Top Refrigerator Water Filters | How to Clean Your Fridge Water Dispenser and Ice Maker

The ice maker and water dispenser of the refrigerator are enjoyable features that may be neglected when it comes to routine kitchen cleaning. Nevertheless, it is important to give them regular maintenance, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Lime deposits can accumulate and cause blockages in lines and dispensers, leaving unsightly white stains around nozzles. To prevent this, it is recommended to thoroughly clean your refrigerator every six to twelve months. Let’s explore how to accomplish this.

What You’ll Need to Clean a Water and Ice Dispenser:

Neat cloths

Compact funnel

White distilled vinegar

Bowl

Screwdriver

Clothes pegs

Torchlight

Cotton balls or swabs

How To Clean Fridge Water And Ice Dispenser?

Step 1: Switch Off The Water Supply for Ice And Water Maker

Turn off the water valve that supplies water to the ice maker and dispenser lines by rotating it clockwise. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the fastener attached to the plastic or copper tubing water lines. Take out the ice-maker line entirely, but keep the dispenser line connected to the dispenser door nozzle.

Step 2: Remove The Ice Bin And Clean Out Unnecessary Items

Take out the ice bin and dispose of its contents into the sink. Let any ice accumulation on the bin's interior thaw entirely. Employ a tiny funnel to pour 3 to 4 cups of white distilled vinegar into the ice maker and dispenser lines. Permit the vinegar to soak for five to ten minutes to dissolve the lime. Fasten the open line end with a clothespin to prevent the vinegar from flowing out.

Step 3: Pour the Vinegar From the Water Line Through the Water Dispenser

To remove lime buildup in the water line and dispenser nozzle, run vinegar through the water dispenser into a bowl. Next, examine the nozzle area with a torchlight and wipe the outside of the nozzle with a clean cloth dampened with vinegar. For small or tight areas, use cotton swabs or balls to clean them. Finally, flush the line and nozzle with clear water to rinse away any remaining vinegar residue.

Step 4: Clean the Whole Interior of Ice Maker

Clean the ice-maker bin by washing it in warm, soapy water. After that, rinse it with clear water and dry it out completely before putting it back. Reconnect the water line to the ice machine. Make sure to sanitize the ice dispenser and chute on the fridge's exterior by using vinegar. Rinse it with clean water afterwards.

Step 5: Plug The Fridge Back In And Dump Out The First Batch Of Ice

To reattach the plastic or copper tubing, simply slide the end into place and tighten it using a screwdriver. At that point, turn on the water valve and ensure the ice cube maker remains active. Before drinking, flush the entire system with water several times. Please discard the first batch of ice cubes that are produced, as they may possess a slight vinegar flavor.

Best Refrigerator Water Filter to Reduce Fridge Maintenance and Cleaning Frequency

It is essential to change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months as this ensures that you get filtered water and ice cubes that are free from chlorine, copper, cadmium, zinc, mercury, and lead, thereby making the water less hard. By utilizing a high-quality filter, the ice and water maker in your refrigerator will remain clean, providing you with a steady supply of pure, fresh, and healthy drinking water.