The Safety Step You Can't Forget After Cleaning Any Kind Of Ice Maker

Cleaning your ice maker — whether it's a built-in model in your freezer, a countertop appliance (which is actually quite simple to clean), or a commercial unit — isn't just about keeping your ice tasting fresh. It's also a crucial part of preventing mold, mineral buildup, and bacteria from hitching a ride in your cubes. But there's one final step many people skip: You need to throw out the first batches of ice after cleaning. Even if your ice maker looks spotless, trace amounts of cleaning solution, descaling chemicals, or loosened debris are likely still lingering in the machine.

Those first few rounds of ice act like a rinse cycle, flushing out anything that didn't get fully removed during cleaning. Skipping this step means you risk serving up cubes that taste odd — or worse, contain chemical residue. Most manufacturers recommend discarding at least two to three batches, though if you notice any lingering taste or odor, you may need to toss a few more. 

When you clean a grimy ice maker, water moves through internal parts that are tricky to dry completely. Any remaining cleaning product can mix with fresh water as soon as the machine starts making new ice. This is especially true if you use vinegar (just one of many vinegar hacks for a cleaner kitchen), citric acid, or a commercial ice machine cleaner — substances that can leave behind subtle but unpleasant flavors even in tiny amounts.

Discarding the first batches ensures that the internal water lines, freezing trays, and storage bins have been fully purged. It also clears out any residual mineral deposits or small flecks of loosened scale that could affect ice clarity and taste. In high-use environments like restaurants or bars, this step is non-negotiable for both safety and customer satisfaction. At home, it's an easy habit to adopt — just plan your cleaning on a day when you don't need immediate ice, and let the machine run through its flush-out cycle before restocking your freezer bin. That way, the cubes you serve will be as clean and pure as you expect.