Faqs

Ice machine cleaning is governed by FDA Food Code 2022, Chapter 4, Part 602.11 (E)(4a–b), which states that In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of EQUIPMENT such as ice makers, Must be cleaned:

(a) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or

 (b) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

• Minimum of twice per year is what most of the manufacturers suggest. However quarterly is what we recommend from a food safety perspective. This frequency works best for most machines in order to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

• The machine will be taken apart all serviceable parts will be cleaned descaled and sanitized of any mold or slime.

   

 ✔ Cleaning and sanitization of the interior and exterior of the ice machine — removing molds, scale, and mineral deposits.

• ✔ Cleaning or replacement of the air filter.
• ✔ Replacement of the water filter (supplied by the customer or available at an additional charge).
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the condenser coil.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the water distribution tube.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of ice-making components such as the evaporator and water inlet valve.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the water level sensor.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the water distribution system.
• ✔ Inspection, cleaning, and adjustment of the ice thickness probe.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the ice bin and dispenser chute.
• ✔ Inspection and replacement of any damaged or worn components such as gaskets, o-rings, and seals.
• ✔ Inspection and cleaning of the drain line and drain pan.
• ✔ Inspection and testing of the ice machine to ensure it is operating at peak performance.
• ✔ Verification of proper water flow and pressure.
• ✔ Check of electrical connections and components for safety and efficiency.
• ✔ Check of bin thermostat and safety switches.
• ✔ Check for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or wear.

   Our services

• Commercial refrigeration technicians are often dispatched to work on ice machines, which might seem like a good fit. However, ice machines operate very differently from standard refrigeration systems. They function through precise robotic-style cycles controlled by sensors and sequence programming.

• Without a solid understanding of the performance data charts and sequence of operation, many refrigeration technicians struggle to properly diagnose or repair these units. In addition, the components inside an ice machine are unique to their design and require specialized training to service correctly.

• Our technicians are true Ice Machine Experts.

• Feel confident knowing your ice is clean and food-safe.

• Our rates are significantly lower than most refrigeration contractors.

• We have a food safety background, trained to work in food processing and handling environments.

• Using our service will reduce emergency breakdowns and help your equipment run more efficiently, saving you on energy costs.

This is a misleading sales pitch. Most ice machines are equipped with some form of a semi-automated cleaning function. This setting simply allows cleaning solutions to circulate through the water loop.

While this can help with descaling and limited sanitizing, it does not clean all components. Most manufacturer manuals still require disassembly of serviceable parts for proper cleaning, typically at a minimum of twice per year.

When comparing service providers, make sure they fully disassemble all serviceable components of the ice machine for proper cleaning. Many companies simply circulate chemicals through the system and call it “clean,” but that does not address the areas where mold, scale, and biofilm actually build up. We often receive calls from customers who are still failing health department inspections even after paying another company to clean their machine.

When researching providers, ask about their credentials and confirm that they follow — or exceed — manufacturer cleaning recommendations. At Crystal Clean Ice, we meet or exceed manufacturer guidelines to ensure your machine is truly clean and inspection-ready.

A proper cleaning is not a quick process. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fully clean and perform preventative maintenance on an ice machine. This ensures all serviceable components are properly disassembled, cleaned, and sanitized — we don't just circulate chemicals. 

If an ice machine cleaning company does not remove the ice from the bin, that should be a clear sign you’ve hired the wrong provider. Ice is considered food, and there is no way to properly clean or sanitize a machine without risking contamination if ice is left inside. Leaving the ice is a shortcut and shows a lack of food safety understanding. Even though discarding ice may be inconvenient, it is required to properly clean the machine and prevent re-contamination.

Yes. In addition to professional cleaning and preventative maintenance, we also diagnose, fix, and repair commercial ice machines. Our technicians are factory trained by leading manufacturers and carry common replacement parts for top brands on our Trucks. This allows many repairs to be handled quickly without delays.

We are true ice machine specialists  — which sets us apart. Customers enrolled in our quarterly maintenance programs also receive discounted service rates on repairs.