How to Clean your Hoshizaki Ice Machine

Best Commercial Ice Machines – a Comprehensive Guide

Looking for advice on how to clean Hoshizaki ice machines? Read on as our experts explain the process and why it’s so important to regularly clean your machine. We’ll also share our top tips on how to keep your ice machine in prime working order so that it keeps on delivering a safe supply of ice, year-round.

Why is it important to regularly clean an ice machine?

Ice makers, including Hoshizaki ice machines, need to be cleaned regularly to keep them in optimum working order, and to ensure the ice they produce is safe for consumption and doesn’t leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
A lack of cleaning can allow deposits such as limescale to build up and mould and bacteria to develop within the ice machine. Both can contaminate the ice and put customers at risk of illness from the likes of E.coli or salmonella.
Ice is considered food under UK food legislation. This means that how you handle ice within your establishment needs to form part of your food safety management system. This system should cover the quality of the water used to make the ice; the way staff handle the ice and, crucially, the cleanliness and condition of the equipment used to dispense the ice.

How to clean Hoshizaki ice machines?

When it comes to how to clean an ice machine by leading brand Hoshizaki, this will depend on the specific model you have.
Instructions will vary based on whether you have a modular crescent cuber, a self-contained cuber with a water system, or a self-contained cuber with a bin, slope and scoop. You should therefore consult the individual instruction manual for your particular model to ensure you follow the correct instructions. Alternatively, you can call in a qualified Hoshizaki installation and maintenance specialist to safely and efficiently carry out the cleaning process for you.
Regardless of the model or ice machine type, you will need to go through the pre-cleaning procedure, followed by the descaling, sanitisation and disinfecting stages one by one.
You will also need to observe numerous safety considerations when cleaning a Hoshizaki ice machine. These include:
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – you will be using chemicals which will carry their own hazards, so you will need to wear safety glasses and gloves during the cleaning process.
Electrical hazards – it is vital to follow the instructions to avoid the risk of electric shock, switching off the unit where instructed to do so.
Chemicals – only use the recommended cleaning products and never mix any solutions as this could cause dangerous chemicals to form. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, as these could risk damaging the machine.

How often should a Hoshizaki ice machine be cleaned?

In answer to the question, how often should I clean my ice machine, for Hoshizaki models the recommended frequency is at least once a year. However, in hard water areas, this will usually need to be increased, and water treatment with softeners or filters may be necessary to prolong the life of the ice maker.
If the ice maker is subject to heavy usage, you may need to increase cleaning to once every six months.
If you notice that your ice maker has suddenly started producing ice that has a different odour or shape, or it lacks clarity, then you should give the machine an interim clean. Other warning signs that an ice machine is in need of a clean are lowered ice production, or ice that isn’t fully formed.
If you have a self-contained Hoshizaki cuber unit with a built-in ice storage bin, then you should also clean the bin liner, bin scoop and bin door as part of the periodic cleaning cycle.
In addition, you should use a mild detergent to clean the ice bin liner at least once per month, the ice bin scoop at least once per day, and the ice bin door every time you remove ice from the unit.

Should my Hoshizaki ice machine be regularly serviced as well as cleaned?

All commercial refrigeration equipment needs ongoing care. Settings have to be calibrated regularly, electrical components and thermometers require frequent inspections, and there is also a need to check for gas leaks.
There is rarely time or expertise in-house to take care of all of these requirements. And if something is overlooked, it could result in operational issues with the ice machine, which could lead to potential health and safety breaches.
Without regular servicing, it is likely that emergency callouts may increase, and the ice machine may not be as energy efficient as it could be. And of course, you may unexpectedly find yourself unable to provide ice to cool your patrons’ drinks.
In terms of frequency, Barnet Climate control recommends a routine maintenance visit around once every six months for Hoshizaki ice machines.
You should also service any water softeners or filters associated with the ice machine’s water supply, according to the relevant manufacturers’ instructions. Be sure to keep records of all servicing and maintenance, as you may be asked to present them in the event of an issue arising.

Looking for Hoshizaki ice machine supply, installation and servicing?

At Barnet Climate Control, we supply, install, service and repair Hoshizaki ice machines across the UK. We champion the Hoshizaki brand for its quality and reliability, and guarantee all our installations for parts and labour, including reconditioned models.
If you’d like to book a service visit for your Hoshizaki ice machine, or are in the market for a new model, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or call us on 0203-4888-663.