended for use in all Ice-O-Matic ice makers.
- ADA-compliant floor-mounting kit: Install your Ice-O-Matic ice maker flush against the floor instead of mounting it on legs to comply with ADA regulations and eliminate space beneath the unit where dust and debris can collect.
- Water filter cartridges: Water filters greatly improve the quality of ice your ice makers produce. Ice-O-Matic offers a selection of replacement filter cartridges to keep your ice fresh.
- Parts and accessories: Ice-O-Matic offers replacement gear assembly kits and ice diverter kits to help you keep your machine working properly.
