Ice machines are an essential piece of equipment for many businesses, from restaurants and bars to hotels and hospitals. One of the most popular brands of commercial ice machines is Manitowoc. Manitowoc Ice Machine is well-known for its reliability and quality ice production, making it a go-to choice for many businesses.

If you own or operate a Manitowoc Ice maker, it's important to keep it clean to ensure it continues to produce high-quality ice and to prevent any potential health hazards. In this article, we'll provide a complete guide on how to clean manitowoc ice machines.

But before we dive into the Manitowoc ice machine cleaning, let's first take a closer look at what a Manitowoc ice machine is and how it works. Manitowoc ice machines are designed to produce large quantities of ice quickly and efficiently. They work by freezing water onto a plate or evaporator, which is then harvested as ice cubes or flakes. Manitowoc ice machines are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including modular, undercounter, and countertop models, so there's an option to fit any business's needs.

If you're considering buying an ice machine, it's important to know what to look for in order to make an informed decision. Here's a Ice making machine buyers guide to help you choose the right ice machine for your needs.

Table Of Content: Types of manitowoc ice machines and their benefits S-Series Ice Machine Indigo Series Ice Machine NEO Series Ice Machines What is the best way to clean a manitowoc ice machine? What items do you need to clean a manitowoc ice machine? Here are some Do's and Don'ts for cleaning manitowoc ice machine How to clean a manitowoc ice machine? How to clean your manitowoc ice maker’s exterior? How to clean your manitowoc ice maker’s interior?

Types of manitowoc ice machines and their benefits

Manitowoc ice makers offer a range of ice machines, each with unique features and benefits.

S-Series Ice Machine:

The S-Series ice machine is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses. These machines are built with energy-efficient components that help reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs. They produce up to 300 pounds of ice per day and are available in different configurations such as dice cubes, half-dice cubes, or regular cubes.

Indigo Series Ice Machine:

The Indigo Series ice machine is a top-of-the-line option for businesses that require high-quality ice production. These machines feature intelligent diagnostics, which monitor the machine's performance and alert the operator if any issues arise. They produce up to 2,210 pounds of ice per day and are available in a variety of ice cube shapes.

NEO Series Ice Machines:

The NEO Series ice machine is a versatile and efficient option that is perfect for businesses with varying ice production needs. These machines feature an innovative design that allows for easy access to all components, making cleaning and maintenance simple. They produce up to 325 pounds of ice per day and are available in a variety of cube shapes.

If you are searching for Manitowoc ice machine parts near you online, PartsFe is your g-to-source. At PartsFe, we are pleased to provide our customers with authentic Manitowoc Ice Machine Parts. We offer replacement parts for ice makers from top-selling manufactures that are readily available.

By using our genuine OEM Manitowoc components, you can keep your ice maker functioning for an extended period. With an uninterrupted ice supply, you can confidently fulfill your clients' orders and provide them with excellent service.

Before we find out how to clean a Manitowoc ice machine, if you are noticing signs of reduced ice production or warmer ice, it may be time to replace your ice machine. Learn how to identify these signs to replace ice machine and make an informed decision.

What is the best way to clean a manitowoc ice machine?

Manitowoc ice machines are hard to clean. The ice cubes are hard, and the whole machine is made of stainless steel. Cleaning an ice machine is not as easy as cleaning a traditional refrigerator, but it can be done with some effort.

The best way to clean parts for manitowoc ice machine is to use an ice machine cleaner. These cleaners are specially designed for cleaning and maintaining the interior of the ice machine. They are made of durable materials that will last for a long time. The cleaners also come in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs.

What items do you need to clean a manitowoc ice machine?

The Manitowoc ice machine is one of the most popular ice machines on the market today. It is easy to use and clean. However, it is important to know what items you need to clean in your machine in order to keep it functioning properly.

Below are the items you'll need to clean a Manitowoc ice machine:

Manitowoc Ice Machine Cleaner:- Manitowoc ice machine cleaners are a versatile and efficient tool for cleaning your ice machine. They are designed to effectively remove buildup from the Manitowoc ice machine filter and work in all Manitowoc refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers.

Manitowoc Sanitizer:- Manitowoc ice machine sanitizer kills 99.999% of bacteria, viruses, and other germs on hard surfaces without harmful chemicals. Simply spray the sanitizer onto a cloth and wipe down your refrigerator with it to leave behind a clean and healthy environment.

