Ice machines continually process water, which means they are at risk of becoming contaminated if not cleaned and maintained. High quality ice machines like the range from Scotsman include design features that help to keep them operating at peak efficiency.  However, it is vital to institute a schedule of maintenance and cleaning on a daily, weekly and monthly basis as well as regular visits from trained service engineers. 

Ensuring staff are trained in how to use and maintain your ice machine is the foundation of maintaining ice hygiene. Regular training and refresher sessions should be scheduled to make sure staff knowledge remains fresh.

Ice machine maintenance tips

• The ice storage bin should be fully emptied and cleaned every couple of months. This will ensure that ice is kept in perfect condition until needed..
• The water filter cartridge should be replaced at least once a year, although depending on local water quality and usage levels this might need to be more frequent.
• After cleaning either the storage bin or changing the filter, the fresh water system should be flushed through before use to remove any residual contaminants.
• While a good quality water filter will dramatically reduce the build up of scale on the evaporator, if you have very hard water it may still occur. Removing scale from the evaporator will keep the ice being made as pure as possible.  This is usually a job for the service engineer. 
• Check the evaporator for build up at the same time as you clean the storage bin. Ice with scale can look milky or cloudy.
• The air filters can often be overlooked in maintenance schedules, but should be cleaned regularly to guarantee the machine’s cooling capacity is working at optimum efficiency.

Ice handling tips

• Correct handling technique is vital so ice reaches customers in peak hygienic condition. Make sure ice never gets touched with bare hands and is only removed with a scoop.
• The scoop itself should be only stored in a tub of sanitiser between uses, not left on top of the machine or in the ice storage bin.
• As well as this they should ensure that it is never contaminated by foreign bodies like bottle tops or labels.  If glass enters the storage bin it’s vital that it is emptied and cleaned thoroughly.

Ultraviolet sanitation systems have become increasingly common in ice machines since the pandemic. They provide an extra level of security by using the natural power of UV light to destroy viruses and bacteria, preventing the growth of mould, mildew, slime, and stopping odours

The XSafe system is one of the key safety features fitted as standard on the Scotsman range of ice machines. Unlike many other UV systems it is capable of working throughout the machine, even in a storage bin filled with ice.

Over time the effectiveness of the UV lightbulb reduces, and as the XSafe system runs constantly Hubbard Systems recommends getting it changed every 12 months. This will ensure the bulb and the XSafe system is always working at its full potential.