How to Clean Ice Maker | Cycle, Scrub, Rinse

A funky-smelling ice maker ruins drinks faster than almost anything else in the kitchen. The fix is straightforward and takes about an hour, most of it spent on the machine cleaning itself. The exact steps depend on whether you have a built-in unit with a Clean button or a simpler freezer-bin setup, but the core sequence stays the same: shut it off, empty it, clean it, rinse it, dry it.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather everything first: an approved ice maker cleaner (sold by appliance brands), a soft cloth or sponge, mild dish soap, and clean tap water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and never use alcohol-based or unapproved cleaners, which can damage plastic parts. Safety comes before suds — unplug the refrigerator before touching the ice-making mechanism. GE Appliances is explicit: never put your hands near an automatic ice-making mechanism while plugged in, as the unit can cycle on its own and pinch fingers.

The Manufacturer Cleaning Cycle

Whirlpool and KitchenAid both build self-cleaning cycles into compatible ice makers, with nearly identical processes. Turn the ice maker off and wait 5 to 10 minutes so any ice in the mechanism drops into the bin. Remove all ice, then unscrew the drain cap from the bottom of the water pan and let the water drain out.

Press and hold the Clean button to start the cycle. When the green light appears, remove the drain cap to empty the remaining solution, then replace the cap securely.

After the cycle, Whirlpool recommends running and discarding a few batches of ice before using any cubes to flush residual cleaner from the lines. If your unit lacks a Clean button, skip the cycle and hand-wash instead: remove the bin, wash it in warm soapy water, and wipe down interior surfaces with a vinegar-and-water solution. Check your Use and Care Guide before starting — KitchenAid notes its process applies to built-in refrigeration ice makers with a Clean button and water pan, with model-specific details in the manual.

Countertop and Manual-Clean Units

Countertop ice makers run a simpler cycle. Most have a self-cleaning function accessed by holding a button for a few seconds; check your control panel since button locations differ. Fill the reservoir with a vinegar-water mix or the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner, run the cleaning cycle, then drain and rinse the reservoir twice with fresh water.

For the ice chute and dispenser, GE recommends mild soap and water or a vinegar-water mix with a soft cloth, then thorough drying. Hand-wash removable plastic parts — dishwashers can warp them. Dry everything completely before restarting; lingering moisture invites mold and mineral buildup. A damp interior causes the stale, musty odor you’re eliminating, so towel-dry every reachable surface.

How Often Should You Clean It and Common Mistakes

If ice smell, taste, or appearance changes, don’t wait for the calendar — clean it now.

The mistakes forcing repeat cleanings are consistent: skipping the power-off step risks injury; failing to drain all water dilutes the cleaner; not rinsing leaves chemical residue in your next batch; skipping the final dry lets mold take hold. Each is avoidable if you’re deliberate about the sequence.

When shopping for an easier-to-maintain unit, look for models with removable bins and visible drain access. A good clear ice maker simplifies the job significantly — our roundup of the best clear ice makers breaks down which models are worth the money.