Property of Ice-O-Matic
F00383 Rev 01/24
Chemicals for Cleaning and Sanitizing an Ice-O-Matic Commercial Ice Machine
The cleaning and sanitizing of any commercial ice machine are important procedures all operators need to have in
their preventive maintenance protocol. While similar, these two procedures are uniquely different and
accomplish different things. Cleaning or de-liming, dissolves the mineral deposits on the evaporator and removes
scale, calcium and other mineral buildup. Sanitizing disinfects the machine and removes microbial growth
including mold and slime.
In either case, it is important to use solutions that do not harm the ice machine. Never use cleaning or sanitizing
solutions that contain Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Carbolic Acid, Acetic Acid, diluted Acetic Acid or
non-food-grade vinegar (concentration of acetic acid greater than 6% and does not contain enzymes created in
processing) or bleach, chlorine dioxide, or salts such as potassium chloride (potassium salts) or sodium chloride.
Check the label or the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to be sure. These chemicals can attack
the surface of the evaporator as well as other metal components causing corrosion and flaking. Reverse Osmosis
(RO) water can be very acidic and can attack the evaporator and other metal in the ice machine. Because the RO
process removes all minerals and metals from the water it can promote the faster growth of microbial, mold and
slime. If RO water is used, then Ice-O-Matic recommends the water pH is verified to be a neutral 7.0 to minimize
the corrosive effects. Incorrect cleaners, sanitizers, and RO water that does not have a neutral pH could void the
machine’s warranty.
Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine Sanitizing
Ice-O-Matic recommends sanitizing or disinfecting
an ice maker a minimum of every six months, but
no more than once per month to avoid potential
damage to the machine. Frequency of sanitizing
may depend on whether the machine is in a high
yeast environment or if RO water is being used. It
is the responsibility of the operator to determine
the optimal frequency for their particular
environment.
Ice-O-Matic requires a “nickel-safe” sanitizer such
as Nu-Calgon IMS-III. Sanitizing is a simple matter
of running the approved sanitizer through the ice
machine and wiping down surfaces with the
sanitizer.
If being done at the same time as the cleaning
process, sanitizing must be done after the
cleaning process. Chemicals used for sanitizing
must be thoroughly purged and rinsed after use.
Follow the process as prescribed in the Installation
and Service Manuals.
Note: this process requires the ice be removed
from the bin.
Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine Cleaning
Cleaning or de-liming an ice machine refers to the process
of removing mineral buildup and scale from the evaporator
and other components. Ice-O-Matic recommends cleaning
the ice machine every 6 months, but no more than once
per month to avoid potential damage to the machine.
Frequency of cleaning may depend on water quality and
filtration system used. It is the responsibility of the
operator to determine the optimal frequency for their
particular environment. Cleaning will not remove
microbial, mold, or slime. The machine should always be
sanitized after cleaning, and chemicals used for cleaning
must be thoroughly purged and rinsed prior to sanitizing.
Ice-O-Matic requires a “nickel-safe” cleaner such as Nu-
Calgon Nickel-Safe Ice Machine Cleaner. Typically the
chemical composition is as follows:
• Water 53% to 82%
• Phosphoric Acid 15% to 40%
• Citric Acid 3% to 7%
In addition, for CIM models revision 4 and higher, KAY®
Delimer may also be used. At dilution, the chemical
composition is citric acid 5-10%.
Ice-O-Matic recommends cleaning be done by a trained
technician and that they follow detailed steps as
prescribed in the Installation and Service Manuals.
