After you invest in a nugget ice maker, regular cleaning is the best way to ensure it continues churning out your favorite, chewable pellets. Like most countertop appliances that use water, these machines inevitably develop buildup from calcium, limescale, and other common mineral deposits.
Over time, that buildup affects the production, taste, and clarity of your ice. It also can damage internal components. A regular descaling routine keeps your machine running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and ensures that each batch of ice is fresh. Below, we break dow…
After you invest in a nugget ice maker, regular cleaning is the best way to ensure it continues churning out your favorite, chewable pellets. Like most countertop appliances that use water, these machines inevitably develop buildup from calcium, limescale, and other common mineral deposits.
Over time, that buildup affects the production, taste, and clarity of your ice. It also can damage internal components. A regular descaling routine keeps your machine running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and ensures that each batch of ice is fresh. Below, we break down the common signs that your machine needs some TLC and give you a step-by-step guide to properly descaling your nugget ice maker.
How often should I descale my nugget ice maker?
The frequency at which you need to descale depends on your water quality, how often you run the machine, and the ice maker itself. Govee, for example, recommends descaling its smart ice maker every 3 to 6 months, while GE suggests every 2 to 4 months for the Opal 2.0. If your home has hard water, you might need to run a cleaning cycle every two to three weeks, since mineral deposits accumulate quicker. When possible, use distilled water because it can significantly reduce buildup and extend the time in between cleanings.
Signs Your Nugget Ice Maker Needs to Be Descaled
If you’re noticing any of the following, it might be time to descale your ice maker:
- Slow ice production. Most nugget ice makers produce between 24 to 38 pounds of ice over 24 hours. If output drops, mineral buildup could be restricting water flow or cooling efficiency.
- The cubes are murky, or they don’t taste right. Deposits make ice taste chalky or metallic, and they cause cubes to appear more cloudy than usual.
- **There’s visible residue. **White buildup in the water reservoir, on the auger, or on the evaporator are clear signs it’s time to run a cleaning cycle.
- **A “clean” indicator light is on. **Many machines, like the Euhomy model we recommend, alert you when maintenance or a cleaning cycle is due, though extremely hard water may require more frequent descaling than the ice maker suggests.
- Strange noises during the production cycle. Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing can indicate that there’s buildup interfering with standard operation.
The good news: Descaling is a quick, straightforward process, and it only takes a few steps.
- Prep the machine. First, unplug the machine from the wall outlet, then drain any water that’s still in the reservoir.
- **Make a cleaning solution. **A mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water is a reliable and widely-recommended descaling technique. Commercial descalers work as well, but it’s best to confirm they’re compatible with your specific model.
- **Run the cleaning cycle. **Pour the solution into the water reservoir and start the machine’s cleaning cycle.
- **Allow for soaking, if needed. **Some manuals might recommend letting the solution sit for a few hours to break down stubborn deposits, or running the cleaning mode more than once.
- Clean internal components. Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe down the ice chute, sensors, and surfaces inside the machine.
- Drain and rinse the ice maker. Empty the machine and run clean water through 2-3 times to get rid of any remaining solution.
Pro tip: A diluted mixture of one teaspoon bleach to five cups of water is useful for sanitizing if you’re concerned about mold or bacteria. Just remember that it’s not a stand-in for descaling, which specifically targets minerals.
The Best Nugget Ice Makers We’ve Tested and Recommend
Best Overall
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Now 28% Off
Best Budget
Best Storage Capacity
Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Now 25% Off
Most Convenient
Best Mid-Range
Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker for Countertop
Now 33% Off
Amber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.