Commercial ice machines can produce hundreds of pounds of ice a day, with some large machines able to make up to thousands of pounds daily.
Keeping your commercial ice machine clean should be a priority if you want it to keep running properly. Follow this step-by-step guide from your trusted commercial refrigeration expert to clean your ice machine the right way:
How to Clean a Commercial Ice Machine
Dispose of Any Leftover Ice
The first step is to drain the ice bin and remove any leftovers that have not yet been melted. In order to do this, you will need to shut off the main power supply to your machine and shut off the water supply. This will isolate the ice-making equipment so you can safely remove the ice without any chance of electrical shock.
After the machine has been shut down, you can remove the ice from the bin before you go on to clean the machine.
Check the Air Filters
Air filters should be changed regularly to keep your ice machine running properly. These filters are usually located near the fan, and if they are not changed, they can clog and slow the fan down. This can lead to your machine being inefficient if the fan is not working at full capacity. Air filters should be changed once every two months.
Once you have changed the air filter, you can check the electrical wiring and ensure it is not loose, frayed, or damaged. However, if you suspect any of the wirings is damaged, you should contact a qualified professional to repair it.
Clean All Removable Parts
The parts of your commercial ice machine that you can remove should be cleaned regularly to keep your machine operating properly. This will include the condenser, evaporator, and any other removable parts. First, you should remove any excess ice from these parts. You can clean them with hot water, soap, and a brush.
You can also remove the ice machine’s drain pipe to clean out any dirt and debris by hand. While you are there, check the end of the drain pipe and make sure that it is not frozen closed. If the drain pipe freezes, it can potentially damage the interior of your machine.
Clean the Condenser
The condenser is the part of your machine that is used to condense the water vapor. Condensers should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits on the cooling fins. You can do this by using a spray bottle with light bleach to clean the condenser fins. Using a solution of hot water, chlorine bleach, and a few drops of vinegar will help to prevent mineral deposits from forming.
Sanitize the Commercial Ice Machine
You will also want to sanitize the ice machine. The best way to do this is to fill the machine with hot water and add a small amount of chlorine bleach or muriatic acid to it. Allow the chemical to sit in the machine for at least 30 minutes. This will not only sanitize the machine but will also remove any previously-melted ice.
After the machine has been sanitized, you should run two cycles of cold water through it to cool it back down before you put it back in service. While it is cooling down, you should clean up any spills and make sure that nothing is left behind in the machine.
Conclusion: Commercial Ice Machines
Commercial refrigeration units like ice machines can be a big investment, and you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth out of the equipment. Keeping your machine clean is one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the maximum amount of service out of it. By cleaning your machine regularly, you can minimize the need to have costly repairs and replacements.
R&R Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is a team of commercial refrigeration experts that offers services including installation, maintenance, and repair in San Jose, CA. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services!