Maybe your ice maker isn’t working as well as it used to and you think it might be because of all the dust and dirt that’s built up inside of it. Or maybe you just moved into a new place and the freezer has been neglected for a while.
In either case, learning how to clean the ice maker in the freezer is a simple process that doesn’t require a lot of supplies or effort.
Follow these steps to get it cleaned up in no time.
Unplug the Ice Maker From the Freezer
When cleaning the ice maker, it’s important to unplug it from the freezer. This will prevent any accidental spills or electric shocks.
Remove the Ice Bin and Dump Any Ice Cubes That Are in It
To remove the ice bin, you’ll need to find the screws that hold it in place and remove them. Once the screws are out, you can pull the ice bin straight out. If there are any ice cubes inside, dump them into a bowl or the sink.
Remove the Screws That Hold the Ice Maker Cover in Place
There are four screws that hold the ice maker cover in place. They are located on the back of the ice maker, near the top. Carefully remove the screws, be careful not to lose them, and set them aside.
Remove the Cover and Set It Aside
Once you have removed the screws, carefully lift the cover off of the ice maker and set it aside. Be careful not to lose the screws, as they will be needed to put the cover back on later.
Clean All of the Dust and Dirt From Inside the Ice Maker
There are a few different ways to clean the dust and dirt from inside the ice maker. The easiest way is to use a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum all of the dirt and dust from the inside and outside of the ice maker.
Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, especially around the tubing.
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can also use vinegar. Pour a cup of vinegar into a bowl and dip a toothbrush into it. Brush all of the vinegar onto every surface of the ice maker, including inside its tubing.
Let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off with water.
Reattach the Cover and Plug in the Ice Maker
Once you have finished cleaning the ice maker, it’s time to reattach the cover and plug it in.
First, reattach the cover by placing the screws back into their original locations and tightening them up. Be sure to have the cover facing the correct way before you screw them in, as it will be difficult to fix if it’s on backward.
Once the cover is in place, plug in the ice maker and wait for it to start making ice cubes again. It might take a few minutes for the ice maker to get going again, so be patient.
Conclusion
Cleaning the ice maker in your freezer is a simple process that doesn’t require a lot of supplies or effort. If your ice maker is looking a little dusty and dirty, follow these steps to get it cleaned up in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean the ice maker with bleach?
No, you should never clean the ice maker with bleach. Vinegar is the only safe cleaner to use.
Why did my ice maker stop working after I cleaned it?
It’s possible that the vinegar damaged some of the internal components of the ice maker. If this happens, you might need to replace the ice maker.
Can I use another type of cleaner instead of vinegar?
No, you should only use vinegar to clean the ice maker. Other types of cleaners could damage it.
My ice maker is still dirty after I cleaned it. What do I do?
If the ice maker is still dirty after you’ve cleaned it, you might need to use a stronger cleaner. Try using a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
