You are here because your Frigidaire ice maker is not working right or the ice tastes funny. Don’t worry, I have been there too. One time, I opened my freezer and found smelly, dirty ice. It was awful! But after cleaning my Frigidaire ice maker the right way, everything changed. The ice looked fresh, tasted clean, and my family was happy. In this article, I will show you the exact way to clean your Frigidaire ice maker, using easy steps that anyone can do at home.
Unplug and Empty Your Ice Maker
Before you do anything, unplug your Frigidaire ice maker from the wall. This is very important for your safety. You do not want any electric shock. Ice makers use electricity and water, which is not a safe mix when you are cleaning. Once it’s unplugged, open the ice maker or freezer door and take out all the ice inside. Throw away the old ice. Old ice can carry smells and even dirt from the machine.
Now check if there is any ice stuck in the tray or bin. If there is, you can wait for it to melt or carefully remove it with a plastic spoon. Never use metal objects, because they can damage the inside. Once the ice bin is empty, remove it. Most Frigidaire ice bins can slide out easily. Check your model's manual if you are not sure how.
Next, remove any trays or parts that come out. Some Frigidaire models have removable trays or even small filters. Place all removable parts in your sink or on a towel. You will clean these separately.
Look inside the ice maker. If you see dirt, slime, or mold, don't be scared. That's normal if it hasn't been cleaned for a while. Take a soft cloth and gently wipe away any loose dirt or dust. You are not scrubbing yet—just removing the easy stuff.
While the parts are out, let them reach room temperature. Never clean plastic trays or bins with hot water right away. If they are too cold, hot water can crack them.
When everything is unplugged, empty, and at room temperature, you are ready to clean it all deeply.
- Unplug ice maker before doing anything
- Throw away all old ice
- Remove ice bin and any trays
- Let all parts reach room temperature
- Do not use metal tools to remove stuck ice
Clean the Ice Bin and Removable Parts
Now that you have the parts out, it's time to clean them the right way. Take the ice bin, trays, and any other removable parts to your sink. Use warm water and dish soap. Fill the sink or a large bowl with warm soapy water. Place all the parts inside and let them soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or slime.
After soaking, take a soft sponge or cloth and scrub every part. Make sure you get into all corners and hard-to-reach places. Use a toothbrush for small areas if you need to. If there are any strong smells, you can mix a bit of baking soda into the water. Baking soda helps remove smells fast.
Rinse all parts with clean water until there is no soap left. You do not want soap in your next batch of ice. After rinsing, place the parts on a clean towel and let them air dry completely. Do not put them back in the machine while they are still wet. Water can freeze and cause problems.
If you see mold or hard water stains, use a mix of vinegar and water. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Use this mix to scrub the problem spots. It is safe and works well on most plastic and rubber parts.
Once everything is dry, keep the parts aside. You will put them back later after you clean the inside of the machine.
- Use warm water and dish soap for cleaning
- Soak parts before scrubbing
- Use toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots
- Add baking soda to remove strong smells
- Let all parts air dry fully before putting back
Clean Inside the Ice Maker
Now that the removable parts are clean, it’s time to clean inside the Frigidaire ice maker. Start by mixing a safe cleaning solution. You can use vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar to 2 cups water) or a gentle cleaner made for appliances. Do not use bleach or strong chemicals. They can leave smells and may damage your ice maker.
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently wipe all the inside walls of the ice maker. Make sure to clean every part inside where ice is made. Look for any dirt, sticky spots, or mold. Use slow and careful movements. Don't rush. If your cloth gets dirty, rinse it and dip again.
Use a toothbrush to clean small corners and tight spots. Some Frigidaire models have a small fan or vents inside. Be careful around these areas. Don't use too much liquid. Just dampen your cloth or sponge and wipe gently.
If you see build-up from hard water, use the vinegar mix to scrub. Let it sit on the spot for 5-10 minutes, then scrub it off. Be sure you clean the ceiling, floor, and sides of the ice chamber.
After cleaning, use a new cloth dipped in clean water to wipe everything again. This helps remove any cleaner left behind. Then use a dry towel to wipe down the inside. Let the inside air dry for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use vinegar and water or appliance-safe cleaner
- Wipe inside walls, ceiling, and corners
- Be gentle around fans or vents
- Use clean water to wipe off any cleaner
- Let inside air dry completely
Clean the Water Line and Filter
This part is very important and often forgotten. Dirty water lines and filters can make your ice taste bad and even stop your machine from working right. First, check your Frigidaire model to see where the water line and filter are. The water line is usually at the back of the fridge. The filter is often inside the fridge or behind a small door.
Turn off the water supply before touching anything. You can find the valve near the wall behind the fridge. Once the water is off, carefully disconnect the water line. Have a towel ready in case water drips.
To clean the water line, you can use a mix of water and white vinegar. Use a turkey baster or small funnel to pour the mix into the line. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then flush it with clean water. Repeat until the water runs clear.
If your model has a replaceable water filter, this is a good time to change it. Filters should be changed every 6 months or sooner if your water tastes odd. Follow your model's instructions to remove the old filter and put in a new one.
After everything is clean, reconnect the water line and turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks.
