How To Clean A Whirlpool Ice Maker

An ice maker is the perfect appliance for any home bar. With a Whirlpool ice maker, you can have readymade ice cubes at your fingertips. Icemakers can produce 50 pounds of ice cubes in 24 hours, making plenty for even the busiest nights at the bar.

Whirlpool models are provided with a built-in electronic clean cycle, which provides long-lasting ice consistency. Over time, your ice maker will require a thorough cleaning, due to built-up mineral deposits from water. These deposits cause discolorations in ice cubes and inconsistent ice quality.

If the "Cleaning Cycle" button is illuminated, or if nine months has elapsed between cleanings, it's time to clean the Whirlpool Ice Maker. Minerals that are removed from water during the freezing cycle will eventually form a hard scaly deposit in the water system. Follow these Whirlpool ice machine cleaner instructions to ensure that your ice maker produces clean, refreshing ice.

1. Check the Cleaning Status Light

Inspect the cleaning status light. The Whirlpool cleaning status light will turn to yellow to let you know you should clean your ice maker soon. If the light turns to red, clean your ice maker immediately. When you are unable to clean an ice maker that has a red light, refrain from using the appliance until you have time to clean it. Even if the light doesn't turn to yellow, according to Whirlpool, you should clean your ice maker if nine months has passed.

2. Clean the Icemaker's Exterior

Clean the exterior of your ice machine. A clean exterior will help ensure that there's less dirt that could potentially make its way inside of the icemaker. Cleaning the exterior of your icemaker also tends to make it look more attractive. To clean the exterior, prepare a container with a solution of hot water and mild soap. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply soap solution to the exterior of the icemaker. Gently scrub until you have removed any stuck on pieces of food and oil buildup. Use another clean cloth to dry the ice maker's exterior thoroughly.

3. Turn Off the Ice Maker

Turn off the ice maker to prepare the interior for cleaning. Allow the ice maker to sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow all the ice to fall into the storage bin. Remove the ice from the storage bin. Then open the drain cap from the water pan to allow the water to drain out. Use paper towels to clean out the excess moisture within the ice maker. Once the moisture in the interior of the appliance is absorbed, replace the drain cap securely.

4. Add Ice Maker Cleaning Solution

Pour a pre-measured amount of ice maker cleaning solution into the water pan. Ice maker cleaning solutions will vary in strength, so check the package directions in order to add the correct amount for the brand you're using. Many cleaning solutions need to be diluted with water. Add the correct amount of water to dilute the cleaning solution. Press and hold down the "Clean" button until the corresponding light begins blinking. This signifies that the cleaning cycle has started.

5. Check the Ice Maker After Cleaning

Wait until the cleaning process ends. Whirlpool models generally have a cleaning cycle time of 70 minutes. Remove the drain cap and note if there is any cleaning solution in the interior. If there is, run the cleaning cycle again using just water. If no cleaning solution drains out of the ice maker, replace the drain cap. Turn your ice maker back on. Your ice maker is ready to begin making ice again.