How to Clean Ice Maker Frigidaire?

21 Feb How to Clean Ice Maker Frigidaire?

Keeping your Frigidaire ice maker clean is an important part of refrigerator maintenance. A buildup of mineral deposits, dirt, and bacteria can affect your ice maker’s performance and produce contaminated ice cubes. Fortunately, cleaning a Frigidaire ice maker is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know how to clean ice maker Frigidaire. Let’s get started!

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Ice Maker Frigidaire

Over time, mineral deposits from water and contaminants from items stored in your freezer can build up inside your ice maker. This can lead to:

• Cloudy or smelly ice cubes – Mineral scale, dirt, and bacteria trapped in your ice maker will transfer to your ice, leaving you with an unappetizing drink.
• Ice maker jams – Buildup along the trays and moving parts can prevent the ejection of ice cubes.
• Reduced ice quantity – Excessive deposits take up space meant for ice, limiting ice production.
• Leaking water – Clogs can obstruct the water flow, leading to leaks as the ice maker continues its cycle.

How Often Should You Clean Your Ice Maker Frigidaire?

Frigidaire recommends cleaning your ice maker every 6 months as part of routine refrigerator maintenance. However, if you notice cloudy or foul-smelling ice cubes, it’s a sign that mineral deposits or bacteria have built up and it’s time for a thorough cleaning.

Here are some other signs that indicate it’s time to clean your Frigidaire ice maker:

• Ice cubes are smaller than normal
• Clumps of ice together in buckets
• The ice maker’s production seems slow
• Water drips or leaks from the ice maker

If you see any of these, don’t wait – clean your ice maker right away to resolve the issue.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Ice Maker Frigidaire

Cleaning a Frigidaire ice maker involves wiping down the components, descaling mineral buildup, and sanitizing to kill bacteria. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Turn Off the Ice Maker

Locate the power switch for your Frigidaire ice maker. It’s usually on the control panel or behind the ice bucket. Turn the ice maker OFF so it won’t continue producing ice during cleaning.

2. Remove the Ice Bucket

Take out the ice bucket that catches ice at the bottom of the ice maker. Empty and clean the ice bucket with mild dish soap and warm water if needed.

3. Wipe Down Ice Maker Exterior

Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to gently wipe down the exterior of the ice maker. This includes the freezer walls around it and the bottom tray. Take care not to use abrasive cleaners.

4. Clean Out Ice Mold and Ejector Arm

Check the ice mold (plastic parts with indentations for ice cubes) and the ejector arm (metal bar that pushes out ice). Remove any visible dirt, grime, or buildup with a cloth dampened in warm water. You can also use a plastic scraper to gently chip off any mineral scale on these parts.

5. Descale Water System

Mix up a descaling solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Fill a spraying bottle with the solution. Spray liberally over all interior surfaces of the ice maker, including the mold, ejector arm, and metal/plastic housing. The acidic vinegar will help dissolve mineral deposits.

Let the vinegar solution sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping it away. Use an old toothbrush to scrub stubborn scale in tight crevices.

6. Sanitize Components

In a spray bottle, mix 2 tbsp of household bleach into 1 quart of warm water to create a sanitizing solution. Spray or wipe this solution onto all interior surfaces of the ice maker, including the ice mold, ejector arm, and interior walls.

Let the bleach solution sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it away with plain water. This will kill bacteria for fresh, sanitary ice.

7. Dry Thoroughly

Use a soft cloth to dry all surfaces of the ice maker compartment before reassembling. Leftover moisture can freeze and obstruct ice production.

8. Replace Ice Bucket

Once fully dry, put the cleaned ice bucket back into position beneath the ice maker.

9. Turn Ice Maker Back On

Switch the ice maker power back ON. The ice mold should start refilling with water to restart ice production.

10. Flush the Ice Maker

Once the ice maker starts making ice again, discard the first 1-2 batches of ice cubes. This flushes out any residual vinegar, bleach, or loosened mineral deposits for cleaner ice.

And that’s it! Following this thorough cleaning routine every 6 months will keep your Frigidaire ice maker in top shape.

Tips for Preventing Ice Maker Frigidaire Buildup

Regular cleaning keeps your ice maker free of deposits and buildup. But you can also take steps to prevent contamination between cleanings:

• Use filtered water – Most mineral scale and off-flavors come from compounds in tap water. Install an inline refrigerator water filter to remove impurities.
• Clean dust and grime regularly – Wipe down exterior surfaces near the ice maker to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the ice.
• Sanitize occasionally – Every 1-2 months, spray interior ice maker surfaces with a sanitizing solution to inhibit bacteria growth.
• Avoid pouring liquids into ice bucket – Beverages contain sugars, acids, and fluids that can contaminate your ice over time. Use a separate beverage glass.
• Replace water supply lines – Old and corroded supply lines can shed mineral particles into your ice cubes. Replace them every 5 years.

Following healthy cleaning habits will maximize the time between deep cleanings and maintain fresh, contaminant-free ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access the ice maker Frigidaire to clean it?

Most Frigidaire ice makers have an access panel in the freezer roof or side wall. Remove this panel to get direct access to the ice mold, ejector arm, and interior surfaces. Refer to your model’s owner’s manual for the exact location.

What cleaning solutions can I safely use?

You can clean a Frigidaire ice maker with a mild detergent and warm water solution. For descaling, use a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. And sanitize using bleach diluted with water. Never use harsh chemicals.

How do I know if my ice maker Frigidaire needs professional cleaning?

If you notice black, gray, or green mold spots, this indicates potential bacteria growth and requires professional cleaning. Severe mineral scales that cannot be removed with descaling may also need a technician’s attention.

Should I also replace my water filter when cleaning?

Yes, it’s a good idea to replace your refrigerator water filter whenever you do a deep clean of the ice maker. A fresh filter will remove any loosened scale and dirt and improve your ice quality.

How can I prevent odor issues in my ice maker Frigidaire?

To prevent odors, be diligent about cleaning, sanitizing, and replacing your filter regularly. Avoid pouring beverages into the ice bucket. And replace ice that’s been sitting unused for over two weeks.

Conclusion: Keep Ice Fresh With Regular Maintenance

Maintaining clean ice from your Frigidaire refrigerator means cleaning the ice maker every 6 months as well as occasional preventative care. Follow the step-by-step guide on how to clean ice maker Frigidaire to thoroughly descale, sanitize, and flush your ice maker. Discover the best ways to maintain outdoor kitchen cabinets for durability and style, and implement habitual cleaning of the ice compartment and replacement of water filters to ensure your Frigidaire ice maker consistently produces fresh, pure ice for all your beverage needs.