- Turn off water before removing lines
- Use vinegar and water to flush lines
- Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes
- Replace old filter with a new one
- Turn water back on and check for leaks
Reassemble and Run a Cleaning Cycle
Now it's time to put everything back together. Start by placing the dry ice bin and trays back in the machine. Make sure everything fits correctly. If something feels stuck, do not force it. Check the manual if needed.
Once all parts are in place, plug the ice maker back into the wall. Turn the power on. Some Frigidaire ice makers have a cleaning mode or test cycle. Check your manual to see if yours has this. If it does, run the cleaning cycle. If it doesn't, just let it run a normal cycle.
Throw away the first batch of ice after cleaning. This helps remove any leftover cleaning mix or smell. The second batch should be clean and fresh.
Let the machine run and listen for any strange sounds. If you hear anything odd, check to see if a part is out of place. Sometimes a tray or bin might not be sitting right.
Keep an eye on the ice for the next few hours. Make sure the ice is clear and not cloudy or smelly. If something still seems wrong, you might need to clean again or check for deeper issues.
- Place all parts back in their correct spots
- Plug in the ice maker
- Run a cleaning or test cycle
- Throw away the first batch of ice
- Listen for any strange sounds
Keep Your Ice Maker Clean Longer
Now that your Frigidaire ice maker is clean, let's keep it that way. You don't want to go through this long cleaning process again too soon. Here are some smart tips to help your ice maker stay clean and fresh for longer.
Clean it at least once every 3 months. Even if it looks fine, dirt and mold can build up slowly. A regular wipe-down can stop bigger problems before they start.
Always use clean water. If your tap water has a smell or taste, use a water filter. Dirty water means dirty ice.
Check the ice for changes. If the ice looks cloudy, smells funny, or tastes strange, clean the ice maker again. It might be picking up smells from food in the freezer too, so always keep your freezer clean.
Do not touch the ice with dirty hands. Use a scoop if possible. This helps avoid adding bacteria into the bin.
Throw away old ice. Ice that sits too long can pick up smells and get sticky. Try to use the ice regularly or toss it out once a week.
Keep the area around the ice maker clean. Dust, hair, and dirt can get pulled in by the fan. Wipe down the outside and clean the floor near it.
- Clean your machine every 3 months
- Use filtered or clean water
- Watch for changes in taste or smell
- Use a clean scoop for ice
- Keep the freezer and area around clean
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Frigidaire ice maker clean is not hard, but it does take a little time and care. Once you do it right, your ice will look better, taste better, and your machine will last longer. I've seen how much of a difference it makes. You don't need fancy tools or special skills—just follow these simple tips and steps. Always remember, a clean ice maker means clean ice for your family and guests. Make it a part of your home cleaning plan. It's worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean my Frigidaire ice maker?
Yes, it is safe to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that kills mold, removes smells, and cuts through mineral build-up. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and use it to clean both the inside and outside of your ice maker. Avoid using bleach, as it can leave a strong smell and may harm the inside parts. Always rinse well with clean water after using vinegar to make sure no taste or smell is left behind.
Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
It is not a good idea to use bleach in your Frigidaire ice maker. Bleach is very strong and can damage plastic or rubber parts. It also leaves a strong smell that can stay in your ice. If not rinsed fully, it can even be harmful to your health. Vinegar or special ice machine cleaners are much safer. If you really want to use bleach, use only a small amount and rinse the machine many times with clean water before making ice again.
Do I need to turn off the water before cleaning?
Yes, you should turn off the water before cleaning the water line or filter. This helps prevent water from spilling and lets you safely remove parts like the filter or tube. You can usually find the shut-off valve behind your fridge or under the sink. After cleaning, make sure everything is dry and connected tightly before turning the water back on. Also check for leaks after turning the water back on.
Can I clean the ice maker without taking it apart?
You can wipe the outside and some parts inside without taking it apart, but for a deep clean, it's best to remove the ice bin and trays. Mold and dirt can hide in small places you can't reach unless you take out the parts. It's not hard to do, and most Frigidaire ice makers are made for easy cleaning. Doing a full clean gives better results and keeps your ice safe and clean.
Is it okay to use hot water to clean cold plastic parts?
No, never use hot water right away on cold plastic parts. The sudden change in temperature can cause the plastic to crack. Let the parts sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cleaning. Use warm water, not hot, when washing the trays or bin. This keeps the plastic safe and helps the cleaning go smoother. Always dry the parts completely before putting them back in.
Can I use a dishwasher to clean the ice bin?
Most Frigidaire ice bins are not dishwasher-safe. The high heat in dishwashers can warp or crack the plastic. It’s better to wash the bin by hand using warm water and mild dish soap. If you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual. Washing by hand also helps you reach corners and clean more carefully, which gives better results.
Do I need to throw away the first ice after cleaning?
Yes, always throw away the first batch of ice after cleaning your Frigidaire ice maker. The first batch may still have traces of cleaning solution, dirt, or bad smells. Throwing it away makes sure the next ice you use is safe, fresh, and clean. It's a small step, but very important. After that, your ice should be clear and taste much better.
Is it bad to leave old ice in the bin?
Yes, leaving old ice in the bin for too long can make it sticky, smelly, and dirty. Ice can absorb smells from food and air in your freezer. It can also start to melt and refreeze, making it clump together. It's best to empty old ice at least once a week and clean the bin every few weeks. This helps keep the ice fresh and your ice maker working properly.