How to Clean a Scotsman Ice Machine
Whether it’s restaurants or hotels, Scotsman is a brand many establishments rely on for making ice. It’s line of Prodigy machines make large batches of ice quickly and efficiently. In order to keep your unit operating in peak condition, routine cleaning and maintenance are a must. Below are steps for how to clean a Scotsman ice machine.
These Scotsman ice machine cleaning instructions are applicable for Prodigy series machines.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Scotsman Clear 1 Scale Remover
- Nu-Calgon IMS II Sanitizer
- Soft cloths or soft-bristle brush
- Gloves
- Goggles
WARNING: Please wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling ice machine cleaners.
Cleaning the Water System & Sensors
- Step 1. Prepare the unit – Start by removing the front panel and evaporator cover from the machine. Then, discard all ice in the bin or dispenser.
- Step 2. Push the “Clean” button – When you push and release the “Clean” button, the yellow light will blink and display a “C.” This will harvest remaining ice, drain the reservoir and start refilling. Make sure the curtain is closed before starting. Move it around to release any trapped ice after harvesting.
- Step 3. Add descaler to the reservoir – Once the machine displays a blinking “A d 1” code, pour 8 ounces (C0322/C0330 models), 10 ounces (C0522/C0530/C0630 models) or 12 ounces (C0830/C1030 models) of Scotsman Clear 1 Scale Remover into the reservoir. The machine will circulate, drain and flush the cleaner in about 35 minutes. When finished, the unit will stop and display “0.” If the machine hasn’t been descaled for a while or scale is still present, repeat steps 2-3.
- Step 4. Mix a cleaning solution – Mix a cleaning solution of 1 ounce of Scotsman Clear 1 Scale Remover to 12 ounces of water.
- Step 5. Remove the ice machine curtain – To release the curtain, push in the edge of the curtain by the pivot pin. Once it’s released, pull out the curtain.
- Step 6. Remove and inspect the water distributor – Locate the water distributor and remove it from the machine. Remove its cover and look for any clogged orifice hole. Flush out any debris and clean any clogged holes. Reattach the cover.
- Step 7. Remove the ice thickness sensor – To release the sensor, squeeze the mounting legs together.
- Step 8. Clean the components from steps 5-7 – Start by cleaning the sensor and its adjustment screw using the cleaning solution from step 4. Then, clean the curtain and water distributor wash using the solution. Rinse all these components with clean water.
- Step 9. Remove the water level sensor – To release the water level sensor, squeeze its catches together and pull up.
- Step 10. Separate probes – Separate the probes from their holders. To release them, push in on white buttons and pull the probe down out of holder.
- Step 11. Wash all interior surfaces – With the cleaning solution from step 4, wash all interior surfaces. Once cleaned, rinse and return the probes to their holders.
- Step 12. Mix a sanitizing solution – Mix a sanitizing solution containing 8 ounces of NuCalgon IMS II and 5 gallons of warm water (105-115 degrees Fahrenheit). This should create a suitable 200 ppm active quaternary solution.
- Step 13. Sanitize all components – With the sanitizing solution from step 11, sanitize the ice thickness sensor, water level sensor, curtain and water distributor.
- Step 14. Sanitize all interior surfaces – With the sanitizing solution from step 11, sanitize the freezing compartment, including the evaporator cover and right-side panel liner.
- Step 15. Reattach the removed components – Reattach the water level sensor, ice thickness sensor, water distributor and curtain to their normal places inside the machine. Make sure they’re all completely dry before reattaching.
- Step 16. Push the “Clean” button – When you push and release the “Clean” button, the yellow light will blink and display a “C.” This will harvest remaining ice, drain the reservoir and start refilling.
- Step 17. Add sanitizer to the reservoir – Once the machine displays a blinking “A d 1” code, pour the remaining sanitizing solution into the reservoir. The machine will circulate, drain and flush the cleaner in about 35 minutes. When finished, the unit will stop and display “0.”
- Step 18. Restart the machine – Reattach the front panel and evaporator cover to the machine. Push the “On” button to resume making ice.
Cleaning the Ice Storage Bin
- Step 1. Remove all ice – Remove all the ice from the bin. You may have to thaw off wall using warm water. Discard all the ice accordingly.
- Step 2. Mix a cleaning solution – Mix a cleaning solution using 7 ounces of Scotsman Clear 1 Ice Machine Scale Remover with 84 ounces of water.
- Step 3. Clean the bin’s interior surfaces – Using the cleaning solution from step 2, wash all the interior surfaces of the bin to remove any scale buildup. Pour excess solution into the bin’s drain.
- Step 4. Sanitize the bin’s interior surfaces – Mix a sanitizing solution and thoroughly wash all interior surfaces of the bin. Pour excess sanitizer solution into the bin’s drain.
Additional Preventative Maintenance
In order to ensure the best possible performance, make sure to do the following as part of your routine maintenance:
- Cleaning the exterior surfaces (weekly) – Using a high-quality stainless-steel cleaner, wipe down the front, top and side panels to remove any fingerprints, dust and grease.
- Cleaning or replacing the water filters (3-6 months)– If the ice machine is connected to water filters, change the cartridges if they’ve been installed for more than 6 months or if the pressure drops substantially whenever the ice machine fills with water. Verify by checking the cartridges for the replacement date or the pressure on the gauge.
- Cleaning air filters (3-6 months) – Pull out the air filters from the front panel and wash out any dust or grease in a sink with water. Once they’re dry, return them to their original positions.
- Cleaning the air-cooled condenser (3-4 months) – If the machine hasn’t operated with a filter, the air-cooled condenser fins must be cleaned. The fins are found under the fan blades. If the condenser needs to be cleaned, please contact an authorized technician to conduct this task.
That is how to clean a Scotsman ice machine correctly. Not seeing information on your specific model? Check out our collection of Scotsman manuals for assistance.