Protecting Customers and Staff from a Dirty Ice Machine

A Dirty Ice Machine Produces Unsafe Ice

Many people don’t consider ice as a possible health safety issue. Yet ice is considered a food product by the FDA and needs the same consideration as food when thinking about safety and contamination. Fact is, a dirty ice machine will produce dirty ice, so how can you keep your ice supply safe?

No worries, the experts at Easy Ice are here to show you the best practices for keeping your ice machine and ice supply safe and clean!

Ice Machines are Often Neglected

A scathing report from the U.K. concluded that 6 in 10 fast food restaurants had ice that was dirtier than toilet water. This finding certainly had the “ick factor” and had consumers on both sides on the pond questioning the safety and sanitation of the ice in their beverages. (Note: As a consumer, you can contact your state’s Health Department to learn about health inspection violations at foodservice establishments in your area.)

A convenience store association conducted a study with it’s members around ice machines and cleanliness. A significant percentage of respondents said they didn’t clean their ice machines because they thought they were “self-cleaning”. Others neglected to replace water filters regularly.  

Proper Cleaning is Key

Ignoring the potential health consequences of a dirty ice machine doesn’t make the problem go away! Proactive inspections and cleaning your ice bin will keep your ice machine free from mold and slime which can lead to illness.

We’ve created a handy ice machine cleaning schedule you or your staff can follow that will help reduce accidental contamination.

Commercial ice machines need to be professionally deep-cleaned at least twice per year.  (More often if the ice machine is in a yeasty environment, like a pizza parlor or bakery.)

Another benefit of professional deep cleanings is that it frees dust and dirt that has accumulated around vital ice machine components. When components, like condensers, are covered in dirt and dust, they lose their effectiveness. The less effective components operate, the less ice your machine will produce.   

Avoid the Dangers of a Dirty Ice Machine

Ice safety is imperative. If a customer or staff member becomes ill due to ice borne contaminants, your business can suffer. For restaurants, a bad Yelp review can tarnish even the most popular establishments. A poor inspection from the health department can lead to costly fines or temporary closure of your business.

Most importantly, your reputation depends on your customers and staff leaving happy and healthy. Reducing risk of illness due to a dirty ice machine is not difficult, but it does take consistent attention and effort.  

Outsourcing equipment cleanings to professionals will ensure it’s sanitation. You’re an expert at running your business, not an ice machine expert.  

Deep cleaning a commercial ice machine requires a lot more than wiping down surfaces and emptying the bin. Ice machines are complicated with lots of moving parts that need attention during a cleaning.  

If you want to pass your health inspection, you better not have a dirty ice machine! You or your staff don’t have the time or expertise to properly clean a commercial ice maker.Instead of taking on the hassle of buying an ice machine,  Leave everything to experts you can trust!