ICE-O-Matic GEM-MFI Series Cleaning/Sanitizing Procedures

Cleaning and sanitizing instructions for the ice machine and/or the bin/dispenser

• Cleaning should be done twice a year at the very least.
• Cleaning should be followed by sanitizing, which should be done after each cleaning or as needed.

Note: When conducting the following cleaning steps, keep in mind that the power will be turned on.

Cleaning and sanitizing any commercial ice machine are critical operations that should be included in every operator's preventive maintenance plan. These two treatments, while comparable, are distinct and accomplish different goals. Cleaning or de-liming the evaporator dissolves mineral deposits and eliminates scale, calcium, and other mineral buildup. Sanitizing the machine disinfects it and removes microbial development such as mold and slime.

In either scenario, it's critical to choose treatments that aren't harmful to the ice maker. Never use cleaning or sanitizing solutions containing Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Carbolic Acid, Acetic Acid, diluted Acetic Acid, non-food-grade vinegar (concentration of acetic acid greater than 6% and does not contain enzymes created during processing) or any chlorine-based solution such as bleach, chlorine dioxide, or any type of salts such as potassium chloride (potato chloride) or any chlorine-based solution such as bleach, chlorine To be sure, look at the label or the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

These substances can cause corrosion and flaking on the evaporator's surface as well as other metal components. RO water is acidic and can corrode the evaporator and other metal components in the ice machine. Because the RO process removes all minerals and metals from the water, microbial, mold, and slime growth can be accelerated. Ice-O-Matic suggests that if RO water is used, the pH of the water be certified to be a neutral 7.0 to reduce corrosive effects. The use of improper cleansers, sanitizers, and RO water with an unbalanced pH could violate the machine's warranty.

Cleaning

Perform the following steps before cleaning the ice machine and/or the Bin/Dispenser:

• Remove the front panel of the ice maker.Press the ON/OFF selector switch to turn the machine "OFF."
• Empty the storage bin of all ice. (Cleaning and/or sanitizing is required.)

Ice Machine Cleaning Instructions

1. Remove the water reservoir's cover and block the float.
2. Using the drain tube connected to the freezer water inlet, drain the water reservoir and freezer assembly. Replace the end cap and return the drain tube to its original position.
3. Fill the water trough with the necessary amount of certified nickel-safe ice machine cleaning (diluted according to the manufacturer's recommendations). (Refer to the cleaner's instructions on the packaging.)
4. Pour the cleaning solution into the water reservoir slowly until it is completely full. Switch the ON/OFF switch to the ON position after 15 minutes.
5. As the ice machine draws water from the reservoir, keep adding cleaning solution to keep the reservoir filled.
6. When the reservoir is nearly empty and all of the cleaning solution has been added, turn the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
7. Using the drain tube connected to the freezer water input, drain the water reservoir and freezing assembly.

Replace the drain plug end cap and return the drain tube to its original position. The water reservoir should be cleaned and rinsed.

After cleaning, the Ice Machine must be sanitized according to the Sanitizing Instructions.

 

Storage Bin/ Dispenser Cleaning Instructions

1. Remove all of the ice from the storage bin by opening the bin door and placing it in a clean container for reuse or disposal.
2. Pour in the necessary amount of nickel-safe ice machine cleaning (diluted according to the manufacturer's recommendations)(Refer to the cleaner's instructions on the packaging.)
3. Wash all surfaces inside the bin, including the bin door, bin walls, window track, and snout area, with soap and water.

Rinse with soap and water. It's possible that a soft bristle brush with an extended handle will be necessary.

Allow the cleaner to absorb into the mineral deposits for around 15 minutes to eliminate and loosen the deposits. It's worth noting that this includes the bin outflow.

Rinse all surfaces within the bin, including the bin door, bin walls, window track, and snout region, thoroughly with soap and water. Note: If necessary, repeat Steps 3, 4, and 5.

After cleaning, the Storage Bin/Dispenser must be sanitized according to the Sanitizing Instructions.

Sanitizing

Perform the following steps before sanitizing the ice machine and/or Bin/Dispenser:

1. Remove the front panel of the ice maker.
2. Press the ON/OFF selector switch to turn the machine "OFF."
3. Turn off the ice machine's potable water supply.
4. Empty the storage bin of all ice. (Cleaning and/or sanitizing is required.)

Ice Machine Sanitizing Instructions

1. Use an EPA-approved food equipment sanitizer with the manufacturer's suggested solution mix.
2. Pour the sanitizing solution into the water reservoir slowly until it is completely full. Switch the ON/OFF switch to the ON position after 15 minutes.
3. As the ice machine draws water from the reservoir, keep adding sanitizing solution to keep the reservoir filled.
4. When the reservoir is nearly empty and all of the sanitizing solution has been added, turn the ON/OFF switch to the “OFF” position.
5. Using the drain tube connected to the freezer water input, drain the water reservoir and freezing assembly.

Replace the drain plug end cap and return the drain tube to its original position. The water reservoir should be cleaned and rinsed.

Wipe out any additional ice machine splash spots during this time. Inspect to ensure that all components of the water transportation system are in proper working order.

6. Replace the front panel and turn the ON/OFF switch to the "ON" position.
7. Keep making ice for at least 15 minutes to remove any cleaning or sanitizing solution.
8. Empty the storage container of all ice and trash it. NO ICE FROM THE CLEANING SOLUTION SHOULD BE USED.

Bin/Dispenser Sanitizing Instructions

1. Use an EPA-approved food equipment sanitizer with the manufacturer's suggested solution mix.
2. Use an approved sanitizer to sterilize the bin interior, which includes the bin door, bin walls, window track, and snout region, according to the sanitizer's guidelines. It's worth noting that this includes the bin outflow.
3. Empty the storage container of all ice and discard it. NO ICE FROM THE CLEANING SOLUTION SHOULD BE USED.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleaning of the Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine/Bin

The process of eliminating mineral accumulation and scale from the evaporator and other components of an ice machine is known as de-liming. The ice machine should be cleaned at least once every six months, according to Ice-O-Matic. Depending on the water quality and filter system utilized, more frequent cleaning may be required. It is the operator's responsibility to choose the best frequency for their specific environment. Microbial, mold, and slime cannot be removed by cleaning. After cleaning, the machine should always be sanitized.

Ice-O-Matic suggests using a “nickel-safe” cleanser like Viper Nickel Safe Ice Machine Cleaner or something similar. The chemical makeup is usually as follows:

• Water 53% to 82%
• Phosphoric Acid 15% to 40%
• Citric Acid 3% to 7%

Cleaning should be performed by a skilled technician who follows the full processes outlined in the Technical Service Manual.

Most cleaners include an ounces to gallon combination for the optimum volume of solution in their directions. Pouring undiluted cleaning into the machine will result in an incorrect dilution level. Before pouring into the trough, Ice-O-Matic recommends mixing in a plastic container.

Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine/Bin/Dispenser Sanitizing

An ice maker should be disinfected or sanitized at least once every six months, according to Ice-O-Matic. If the machine is in a high yeast environment or RO water is being used, more frequent sanitizing may be required. It's the situation.

It is the operator's job to figure out what frequency is best for their specific situation.

An EPA-approved sanitizer, such as Viper Nickel Safe Ice Machine Cleaner or comparable, is recommended by Ice-O-Matic. Running an EPA-approved sanitizer through the ice machine/bin/dispenser and wiping down surfaces with the sanitizer is all it takes to sanitize. Sanitizing must be done after the cleaning process if it is done at the same time as the cleaning process. Stick to the procedure outlined in the Owner's Manual.

Note that this procedure necessitates the removal of the ice from the bin.