There’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of ice cubes on a hot day. But have you ever stopped to think about how those ice cubes are made? Behind that simple pleasure is your hard-working Frigidaire ice maker – a trusty appliance that keeps you stocked with fresh, crisp ice whenever you need it.
Just like any other hardworking appliance in your home, your ice maker needs a little TLC from time to time. Over weeks and months of use, it’s natural for mineral buildup, grime, and even mold to accumulate inside. And let’s be honest, who wants to be sipping on a beverage with ice cubes that have a funky taste or odor?
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step process to give your Frigidaire ice maker a thorough cleaning.
Materials and Tools Needed
When it comes to cleaning your Frigidaire ice maker, having the right supplies and tools on hand can make the cleaning process much smoother and more efficient. So, let’s take a see what we’ll need:
Cleaning Supplies
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Gloves
Tools Required
- Soft-bristled brushes or sponges
- Soft cloth
- Cotton swabs or toothpicks
- Medium-sized spoon or spatula
- Towels or paper towels
Preparation
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to prepare beforehand in order to stay safe.
Safety Precautions
1. Unplug the Ice Maker: Always start by unplugging your ice maker from the power source. If the ice maker is integrated into your refrigerator, turn off the ice-making feature and, if possible, the entire fridge to avoid any electrical hazards.
2. Wear Protective Gloves: Protect your hands from any cleaning agents or sharp edges inside the ice maker by wearing gloves.
3. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: Instead use mild, non-abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals can damage the surfaces of the ice maker.
4. Remove Removable Parts: Take out any removable parts, such as the ice bin, ice maker assembly, or water reservoir.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Remove Removable Parts
Before doing anything, make sure that your ice maker is turned off. This prevents accidental operation during cleaning.
Next, carefully remove the ice bin, empty it, and set it aside. Now depending on your model, you may also have to take off the ice scoop and other detachable components. You can find the detachable components of your ice maker in your user manual.
Before moving on, take note of the order of disassembly, so reassembly won’t become a puzzle for you to solve.
Step 2: Clean the Exterior
Start with creating a cleaning solution. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Now, dip a soft cloth in your cleaning mixture (soapy water), and use it to clean the exterior surfaces of your ice maker. This includes the freezer walls and the bottom tray.
After cleaning, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Properly dry it using a clean towel – this prevents water spots or streaks.
Step 3: Clean the Interior
With the exterior cleaned, it’s time to focus on the interior parts of your ice maker. Start with preparing a vinegar solution – mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water.
Use a cloth or a sponge soaked in the solution to clean the interior walls, ice mold, and ejector arm. For stubborn mineral deposits that won’t go off, allow the solution sit before scrubbing it gently with a soft-bristled brush.
Now, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any vinegar residue, and dry the interior with a clean towel.
Step 4: Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing
If you notice a large buildup of mineral deposits, spray the vinegar solution liberally over all the interior surfaces and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping it off. Scrub any remaining scale with an old toothbrush.
Next, mix 2 tablespoons of bleach with 1 quart of warm water (ie., the sanitizer). Apply this mixture on all interior surfaces and allow it sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, rinse it thoroughly with plain water to remove any bleach residue.
Now, use a clean cloth to dry all surfaces before you start reassembly.
Step 5: Clean and Reassemble Removable Parts
Wash the ice bin, ice tray, and ice scoop with warm soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.
While that’s going on, inspect all the parts for any remaining dirt or mineral deposits. If you find any, you can use a baking soda paste (baking soda and water) to remove them.
When they are all dry, carefully reassemble all removable parts in the reverse order of disassembly.
Step 6: Run a Cleaning Cycle
If your ice maker has a cleaning cycle, you can add a cleaning solution like Affresh ice machine cleaner to the water reservoir. Alternatively, you can add a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part distilled white vinegar.
Start the cleaning cycle according to your model’s instructions. You can run it at least two times to properly circulate the solution.
Do not use any ice produced during these cycles. Properly discard them – this ensures that there’s no cleaning solution in the system.
Step 7: Final Rinse and Dry
After completing the cleaning cycle, fill the water reservoir with clean water and run another cycle. This important step rinses out any remaining cleaning solution.
Make sure to also discard the ice produced during the cycles. Also, ensure that all parts are dry to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Post-Cleaning Maintenance
After thoroughly cleaning your Frigidaire ice maker, do these:
Resetting the Ice Maker
Many Frigidaire ice makers have a reset button or switch that should be pressed after cleaning. This resets the ice maker’s sensors and settings, allowing it to function correctly after the cleaning process.
Running a Test Cycle
Once the ice maker has been reset, it’s a good idea to run a test cycle or two. This helps in confirming that your cleaning was successful and that the ice maker is functioning well.
Replacing the Water Filter
Maintaining water quality is important for the taste and clarity of your ice. Make sure to replace the water filter regularly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations — which is typically every six months.
Conclusion
Congratulations! This is the end and your Frigidaire ice maker looks so clean. But know that this isn’t the end. To keep your ice maker clean and operating like it should, then you have to maintain it.
Remember to carry out regular maintenance at least every six months. If you think six months is too long to remember, then you can mark your calendar to help you remember – and you do, make sure you stick with the routine.
By keeping your Frigidaire ice maker in top condition, you can enjoy perfectly chilled drinks anytime.
FAQs
How do I Turn on Self Clean on my Frigidaire Ice Maker?
Activating the self-clean mode on your Frigidaire ice maker is easy. You can activate it by pressing a combination of buttons. But, the exact buttons will depend on your model. The general method involves holding the “Clean” or “Self Clean” button for a few seconds. To be sure, check your user manual for the right instructions.
How do I Reset my Frigidaire Ice Maker?
Resetting your Frigidaire ice maker usually involves a simple process:
- Unplug the ice maker for about 5-10 minutes.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Locate the reset button (often near the ice maker’s control panel) and press it until you hear a beep or see the indicator light change.
This should reset the machine and help resolve minor issues.
How do I Force my Frigidaire Ice Maker to Cycle?
To manually start an ice-making cycle:
- Locate the control panel of your ice maker.
- Press and hold the “On/Off” or “Ice” button for a few seconds to initiate a cycle.
If these steps don’t work, refer to your user manual as the procedure can vary depending on the model.
What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Yeast Mold Inside an Ice Machine?
The best way to remove yeast is by using a cleaning solution. You can do this:
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Now, turn off your ice maker and remove any remaining ice.
- Use a soft cloth or a sponge soaked in the solution to wipe all the interior surfaces.
- Finally, rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry before turning your ice maker back on.
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Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