Cleaning Cloths:- Use the cleaning cloths to wipe down your refrigerator, freezer, or any other hard surface in your home.

Safety Goggles:- The safety goggles protect your eyes while you're cleaning the Manitowoc Ice Machine parts.

Rubber Gloves:- The rubber gloves protect your hands while you're cleaning.

Soft Nylon Cleaning Brush/Sponge:- The soft nylon cleaning brush or sponge removes gum and dried food residue from the surface.

Spray Bottle:- The spray bottle holds water and is used to clean hard surfaces.

Food-Safe OEM-Recommended Lubricant:- Use food-safe lubricant to apply the sanitizer, and clean the surface with a soft cloth.

Dos and Don'ts for cleaning an manitowoc ice machine

There are a few essential factors you need to keep in mind before you begin the cleaning and sanitizing operations on your Manitowoc ice maker. Ignoring the instructions will void your warranty, damage your ice maker, or result in unsafe ice.

Do’s:

• Manitowoc makes commercial ice makers out of plastic and stainless steel. The unit may be cleaned of dirt and grime, but you should still take care to remove any potentially harmful bacteria.
• Sanitizing the Manitowoc ice equipment will stop users from mistakenly contaminating the ice supply by contacting the ice maker outside and then scooping ice.
• The safest cleaners to use are those with quat bases or a bleach-and-water mix. In order to make the bleach solution, combine 1/2 a cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.

Don'ts:

• Do not mix bleach with any other cleaners. The mixture can result in toxic, harmful gasses that can harm breathing conditions.
• Read your ice maker's user manual and follow all directions and suggested mixing ratios therein.
• Avoid cleaning the ice maker while using Manitowoc Sanitizer.
• Never pry the ice off the evaporator or any other important component with a sharp object. There could be serious consequences from this.
• As was previously said, cleaning and sanitizing should be done every six months.

How to clean a manitowoc ice machine?

If your Manitowoc ice machine is not making ice, there could be several reasons. Merely removing surface dirt and grime isn't enough to clean commercial ice equipment. To achieve a thorough clean, the ice machines need to go through the descaling, disinfecting, and sanitizing process.

Descaling, which is the initial stage of cleaning, is done to eliminate mineral deposits. Disinfecting involves the use of chemicals to eradicate microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Any algae, mold, or slime that remains should be eliminated during this process.

Lastly, sanitizing is performed by using a lower concentration of chemicals to bring the number of bacteria to a level that meets the recognized health standards set by the federal government.

Let's begin by learning how to prepare to clean a manitowoc ice machine:

Whenever you wish to clean your Manitowoc ice maker, start by doing the following:

• Shut off the ice maker.
• If there is a nearby shut-off valve, use it to switch off the Manitowoc ice machine water inlet valve rather than the building's entire water supply.
• To access the ice maker's interior, remove panels.
• Follow the directions in your Manitowoc ice maker's instruction manual to empty the reservoir.
• If your ice maker has a water filter, change it. This should be changed every six months according to industry standards.

How to clean your manitowoc ice maker’s exterior?

Keeping your Manitowoc commercial ice maker clean is important for both hygiene and longevity. While wiping away dirt and grime from its stainless steel and plastic exterior is simple enough, it's crucial to also eliminate any harmful microorganisms that can pose a health risk to users. By regularly disinfecting and sanitizing the exterior, you can reduce the risk of accidental contamination and prolong the lifespan of your ice machine, as recommended by Manitowoc's twice-annual deep cleaning guidelines.

Firstly Disinfect Your Ice Maker’s Exterior that involves the following steps:

• Any soiled area should be pre-washed in warm water.
• After that, use the bleach solution to clean the area.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using the solution.
• Rinse and air dry the area before sanitizing.

Then Sanitize Your Ice Maker’s Exterior by following the below steps:

• Wipe the ice maker's exterior with the sanitation mixture to further sanitize it.
• Let it dry naturally.
• Don't forget to bring your ice scoop or bin door! To clean and sanitize the Manitowoc ice machine door parts and scoop, follow the directions above.

How to clean your manitowoc ice maker’s interior?

It's important to clean all surfaces that come into contact with food in your ice machine, such as the bin interior, water reservoir, drop zone, and evaporator. Depending on the model of your Manitowoc ice machine, you may need to access the interior components from the front, top, or side to clean them thoroughly and efficiently.

