Some drain plugs have a small rubber stop underneath the cap. Pull out the rubber stop to let the water drain out.

Instead of using dish soap, you clean the basket with a solution that’s 1 part vinegar and 10 parts water, or 1 part baking soda to 5 parts water. [3] X Research source

As an alternative, you can substitute lemon juice for vinegar in your cleaning solution.

In a pinch, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub the surfaces.

Running your vinegar solution through the machine helps break up any residue inside the machine.

Any ice cubes from the first 2 or 3 batches could have an unpleasant vinegar aftertaste.

Replace the water in the machine every day so your ice cubes stay fresh.

If your ice maker doesn’t have an off switch, then unplug your fridge while you’re working so the ice maker doesn’t run. Cleaning only takes about 20 minutes, so your food will still stay cold and safe.

Instead of dish soap, you could use a solution made from equal parts water and white vinegar.

If there’s ice frozen on the spot you’re trying to clean, wet a cloth with warm water and rub it against the ice to help it melt and break apart.

Wipe off any residue that you scrub off with a clean, damp cloth so it doesn’t get into any new ice cubes.

Germs can build up near the ice dispenser on the front of your freezer, so be sure to wipe that down too.

Plan on changing your water filter at least 2 times a year, but you may need to do it more frequently if you have hard water.

Ice cubes may start to develop an unpleasant flavor the longer they’re in your freezer.

If ice cubes are frozen together at the bottom of the bin, hit them hard with the edge of the scoop to break them apart.

Avoid using bleach or any other abrasive cleaners since they could damage the components inside your ice machine.

Rinse all of the components and bin with clean water to rinse the cleaner off.

If your ice machine is made of stainless steel, then use a stainless steel cleaner on the surfaces.

Manufacturers recommend different amounts of sanitizer for each machine, so check your instruction manual to know exactly how much to use.

The condenser and filter cool your ice machine down to freeze water, so it’s important to keep them clean so they function properly. You can use a vacuum instead of compressed air.