How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Ice Machine in Los Angeles, California?

Cleaning frequency for a commercial ice machine in Los Angeles, California, depends on several factors including usage, environment, and manufacturer recommendations. However, here are general guidelines:

  1. Manufacturer Recommendations: Follow the cleaning frequency suggested by the ice machine's manufacturer, usually found in the user manual. Typically, manufacturers recommend cleaning every 3 to 6 months.
  2. Local Health Regulations: Adhere to any local health department regulations, which might require more frequent cleanings to meet sanitation standards.
    Ice Machine Cleaning Services
    Ice Machine Cleaning Services
  3. Usage: If the ice machine is used heavily, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. High usage can lead to faster buildup of minerals, scale, and contaminants.
  4. Water Quality: Poor water quality with high mineral content can lead to faster buildup of scale and require more frequent cleaning.
  5. Environment: If the ice machine is in a dusty or greasy environment, such as near a kitchen, it might need more frequent cleaning to prevent buildup on internal components.
  6. Inspection: Regularly inspect the ice machine for signs of mold, slime, or mineral buildup. If any of these are present, clean the machine immediately.

In general, cleaning every 3 to 6 months is a good practice, but adjust based on the factors above to ensure the machine stays clean and functions properly.

 

Manitowoc Ice Machine Filter
Manitowoc Ice Machine Filter

Ice Machine Water Filtration

Nothing is more important than the water going into the machine. Therefore, analyze the local water conditions to determine what kind of filtration is needed. Recent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks as well as cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis traced back to ice machines have caused a change in philosophy of water filtration for equipment.

Be aware that using carbon filters, which are typically used for taste and odor elimination, is not a good solution. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015, “Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems,” states that disinfectant should remain in the water supply. This means chlorine and chloramines should not be eliminated, and carbon taste and odor filters remove all such disinfectants. Particulates and parasitic cysts still need to be removed, and scale inhibitor needs to be added. Filters are available that will accomplish this — consult with your
local suppliers.