Here’s how to descale interior components?

Calcium carbonate, also known as limescale or calcium deposit, is a common white buildup that can form on commercial ice makers. To eliminate this buildup, descaling is required. This should be the initial step in the process of deep cleaning, followed by disinfecting and sanitizing.

• Switch the ice machine to the "clean" setting.
• Carefully pour the descaling solution (an acid) into the water reservoir. For new machines, a message will appear that says "Add chemical" when it's time to add the descaler. Confirm that you added the descaler on the touchpad.
• Once the cycle is complete, the Manitowoc ice machine will begin a wash cycle and rinse, leaving the reservoir empty. 
• Keep in mind that the scale remover will lose its effectiveness over time and become neutralized. 
• If you still notice scale buildup after about 10 minutes of circulation, repeat steps 1-3.
• Next, disassemble the water circuit components and take them to the sink. 
• Rinse them thoroughly after scrubbing them with a brush and spraying a solution of descaler and water onto them.
• Reassemble the components once all visible scale has been removed.

Next, clean your manitowoc ice maker’s bin

Ice is kept in bins and dispensers until it is required. The easiest approach to safeguard your ice supply is to maintain your ice bin clean since your ice will spend the most of its time there.

Algae, mildew, and slime are the three contaminants that are most likely to be present in your ice bin. Mold and slime adore damp, dark places where they can consume the airborne yeast and dust as food. Regrettably, an ice bin fulfills every requirement.

Vinyl and plastic are frequently used to line Manitowoc ice machine bin. Stainless steel is used to make certain larger ice bins. Mold and slime will continue to grow within the bin despite the antimicrobial polyurethane that lines its interior helping to slow down their growth. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your ice bin is the greatest method to prevent these growths from developing there.

Clean manitowoc water reservoirs and drop zones

Compared to other areas, the water reservoir has a slightly different cleaning regimen. The combinations should be poured straight into the reservoirs rather than being sprayed with the solutions (disinfectant solution first, then sanitizer solution). Start by applying the disinfectant solution, and then let it sit for at least ten minutes. Rinsing with water should come next. The sanitizing solution is then added, and it is let to air dry.

Ice enters the storage container from the drop zone. The same solution that you used to spray the ice bin can also be used to spray this area.

Clean a manitowoc evaporator

Evaporator assemblies on Manitowoc ice makers are not always accessible. Evaporators differ from model to model in terms of their appearance, location, and cleaning techniques.

Depending on the type of ice maker you have, there are many ways to reach and clean your evaporator component. Locating, Identifying, and Cleaning an Ice Machine Evaporator teaches you how to locate and recognise the sort of evaporator you have. 

Scale buildup in evaporators is possible and is brought on by the hard water in your ice maker. It is crucial to follow the suggested cleaning schedule and methods.

Remove all ice from the bin

In some cases, ice machine technicians can remove only part of the ice from the machine during a thorough cleaning. This can be due to the difficulty of removing ice safely from the bin or storing it to meet regulations in certain industries or businesses. 

It is best practice to remove all ice from the bin, make use of it as much as possible, and allow the ice machine to start with a fresh batch after cleaning. If removing all the ice poses problems with your ice supply, we suggest enlisting the services of an experienced ice technician to handle the cleaning of both the bin and ice maker. This will ensure that your ice machine is thoroughly cleaned and your ice supply remains safe and up to code.

Finally, turn on your manitowoc ice machine

Here’s how to turn on manitowoc ice machine after cleaning:

• To turn on a Manitowoc ice machine after cleaning, first, ensure that the water and power supply are connected and turned on. 
• Then, press and hold the On/Off button on the control panel until the display screen lights up. 
• Next, select the ice-making mode by pressing the "Ice" button, and set the desired ice thickness by pressing the "Thickness" button. 
• Finally, press the "Start" button to begin the ice-making process. 

Note: Prior to using the ice, wait until the ice machine is completely cycled to flush out any remaining cleaning solution.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of Manitowoc ice machines is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of ice produced. Following the manufacturer's recommended cleaning schedule and procedures can prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and other contaminants that can compromise the integrity of the machine and its ice. Regular cleaning also extends the lifespan of the machine, saves energy, and reduces the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs. With the information provided in this guide, users can confidently clean and maintain their Manitowoc ice machines to maximize their performance and longevity.