How often should ice machines
be cleaned?

If you make your own ice, your machine must be properly maintained and sanitary, and your water source must be safe. It is not just common sense ... IT IS THE LAW!

Michigan has adopted the Federal Food Law current revision 1999.

Chapter 1 part 201.10 section (B) item (27) defines Ice as food. This subjects ice to the same handling and cleanliness standards as everything else including manufacturing equipment.

Ice itself falls under 40CFR141 governing drinking water purity.

Ice machine cleaning is governed by Food Law 1999 Chapter 4 part 602.11 section (E) item (4a) which states that the machines must be cleaned in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. i.e. Manitowac ...at least every 6 months...

Ice machine sanitizing is governed by Chapter 4 part 702.11 which states they must be sanitized after each cleaning.

Annex 7 Form 5 states: Federal law provides under the Criminal Fine Enforcement Act of 1984 for a fine up to $100,000 for a misdemeanor by a corporation or individual not resulting in death and, for misdemeanors resulting in death, a fine of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.

Bottom line ... cleaning and sanitizing your ice machine on a regular basis IS REQUIRED BY LAW.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that users of commercial ice-making machines follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and sanitizing the machines.

All commercial ice-making machines are manufactured with a “boilerplate” statement affixed to the machine stating when and how the ice machine should be cleaned and sanitized.

Also, the water in Northern Michigan is rich in minerals, especially lime, and buildup can seriously decrease the speed of your ice production while increasing energy consumption.

One machine or many, The Ice Man will clean your commercial ice machines upon request, or will set up a convenient service agreement that will make maintaining your ice machines effortless, instead of a constant worry.

We use only high quality, nickel-safe cleaners and good old-fashioned elbow grease to insure that your ice is clean, safe, and delicious! Don’t wait -
contact The Ice Man today!