How Often Does a Commercial Ice Machine Need to be Cleaned?
Keeping Your Ice Clean
As a business owner who uses commercial kitchen equipment, you know equipment can be expensive. Ice makers can be one of those expensive pieces of equipment. As such, you want to care for them to ensure the longest lifespan possible. One common thought that crosses the mind of a commercial ice machine owner is how often they need to be cleaned. You may also ask yourself what the importance of cleaning them is, after all, they only have water and ice in them right? Wrong, even though you just have ice and water running through your machine there is still a chance for contamination. Having contaminated ice can get you into trouble with health inspectors. The FDA classifies ice as food. One piece of bad ice can ruin the entire batch, and being at fault with FDA guidelines during health inspections can result in a hefty fine.
Clean Twice a Year – Every 6 Months
The simple answer is that your commercial ice machine needs to be cleaned at least once every six months. However, depending on the type of ice machine and its location, it may need deep cleaning every three months. It is critical that you clean all areas of your ice machine from the interior, exterior and compressor, to the ice machine’s storage bin. To clean your ice machine, you will need to remove all of the ice, ensure the machine is off, and clean it with the appropriate commercial ice machine cleaner and sanitizer. There are specialized cleaners that can be purchased for commercial ice machine cleanings. Cleaning and sanitizing all areas of your ice machine ensures you are providing your customers with clean ice cubes for the next six months until your next cleaning. Staying on top of regular cleaning and sanitizing procedures of your ice maker, and all of its nooks and crannies, can save you time, money, and headache in the long run.
Water Filters
When you clean and sanitize your ice machine, also change the water filter(s) to provide fresh water for the ice in the machine. Changing the filter(s) is another way to ensure your consumers are getting quality ice free of bacteria.
Regular Ice Machine Checks
Ice can be contaminated by a dirty ice bin, unsafe ice handling, airborne contaminants such as dirt and dust, and the water used to make the ice. A regular wipe down of ice machine parts with a spray bottle, cleaner, and nylon brush to remove any built-up dirt or debris can help.
At Smart Care Equipment Solutions, we understand the importance of cleaning and sanitizing procedures for your commercial ice machine. Cleanliness standards and knowing the right mixture of cleaners to use and the timeline to follow for all ice machine components is vital. From preventive maintenance to commercial kitchen equipment tips and tricks, we are here to help!