How To Keep Your Ice Clean

Ice Machine Hygiene

The best way to ensure great ice hygiene is to keep your ice machine sparkling clean. It's not just that though - there's lots of other actions you can take to reduce the chance of contamination...

• Hands off: any time you move ice, use a clean ice scoop or bucket. Don’t scoop with a glass - ice can easily break glass and it’s difficult to scoop without touching the ice with your hands.

TIP: Don’t store the scoop on top of the ice in the machine - bacteria on the handle can quickly cause contamination. Hook it somewhere clean and accessible.



• Auto clean/self rinse: some ice machines make it really easy to keep your ice clean. For example, the Polar GL192 ice machine has a built-in automatic cleaning and flushing cycle. If your machine has a similar feature, use it – and keep to a regular cleaning schedule. Many Hoshizaki ice machines have auto-clean functionality too.
• Deep clean: schedule in a regular deep clean of your ice machine. Let the unit drain down and ensure every part - inside and out - is cleaned thoroughly, following the cleaning instructions in the user manual. Make sure to use the recommended chemicals too.
• Close the lid: most modern ice machines have handy lids which aren't just for show. Not only do lids prevent airborne bacteria infecting the ice, they also help the unit to operate more efficiently too.
• No returns: don't return unused ice to the machine.
• Filters: ice can only be as clean as the water that’s in it, so use a water filter to ensure contaminant-free ice. If you’re already using a filter, make sure to change it regularly. Water filters also help extend the lifespan of ice machines, as they prevent build-up of limescale.
• Anti-bacterial bins: some commercial ice machines have food-safe antibacterial ice storage bins built-in, which are great at keeping ice food-fresh. If you’ve got a modular ice machine, look out for bins with easy-clean anti-bacterial coatings.
• Reduce storage times: the longer ice is stored ready for use, the more likely it is to get infected with bacteria. Allowing the machine to drain down during quieter hours can give you the opportunity to clean the ice storage bin, as well as helping to reduce running costs.

• Training: possibly one of the most important ways to keep clean ice is to ensure everyone who handles it is fully trained. After all, ice is food, and it’s vital that staff treat it as such. Perhaps occasional refresher training sessions, or kitchen safety signage could be handy reminders for staff.
• Positioning: bars and restaurants can be pretty busy places, so it’s not uncommon for ice to get contaminated by the occasional cough or spilt drink. Whilst closing the lid can help, careful positioning away from any potential hazards can help reduce the likelihood of contamination.
• Maintain your glasswasher: it's equally important to put clean ice into clean glassware. Visible marks such as lipstick might just be scratching the surface. Ensure to keep your glasswasher maintained according to the user manual.
• Washroom hygiene: one of the biggest culprits for infection is people not washing their hands after using the bathroom. It's a bigger problem than you might think. Check out the washroom hygiene infographic for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best chemicals to clean ice machines with?

It's always best to refer to the user manual before cleaning an ice machine for the first time. Still, there is a wide selection of professional grade solutions on the Nisbets website. For example, concentrated Jantex Sanitiser or pre-diluted Jantex Sanitiser Spray are both excellent cleaning solutions for commercial ice machines.

Are ice machines easy to clean?

Some models are easier to clean than others. For example, models with self-cleaning modes do make the process easier, but you still need to take care when cleaning parts which don't clean themselves. For more information about picking the right machine, check out the Ice Machine Buying Guide.

Should I use a plastic or metal ice scoop?

As long as the ice scoop is cleaned thoroughly, there isn't really much difference between plastic and metal scoops. Plastic scoops are usually lightweight and inexpensive, whereas metal scoops are a bit more solid and long-lasting. Remember to never scoop ice with a glass.

Is crushed ice more hygienic?

If you use an ice crusher, it's important to clean and maintain it according to the user manual. It doesn't matter how clean your ice is if you're crushing it with dirty blades, or dispensing into a bin which hasn't been sanitised.