How do I clean an ice maker?
Empty the bin, wash every part that touches ice with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, use a soft brush for mineral buildup, then dry everything before putting it back. LG says no bleach, harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Whirlpool's built-in models call for cleaning about every 9 months, or sooner with hard water.
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By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
Step by step
Read when to stop and call a pro, further down this page, before you start.
Step 1: Empty the bin
Remove the water tank, ice bin and any other detachable components, along with any ice in them.[1]
Step 2: Wash the parts
Wash the removed parts with warm water and a soft cloth, without bleach, harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.[1]
Step 3: Clean inside the ice maker
Wipe the inside of the ice maker with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.[1]
Step 4: Deal with buildup
For mineral buildup or stuck ice, use a soft brush dipped in warm water.[1]
Step 5: Dry everything
Wipe all surfaces with a dry, soft towel and reassemble only when completely dry.[1]
Step 6: Put it back and run it
Refit the bin and parts, then let the maker run and discard the first batch of ice.
The short version
Take out the bin and every removable part, wash them by hand in warm water, wipe the inside of the ice maker, dry it all and put it back. LG says regular cleaning of its refrigerator ice maker helps prevent odors, improves ice quality, and maintains proper ice production.[1] Every part that comes into contact with ice must be cleaned regularly.[1]
Cleaning a refrigerator ice maker
Switch the ice maker off first so it does not drop ice while you work. Then LG's method is: "Remove the water tank, ice bin, and any other detachable components."[1] Let any ice in them melt or throw it out.
Clean the inside of the ice maker using lukewarm water and a soft cloth.[1] For mineral buildup or stuck ice, use a soft brush dipped in warm water.[1] If the bin has mildew or an odor, GE's option for cleaning mildew or mold from the interior of a refrigerator, freezer or standalone icemaker is to wipe with a mixture of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda, rinse and wipe dry.[2]
Then dry. Wipe all surfaces with a soft towel and reassemble only when completely dry.[1] Wet parts can freeze together and jam the maker. Put the bin back, switch the maker on, and discard the first batch of ice.
What not to use
LG's instruction is blunt: "Do not use bleach, harsh chemicals, or abrasive tools."[1] GE says not to clean with products containing petroleum distillates, detergent, bleach or ammonia, as they may damage the refrigerator, freezer or icemaker, and not to clean plastic parts in a dishwasher.[2] Your manual is the rule, because the plastics and seals differ by brand.
LG also says only qualified LG service personnel should disassemble or repair internal ice maker mechanisms.[1] Cleaning stops at the parts that lift out.
Built-in and under-counter ice makers
These units often have a cleaning cycle. Whirlpool says: "If the Cleaning Cycle button is illuminated or 9 months have elapsed, it’s time to clean the ice maker."[3] Minerals removed from water during the freezing cycle will eventually form a hard, scaly deposit in the water system, so hard water means more frequent cleaning; Whirlpool says you may need to clean the system as often as every 6 months.[3] Its cycle uses one 16-ounce bottle of approved ice maker cleaner and takes approximately 70 minutes.[3] Read and follow all handling information on the cleaner bottle.[3]
Stop and call a pro if
- The ice maker will not start or release ice after cleaning. Start with why an ice maker is not making ice and how to reset it.
- Parts are cracked or broken, or the maker has to be taken apart to reach the buildup.
- Water leaks from the ice maker or the line behind the refrigerator.
- Ice still smells or tastes bad after cleaning and a new filter, which can point to a problem inside the water system.
Next steps
More appliance repair answers are on the site, and you can browse appliance repair pros. Before paying for a repair, read whether it is worth fixing a refrigerator ice maker.
When you are ready, describe the problem and local pros quote it.
Common questions
- Can I use bleach to clean the ice maker?
- Not on the brands checked here. LG says do not use bleach, harsh chemicals or abrasive tools,[^lg] and GE says not to clean with products containing petroleum distillates, detergent, bleach or ammonia, as they may damage the appliance.[^ge] Follow your own manual.
- Can the ice bin go in the dishwasher?
- GE says not to clean plastic parts from a refrigerator, freezer or standalone icemaker in the dishwasher.[^ge] Wash by hand with warm water.
- How often should I clean an ice maker?
- Whirlpool says to clean its built-in ice maker when the Cleaning Cycle light shows or 9 months have elapsed, and as often as every 6 months where buildup appears.[^wpc] For a refrigerator ice maker, wash the removable parts whenever ice tastes or smells off, and follow your manual's schedule.
- What is the white crust in my ice maker?
- Minerals. Whirlpool says minerals removed from water during the freezing cycle will eventually form a hard, scaly deposit in the water system.[^wpc] LG suggests a soft brush dipped in warm water for mineral buildup.[^lg]
- Does my ice maker have a cleaning cycle?
- Some built-in and under-counter models do. Whirlpool's uses one 16-ounce bottle of approved ice maker cleaner and runs approximately 70 minutes.[^wpc] Most refrigerator ice makers do not; they are cleaned by hand.
Sources
- [1] Cleaning the ice maker [refrigerator], LG Electronics Canada Support. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [2] Refrigerator, Freezer and Standalone Ice Maker - Care and Cleaning of Interior and Gasket, GE Appliances. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [3] Cleaning the Ice Maker, Whirlpool Product Help. Checked October 28, 2026.
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