What are the benefits of regular ice machine cleanings?

Did you know the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers ice food? So having a clean ice machine is important. Common signs that you need an ice machine cleaning include your unit producing less ice or a decline in the quality of ice. But, don’t wait until your ice machine is showing these signs before you decide that it is time to get it cleaned. Be proactive about the cleanliness of your commercial ice machine with regular cleanings.

Reasons for regular cleanings:

1. Eliminates unsanitary conditions

Bacteria, mold, and fungi thrive in the cold, dark and damp environment of ice machines. The growth of these organisms inside of your ice machine creates a health hazard for anyone consuming the produced ice. Therefore, regular ice machine cleanings help prevent the growth and spread of these organisms.

2. Ice quality improves

Due to the bacteria, mold and fungi growth, dirty ice machines produce cloudy, partially formed, odd tasting or odd smelling ice. If you want your ice machine to produce the best quality ice possible, maintaining a clean ice machine is important.

3. Operates more efficiently

In addition to quality and sanitation improvements, a clean ice machine will yield its entire production capacity. In other words, you will get the most out of an ice machine when it is clean. Dirty, unmaintained ice machines also consume more kilowatt hours per pound of ice yielded, making it less energy efficient. Additionally, a regularly cleaned ice machine will have its service life extended and the risk of it failing reduced. As a result, this will also save you in replacement and repair costs overtime.

How often should your ice machine be cleaned?

Always consult with your ice machine’s user manual when deciding how often to get your ice machine cleaned. Most recommend ice machine cleanings every six months (twice a year). However, ice machines in establishments such as ones that use yeast to produce dough in-house need cleaning more often. Our experts at RSI can help you determine your ice machine cleaning requirements.

Ice Machine Water Filters

Water filters are also an important element in ice machines. Water filtration systems assist ice machines by reducing mineral buildup caused by hard water. A RSI representative can assist you in the proper application selections that will work best with your specific needs.

Keeping ice machines clean with UV light

In addition to the recommended regular ice machine cleanings, UV light in your ice machines is a great option to assist in keeping your ice machine clean and reduce its risk of becoming a health hazard.

What does UV light in ice machines do?

• Prevents the formation of bacteria, mold, and fungi inside the machine.
• Controls bacteria growth in hard-to-clean areas.
• Kills viruses.
• Assists the ice machine in producing cleaner, more clear ice.

UV light damages the genetic material in the cells of living organisms. It destroys the cells’ ability to reproduce or causes inactivation by causing mutations and/or cell death. Therefore, when placed in an ice machine, UV light helps prevent the formation of the microorganisms that contaminate the inside of the machine. It also helps control the spread of these organisms in areas that are hard to reach and clean inside your ice machine. In addition to microorganisms, UV light can also kill viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. Overall, UV light allows ice machines to produce better quality and sanitary ice.