Block ice machine deicing, block ice machine disinfection skills

De-icing and cleaning a block ice machine is a very simple task. First, make sure you have everything you need to perform the process. Make sure you have an approved block ice machine cleaner and an EPA-approved sanitizer. It is important to wear safety glasses and gloves during this process, as using a block ice machine can cause burns, and all ice must be removed from the trash before beginning.

Next, find the control box. If your machine has the block ice machine on top of the dustbin, the control box is located above the dustbin behind the front panel.

Below are the detailed steps for the deicer. Remember that you will have to sanitize after this process:

1) Turn off the water supply to the block ice machine.

2) Enter the control box and push the ICE/OFF/WASH switch to the WASH position.

3) Hold the PURGE switch until all water is drained from the sink.

4) Turn off the machine.

5) Safe cleaner, dilute per directions so there is a gallon solution. Pour the gallon of solution into the sink.

6) Switch the machine to WASH to circulate the detergent through the machine. Run for 15 minutes to remove sediment.

7) Switch the machine to OFF to end the wash cycle.

8) Remove the splash guard and check the evaporator and spillway for mineral residue. If residue remains, wipe it off with a clean cloth.

9) Unscrew the brass thumbscrew and plastic clip from the pipe and remove it.

10) Remove the water distribution tube by rotating it and sliding it out of the outer tube.

11) Clean the water distribution pipes with a bottle brush to remove any scale.

12) Reassemble the water pipe making sure the pipe hole and bump indicator are on top.

13) Clean the sink with a clean cloth. If a large amount of scale, minerals or slime has accumulated in the groove due to poor cleaning, hold the PURGE switch until the groove is empty. Then, take it out and clean it in the sink with a mixture of descaling solutions. If there is only mild buildup, the tank can be cleaned during the following sanitization process.

14) Turn the water supply to the block ice machine back on and fill the sink.

15) Turn the machine to WASH and let the fresh water circulate for two minutes. Then press and hold the PURGE switch for two minutes until all the cleaning solution has been rinsed away.

16) Fill the tank with fresh water again and repeat step 15.

17) Transfer machine to ICE and make two batches of ICE cubes, discard both batches.

18) Turn off the water supply to the machine and hold the PURGE switch to clean the sink.