Whether you have a basic or luxurious fridge model, you have to take good care of the ice maker. Here are expert tips given by refrigerator ice maker repair professionals on how to keep the ice makers in tip-top shape:
Keep it clean
Ice makers turn water into ice cubes, so it might sound absurd to have to clean them. Ice makers are just like any other appliance handling food items. Unsanitary conditions will promote germ growth, which puts you at a great health risk.
To avoid this, periodically sanitize your ice maker. Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market that you can go for. Fridges with in-built ice makers and water dispensers don’t require rigorous sanitization.
Despite this, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean them at least once every month. To do this, unplug the refrigerator and empty both the freezer and fresh food sections.
You should then wipe down or hand-wash the interior surfaces using mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Before you return any item, ensure that it’s fully dry.
In addition to the inside, you also should pay attention to the outside of the refrigerator. This will not only keep the ice maker looking great, but it also will prevent dirt and stains from building up. To clean the outside of the refrigerator use a damp piece of cloth and get rid of all dried spills. If the dirt isn’t coming out, use soap and warm water to remove it.
Change the filters
Modern fridges that come equipped with ice makers have a water filtration system. The systems pass water through an activated charcoal filter that removes the common tap water impurities.
Many standalone ice makers rely on air filters to filter the water. These appliances simply improve the water flavor and odor, while a few others simply sort out the volatile organic compounds.
You can’t make quality ice from dirty water, so you should regularly inspect the air filters and replace them if dirty. To avoid forgetting to replace the filters at the right time, keep a record. For optimal performance, change the air filters every three or six months.
Descale the refrigerator
Unless you have a reverse osmosis system, your fridge will experience calcium deposits. Standalone machines produce more calcium deposits, which are more problematic.
When you don’t remove the deposits early enough, they damage the machine parts hence significantly reducing the lifespan of the appliance. The best way of going about it is descaling the appliance regularly.
Different ice machines require different descaling solutions, so you should consult your manual and confirm the right way to do it.
Give your unit enough room to breathe
Do you have a standalone ice machine? You should provide it with proper ventilation for it to function optimally. Some machines have vents on the bottom edges allowing cool air to enter on the right side and warm air to leave through the left.
When installing your unit, take care not to obstruct the venting.
Get rid of clogs as soon as they come about
Refrigerator ice makers are the most notorious for developing clogs. Over time, the ice dispenser chute will jam due to smashed ice particles and ice.
If you have a new fridge model with an in-door ice maker, you can quickly fix the problem even without requiring the services of a refrigerator repair Springfield professional. All you need to do is to remove the ice bin and any stuck cubes.
You should then use a warm, damp cloth to clean the bottom of the bin and ice chute.
Do you have an old refrigerator with ice makers located in the freezer? Hire a professional to help you investigate the source of the problem and fix it.
