An ice maker, like any kitchen appliance, requires cleaning and proper maintenance. A clean ice maker produces clear ice and is free from bad taste. But when you fail to clean the ice maker machine, the ice absorbs food odor and gets an awful taste. The flavor comes along with a smell, and the ice looks unpleasant.
The build-up of dirt on your machine and the accumulation of water forms mold. What happens when the device gets mold? After the build-up, you later find yourself consuming it, which can be risky to your health. For your safety, it’s best to learn how to get rid of black mold in the water dispenser and prevent it.
Cleaning Ice Maker Water Dispenser
Before you start cleaning your ice maker, ensure you unplug it from power to avoid electric shock. There are various methods you can apply to clean your ice maker. You can consider using homemade products like vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and commercial ones.
Items You Need
- Cleaning soft cloth
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Soft toothbrush
- Paper towels or a dry cloth
- Dish soap
- Bleach
Using Vinegar Solutions
- With the machine unplugged, take out all the removable parts. Next, remove the ice bin and empty any accumulated ice cubes. Then, again, remove any accessible parts using a screwdriver for thorough cleaning.
- Drain water out of the reservoir using the drain plug on the side of the machine.
- Prepare a solution of the ratio 10:1 warm water and vinegar, also have a soapy solution.
- Dip a cleaning cloth in the soapy mixture and wipe the machine’s interior walls and exterior sides. Next, rinse the ice maker well with water and pat it dry with a cloth.
- Later, use the toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas. Dip the toothbrush in a vinegar solution and use it to clean those dirty areas in contact with the ice. Clean the dirty ice maker tray and inside the dispenser. The brush also helps to clean ice mold and scrub away the scaly water deposits.
- Clean the removable parts like a scoop, ice baskets, etc., with soap. Rinse them well, and place these parts inverted to dry.
- You can still consider disinfecting your ice maker before using it again. Use a dilute bleach, one tablespoon bleach, to one gallon of water.
Note: Rinse the ice maker parts thoroughly with clean, warm water. Make sure all the vinegar, soap, and bleach scent are no more. Again, before rinsing, consider running your ice machine through several cycles for the cleaning solution to clean the whole unit.
- Dry the ice maker machine components before reassembling them. Remember, any moisture can freeze and crack the plastic parts.
- Later reassemble the unit and plug it in to start the ice production process.
Using Commercial Products
The best products you can use includes;
- Essential values ice machine cleaner– this product serves two purposes as a cleaner and descaler.
- Afresh ice machine cleaner– you can use the cleaner on the storage bin and other machine parts.
- Opal cleaning kit– keeps your machine fresh by removing the internal and external scale.
Instead of having vinegar as your cleaning solution, use your favorite cleaner above to wipe down your machine. It’s best if you use a soft sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe the device. Remember to rinse it thoroughly after the procedure and dry all parts.
Baking soda paste and Dish soap
- Like the procedure above, ensure you unplug the machine and remove any accessible parts.
- Prepare the cleaning solution, baking powder paste, and a soapy mixture. Use the soapy solution and a cleaning cloth to clean the interior and exterior walls of the machine.
- Remember also to wipe down the ice basket, scoop, and other removable parts. Later rinse them well with warm water and dry them.
- Using a toothbrush, dip it in the powdered paste and scrub the scaly parts gently inside the machine. Keep scrubbing until you remove all dirt.
- Rinse the ice maker thoroughly with warm water and dry it.
- Reassemble the parts, connect the ice maker to power and run several cycles as you dispose of the ice. The practice ensures you get rid of any cleaner remains and dirt inside.
How Do I Get Rid of Black Mold in My Water Dispenser?
You can remove the mold in the ice machine by melting it out and cleaning it with vinegar. Prepare a cup of warm water and have white vinegar at standby.
- Pour warm water through the ice mold. A cup of warm water will melt away any ice residue stuck in the mold.
- Using white vinegar, rinse the mold. Vinegar helps to eliminate any mold, mineral residue and make the ice tray clean.
- After, rinse the ice tray thoroughly with clean water.
Another way to get rid of mold in your machine is using bleach. Make a dilute solution of bleach, 5 cups of water, and one teaspoon of bleach. Use the solution to clean the areas around the water reservoir, inside walls where molds are likely to form. Make sure you remove all the mold, then rinse the machine well.
You can still consider purchasing a commercial product on Amazon. Use this product to clean your ice maker and get rid of molds. It’s worth a trial if you don’t have any homemade solution.
How Do Keep Mold from Growing in My Ice Maker?
The machine’s air filter is the first line of defense in preventing the growth of mold. The air filter traps mold preventing them from growing. Though the air filter may not be 100% accurate, it’s a great move to ensure your air filter is functional.
Other ways to keep mold from growing is by performing regular maintenance of the machine as follows;
- Doing deep cleaning on your machine regularly at least once a month to keep it free from mold. But weekly, you can wipe down the ice maker with a clean cloth and rinse it well. Later dry the machine, and you will enjoy the great taste of ice.
- Using clean water when refilling the reservoir; otherwise, dirty water can be a point of ice contamination.
- If going on a vacation, unplug your machine. Wash the unit, dry it and store the maker well. Keeping a wet ice maker will encourage the growth of molds.
- Descale your portable ice maker. Once in a while, you should carry out the practice to remove the calcium build-up inside the unit. The mineral deposits can encourage mold growth and also make the machine malfunction. Use a commercial product like or a homemade product like vinegar.
Is the Mold in My Ice Maker Water Dispenser Dangerous?
The mold in your ice machine is risky to your health. The mold acts as a habitat for bacteria and fungus to grow. When you ingest these germs, they can lead to infections. Again, the ice can contract some common bacteria like salmonella, E.coli, Shigella leading to other illnesses.
Check this too: Do Air Purifiers Really Help with Mold?
Does Vinegar Kill Mold?
White vinegar is a weak acid that helps kill around 82% of mold species. The solution can also prevent mold growth in the future. For it to be effective, ensure you use undiluted vinegar. Again, you can add some lemon juice to make it stronger.
Conclusion
Always keep your machine clean for hygiene purposes and also to enjoy tasting ice fresh. Use any of the above cleaning methods to get rid of dirt and prevent mold from growing. Also, carry out various maintenance practices like keeping your machine dry to keep off the mold. Again, remember also to descale the machine to prevent more dirt build-up and slime.