From opulent party machines to basic home refrigerator units, all ice makers have one thing in common. They require frequent care and upkeep.

Without your care, they will suffer from a variety of conditions. Fortunately, many problems are preventable, and with a little effort, you can keep your machine happy and humming for years.

What are some of the things you should do to keep your appliance in top shape? Here they are as given by appliance repair professionals:

Keep it clean

Every day, ice makers transform water into pounds of dazzling, frozen cubes. So it may seem strange that they require frequent cleaning. These devices function similarly to any other food-handling appliance.  And unsanitary conditions stimulate germ proliferation, which poses health hazards.

Avoid this by regularly cleaning your ice maker.

Some manufacturers offer their formulae for cleaning the unit while others propose making your own diluted bleach solution. Regardless of what you use, the goal is to flush your ice maker’s insides with the right product. That, combined with a thorough water rinse, should prevent biological contamination.

Refrigerators with built-in ice makers and water dispensers do not need to be thoroughly cleaned. Even if this is the case with your unit, it’s a good idea to clean them thoroughly every month or so.

To accomplish this, unplug the refrigerator and empty both the freezer and the fresh food areas. Next, clean or hand wash all internal surfaces. Use mild soap and warm water instead of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Also, make sure that all items are dry before returning them.

It never hurts to keep the outside of the device clean. This will keep your ice maker looking great while also preventing dirt and stains from accumulating. In most cases, all you need is a moist cloth. A small amount of soap and warm water does wonders for removing dried spills.

Replace the filter

You can’t manufacture decent ice with unclean water. Modern refrigerators with ice makers also have a water filtration system. Typically, they put water through an activated charcoal filter to eliminate typical tap water contaminants. Chlorine, for example, can alter the taste and odor of your water and thus ice.

Many independent ice makers also use filters. Some simply improve water flavor and odor, while others can remove volatile organic substances. Many pro-filtering systems, mostly for commercial use, contain bacteriostatic properties that inhibit bacterial reproduction.

Regardless, make a note of when it’s time to replace your water filter. Also, check your handbook. You may have to replace the filter every three months, six months, or even once a year.

Be cautious of clogs.

Refrigerator ice makers are highly susceptible to clogging. Over time, the ice dispenser chutes tend to clog. Typically, broken ice particles and ice melt are the causes of the clogging.

The remedy is simple for newer refrigerator models with in-door ice makers. First, remove the ice bin and any stuck crystals. Now, using a warm, moist cloth, clean the bottom of the bin and ice chute. Replace the bin only once everything has properly dried.

Older refrigerators with ice makers placed in the freezer area require additional assistance. Inspect the ice chute for clogs. If that isn’t the issue, the cubes in the container could have bonded together. This is likely to happen if you rarely use your ice maker. To prevent this, empty the ice bin about once a week.

Descale the unit

Unless you invest in an RO (reverse osmosis) system, your ice maker will accumulate calcium deposits (sometimes called scale). Ice makers in refrigerators create substantially less ice than freestanding units (4 to 5 pounds per day). As a result, scale buildup becomes less of an issue.

Standalone ice machines produce more ice in the same period.

For example, one machine can produce up to 70 pounds of ice every day. At that rate, scale deposits can accumulate rapidly. If you do not remove them, they will damage machine parts, reducing their lifespan. To combat this, descale your appliance on a regular basis.

For a great experience, use the proprietary descaling solutions in your ice machine. The most common method is using household vinegar to treat internal scale buildup.

Give the unit room to breathe.

Standalone ice machines require the right amount of ventilation to perform optimally. Thankfully, most appliances have vents on the bottom edges (front-facing). Cool air enters from the vent’s right side, and heated air exits through the left.

To be on the safe side, make sure not to block or obstruct the venting. You also should leave at least 3 inches of clearance on the sides and back of your appliance to ensure that there is effective airflow.

Keep the fridge leveled.

An uneven refrigerator might reduce the ice maker’s effectiveness, resulting in uneven ice creation or mechanical strain.

To level the fridge, position a spirit level on top of the refrigerator.  You should then check the alignment horizontally and vertically. If necessary, adjust the legs using a wrench.

Check the leveling again to guarantee stability.

You should note that a well-leveled refrigerator contributes to constant ice production and is an optimally functioning appliance.

Inspect the water lines.

A faulty water line can impair the ice maker’s performance. The good thing is that regular inspections maintain smooth water flow and prevent leaks from coming about.

To stay on the right side, check for any kinks or bends in the line that may hinder water flow. You also should inspect the unit for evidence of wear, leaks, and loose connections. During the inspections, confirm that the water reservoir valve is fully open. If the water line appears damaged or obstructed, get professional help.

Parting shot

These are some of the tricks you can use to ensure that your ice maker machine is in top working condition at all times. Even with the best care, your ice maker will break down. When this happens, move with haste to find the source of the problem and fix it before things get worse.

For a great experience, ensure that the repair tasks are performed by an experienced refrigerator ice maker repair Alexandria professional who knows what they are doing.

The post Essential Tips to Keep Your Ice Maker Clean and Running Smoothly first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair