How to Clean an Ice Maker (Slime, Mold, and Bad-Tasting Ice)
If your ice tastes or smells off, or you see pink/black slime in the bin, the ice maker needs cleaning. Mold and mineral buildup are common, and cleaning is straightforward.
1. Empty and Wash the Bin
Dump all the ice and remove the ice bin. Wash it in the sink with warm water and a little dish soap or a 1:10 vinegar-water solution. Pink or black slime is mold/bacteria — scrub it all off, rinse well, and dry before reinstalling.
2. Clean the Ice Maker Unit
Wipe the ice maker mechanism and the area around it with a vinegar-water solution on a cloth. Pay attention to the mold and the dispenser chute, where mold loves to grow. A cotton swab helps in tight spots.
3. Flush With a Cleaning Cycle
For built-in fridge ice makers, run a few batches of ice and discard them after cleaning to flush the system. For standalone/countertop ice makers, run a cleaning cycle with the manufacturer's ice machine cleaner (or a diluted vinegar solution) per the manual, then a plain-water cycle to rinse.
4. Replace the Water Filter
Bad-tasting ice is often an old water filter. Replace the fridge water filter (every 6 months) — it's a common cause of off-tasting ice and water.
Parts & Tools
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ
Usually an old water filter, or mold/buildup in the ice maker and bin. Replace the water filter and clean the bin and ice maker with a vinegar solution.
Empty and wash the bin with vinegar-water, wipe the ice maker mechanism and chute, run and discard a few ice batches, and replace the water filter. Pink/black slime is mold — scrub it all off.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.