Confessions of a Compulsive Organizer

The Dos And Don'ts Of Maintaining Your Commercial Ice Machine

by Ricardo Hart

Many restaurants, hotels, and other establishments rely on commercial ice machines to provide a steady supply of ice on a daily basis. These machines can be quite pricey to replace, which is why owners of commercial ice machines should take the time to properly clean and maintain the equipment. There are a few simple yet important considerations that workers should keep in mind when it comes to maintaining a commercial ice machine.

DO Ensure Proper Air Flow

Always ensure that the ice machine has uninhibited air flow. Most ice machines have air vents and registers located on the back of the equipment itself; these should be kept a fair distance from nearby walls so as to ensure proper ventilation. Owners should refer to their specific owner's manuals to determine exactly how much clearance should be kept between the machine and the wall.

DO Protect Against Mold Growth

Mold and mildew are common problems in commercial ice machines, and these issues are almost always caused by a lack of cleaning. The exterior surfaces of ice machines should be wiped down daily with a solution of diluted bleach. This will help keep surfaces disinfected and protect against mold and mildew growth. This will in turn help protect the ice being dispensed from contamination.

DON'T Use as Storage

A common mistake some ice owners make is that of using the large machines themselves as storage; they place large boxes or other equipment on top of the ice machine, and then are surprised when the machine experiences issues with operation. The surfaces of a commercial ice machine should be kept clear at all times.

DON'T Mishandle Air Filters

Finally, air filters within an ice machine should be cleaned regularly to keep them free of dust and other debris. Usually, a weekly cleaning is recommended, and most filters can simply be washed out with water. Those handling the air filters should be careful not to bang or hit the filter against anything in an effort to dislodge particles or debris. This could seriously damage the filter to the point of needing complete replacement.

As you can see, there are many steps that should be followed (and some things that must be avoided altogether) when it comes to maintaining a commercial ice machine. By keeping these in mind and passing them along to your employees, you can keep your ice machine working properly for a long time to come.

Talk to experts like Crystal Ice Machine for more information.

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