Have you ever noticed that your ice cubes coming out of the Frigidaire Ice Maker weren’t as crystal clear and clean-tasting as they could be? If so, it might be time to give your beloved appliance a good cleaning.
Maintaining your ice maker regularly can help ensure that your ice cubes come out clean and pristine. And it’s not as difficult as you may think. With the right tools and supplies, a little bit of time, and following these simple steps, you can keep your Frigidaire Ice Maker in tip-top shape.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why it’s crucial to clean your Frigidaire Ice Maker, the tools and supplies needed, and then go over the steps to get that machine running like new. So let’s get started!
Reasons to Clean Your Frigidaire Ice Maker
There are several noticeable signs it’s time to give your ice maker a good cleaning. Below are the most common ones:
Ice tastes bad: Ice should only taste like the water used to make it. If you’re noticing an off flavor or smell coming from your ice cubes, it may be due to a buildup of calcium, minerals, and other impurities.
Calcium buildup: Over time, mineral deposits can build-up inside the ice maker’s reservoir, especially if you have hard water. This can cause your ice cubes to come out cloudy or have an off-taste. Cleaning the reservoir regularly will help prevent this from happening.
Smelly ice bin: All automatic ice makers have either a removable bin or basket that holds the frozen ice cubes. These bins often come in contact with liquids and other surfaces which can transfer odors to the ice maker if not kept clean.
Signs of mold or mildew: Mold and mildew typically appear in the form of dark spots or discoloration on the inside and outside surfaces of your ice maker. This is often due to improper storage when not using the ice maker or poor maintenance. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew on the inside of your ice maker, it’s best to take care of it right away.
Dirty ice: If your ice cubes come out looking murky or dirty, it’s likely due to the buildup of impurities in the reservoir. Over time these impurities can make their way into your ice cubes and be a source of contamination.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before you get started on cleaning your Frigidaire Ice Maker, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand. These include:
- Warm water
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft brush
- Chlorine bleach
- Mild dish soap
- Descaling solution or vinegar
Steps to Wash and Clean Your Frigidaire Ice Maker
Now that you have all the necessary tools and supplies, it’s time to get started on cleaning your ice maker.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the ice maker.
The first thing you’ll want to do is to make sure your ice maker is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet. This is to avoid any possible electrical shock or malfunction while you’re cleaning it.
If the unit has recently been used and is still cold, let it sit for at least 30 minutes to defrost and cool down before you start.
Step 2: Remove the ice bin and any other removable parts.
All Frigidaire ice makes have a removable ice bin and drip tray. Some may have additional parts that can be removed such as shelves and filters.
Set these aside in a safe place for later. Drain any water out of the reservoir and main compartment.
Step 3: Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent.
If your ice maker only needs a basic cleaning, you can use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent to wipe down the insides and outside of the appliance.
Make sure to get into all nooks and crannies, such as the corners, sides, and edges.
You can also add a few drops of chlorine bleach to the cleaning solution to help remove any bacteria or mold that might be present.
Step 4: Scrub away any dirt or grime with a soft brush.
For tougher stains or caked-on dirt, you may need to use a soft brush (a toothbrush works fine).
Dip the brush in warm water and mild detergent and scrub away any tough spots. Rinse off the brush regularly in between cleaning different areas and as it gets dirty.
Step 5: Clean the ice bin and other removable parts.
Place the ice bin and any other removable parts into a bowl of warm water, mild detergent (dish soap), and a dash of bleach.
Let them soak for at least 10 minutes and use the soft brush to scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse off with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Step 6: Remove any build-up of minerals.
If your ice maker has not been cleaned for a while, you may find a build-up of scale or mineral deposits inside the appliance.
To help remove this build-up, fill the ice bin halfway with either a descaling solution or white vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes before giving it a good scrubbing and rinsing.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of all the build-up. So, keep checking and scrubbing until the surface feels smooth.
Step 7: Replace the parts and run a batch of ice.
Once all your supplies have been cleaned and dried, replace them back in the ice maker. Plug it back in then run a batch of ice to flush out any remaining cleaning solution or vinegar.
Be sure to dispose of the first batch of ice after it’s finished. This will help to get rid of any remaining soap or bleach, giving you cleaner and tastier ice cubes.
Tips to Maintain a Clean Frigidaire Ice Maker
Cleaning your Frigidaire ice maker regularly can help to maintain its performance and efficiency as well as keep your ice tasting great.
Here are a few tips to help keep your ice maker clean:
Empty the ice bin: The ice bin should be emptied and wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent on a regular basis. This will help to prevent any build-up of ice or moisture that can lead to bacteria growth.
Maintain the filter: If you have an ice maker with a built-in water filter, make sure to wash it regularly and replace it when needed. This will help to keep the quality of your ice high and reduce any potential odors or discoloration in the ice.
Wash removable parts as needed: The ice bin and any other removable parts should be washed with dish soap to keep them fresh and clean. You should check your user manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Wipe down the exterior: Most Frigidaire ice makers are small enough to sit on the countertop and will often get splashed with water or have fingerprints on the exterior. Once a week, make sure to give it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Deep clean periodically: Apart from a quick wipe down every week, it is important to do a deep clean of your ice maker once every 6 months or as needed. This will help to get rid of any build-up or grime that may have accumulated over time.
Regular descaling: Descaling your ice maker with a commercial solution or white vinegar can help to keep any build-up of minerals at bay. You can do this during the routine “Deep clean”, but you may also need to do it more frequently if your water is particularly hard.
Run regular cleaning cycles: Many modern Frigidaire ice makers come with a special cleaning cycle feature. This helps to deep clean the unit and remove any bacteria or odors on a regular basis. Make sure to go through the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before running this cycle, as it can be quite powerful and damaging if used incorrectly.
Following these tips can help to ensure that your Frigidaire ice maker remains in top condition for a long time. Regularly cleaning and maintaining it will not only keep it working properly, but also give you great-tasting ice cubes every time.
Conclusion
Keeping your Frigidaire Ice Maker clean is essential for its performance, efficiency, and taste. Follow these steps to make sure you’re giving it a thorough cleaning each time.
Don’t forget to empty the bin after each use and descale every few months or when you notice a mineral buildup. Make sure to run a batch of ice and dispose of it after each cleaning, so your ice tastes great and is free from any soap or bleach residue.
With the right care and maintenance, you can make sure your Frigidaire Ice Maker stays in top shape!