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Dispensing Dirty Ice? Maintaining Your Side-By-Side Refrigerator's Icemaker And Dispenser

13 April 2015

Frederick Hamilton

For most people, a glass of cold water, soda, or juice is a favorite part of their day. Although an icemaker and dispenser is a modern addition that most homeowners enjoy, cleaning and and maintenance on the unit is key to preventing dirt, bacteria, and even mold from developing in your ice. This maintenance is necessary for protecting the quality of your ice, but also for protecting your appliance.  

Using this guide on maintaining your ice dispenser, your ice will be safe, clean, and cold.

Water Line

The water line is necessary for moving water through the plumbing and into your icemaker unit. Connected to outdoor, underground plumbing, it is also a popular place for dirt, debris, and other sediment to build up. Without flushing the water line, this sediment will build up inside your ice, which you will dispense into your glass of water.

If your ice cubes appear spotty or discolored, use the following steps to flush the water line:

1. Power down the appliance and disconnect the water line. Shut off the water valve to your appliance, as well.
2. Disconnect the supply line from the valve and place the end into a large bowl or bucket.
3. Turn the water supply back on and allow the water to flow for a few minutes.
4. Reattach the supply line to the supply valve.
5. Disconnect the icemaker's water line completely and place in a sink.
6. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to one end of the water line and rinse the interior with water from the sink. Continue rinsing until there are no signs of soapy residue.
7. Reattach the complete water line. For a more secure connection, replace the worn fasteners with new pieces.

Flushing out the water line every few months is a great option for preventing dirty ice.

Dispenser

Since the ice and water dispenser in your door sees a great deal of contact from you and other family members, it is also an important area to clean.

To get started, turn off the power to your icemaker to disable ice production. Remove the ice bin inside your freezer and place in your sink. Rinse with warm, soapy water and allow to dry.

Use an ice pick and scraping tool to remove old ice and wipe down with a damp cloth. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to a damp microfiber cloth. Use to wipe down the dispenser opening inside your refrigerator door. Close the door and add a few drops of soap to a new cloth. Use to wipe down the dispenser area on the exterior part of your door.

Place the ice bin back into your freezer and enable ice production. Run a few cups of ice and water through your dispensers to rinse out any leftover residue.

With proper maintenance, your icemaker and dispenser will be in perfect working order. For more information, contact Collier County Appliance Service, Inc. or a similar company.

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