Opal Ice Maker is one of the best ice makers to make nugget ice. Over time the ice maker starts accumulating minerals (scales build up) in the water reservoir and other parts of the ice maker.
This leads you to think about how to descale opal ice maker. In this blog, I will tell you the steps to descale the opal ice maker.
Opal ice maker is very popular for parties where you want to serve drinks mixed with water. Instead of water, you can put the nugget ice as it works to chill the drink and work as water as well. If minerals accumulate in the ice maker then the taste of ice becomes odd and it starts smelling different as well.
Scales can damage the ice maker and also it can affect your health. To keep your ice maker in good condition you have to descale your ice maker. Also, make your nugget ice taste good and odorless. By following my instructions your Opal ice maker should be thoroughly descaled and ready to produce clean, high-quality ice once more.
Things you required
Before going on the descaling process for your Opal ice maker, gather the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning experience. If you do not know what things you will need then read the instructions and collect the items which you need. Here’s what you’ll need:
👉 Clean water
👉 White vinegar
👉 Lemon (optional)
👉 A sponge or soft cloth
👉 Container for mixing the descaling solution
Unplug the Ice Maker
To start, it’s crucial to unplug your Opal ice maker. Allow it to sit unplugged for 15 to 20 minutes. This cooling-off period is essential since the ice maker’s compressor can become quite hot during operation. Allowing it to cool down mitigates the risk of damaging the appliance.
Unplugging is not only for cooling purposes but also for safety reasons because safety comes first. Since you’ll be using water in an electrical device, leaving it plugged in could pose an electric shock. This shock can be severe and life-threatening as well. Always prioritize safety.
Remove water and ice
After unplugging the ice maker, empty the ice bin of any remaining ice. You can choose to use this ice or discard it. Let any remaining ice inside the ice maker melt completely before proceeding. If you do not remove all the ice from the ice maker then you cannot descale the ice maker properly.
Next, remove the water from the water reservoir. Position the ice maker over a sink or place a bucket under the ice maker to catch the draining water. Carefully remove the plug from the ice maker’s hoses, allowing the water to drain completely. Once done, put the plug back inside the hoses and set the ice maker aside.
Prepare the Descaling Solution
To create the descaling solution, take a container and mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Optionally, you can add a lemon to the solution since lemons contain citric acid, which can remove scale very well.
The ratio for the solution is one cup of vinegar and one cup of water. Adjust the amount based on the size of your ice maker. Make sure that you have enough solution to thoroughly clean it. The vinegar-water ratio should remain 1:1.
Pour the Solution into the Ice Maker
When the descaling solution is prepared, pour it into the water reservoir of your ice maker. Also, use the solution to rinse the ice bin and scrub it with a sponge soaked in the solution. For other internal components like the ice tray and ice chute, scrub with the solution by soaking the sponge in it or cloth. A sponge is preferred as it holds the solution effectively.
After completing these tasks, leave the ice maker and its parts to sit for 10 to 15 hours. I will suggest you to leave the ice maker for overnight. If you do not have time to leave the ice maker overnight then, allow it to sit for at least 4 to 5 hours.
Start Descaling Process
After leaving the ice maker for overnight or at least leaving it for 4-5 hours, plug in the ice maker. Locate the cleaning button, which may vary in position depending on the model. If you cannot find the cleaning button then take the help from your manufacturer’s instruction guide. Once you find the cleaning button, press and hold the cleaning button for five seconds.
The ice maker will initiate a cleaning cycle, circulating the descaling solution through its internal components. You’ll notice the solution turning cloudy during this process. Typically this process takes 20 to 25 minutes to descale the opal ice maker properly. The ice maker will signal when it’s completed.
Wash the Ice Maker
Once the descaling process is completed, remove the solution from the water reservoir using the same process as draining water earlier. Fill the water reservoir with clean water and press the cleaning button once more.
Repeat this rinsing process at least two to three times. This effectively removes any scale build-up from the water reservoir and also eliminates the vinegar smell from the water reservoir. Check the ice maker by smelling the water reservoir and if the smell is not gone then repeat the same process once more.
Clean the Ice Bin and Ice Tray
Now, it’s time to clean the ice bin and ice tray with clean water. Thoroughly scrub and rinse these components, checking for any vinegar smell or residue of the solution. If there is any, then continue rinsing and washing until all traces of vinegar are gone.
Once you wash these components properly dry it with a towel and leave it aside. Let them dry properly in the air.
For more information on Opal Ice maker cleaning information, you can refer to their official site.
Clean the Sensor
Don’t forget to clean the sensor separately. Soak the sponge or soft cloth in the solution and gently scrub the sensor until all scale is removed. Wipe the sensor clean with water and then wipe it with a clean dry towel properly. Leave the sensor for a while to let it dry properly.
Reattach and Test the Ice Maker
After completing the descaling process, reattach the ice bin and ice tray securely. Plug the ice maker into the electrical outlet, and turn it on. Fill the water reservoir with fresh water and allow the ice maker to run and produce ice.
Discard the first few batches of ice and check if there is any vinegar smell or residue is detected. After a few cycles, the ice maker should be odor-free and ready for use.
Also Read - How to clean Opal Ice Maker Completely
FAQ
Why do I need to descale my Opal ice maker?
Descaling the opal ice maker will remove the minerals and scale build-up which is accumulated over the period in the ice maker. These things make your ice smell bad and taste bad as well.
How often should I descale my Opal ice maker?
It depends on the mineral presence in your water and your frequency of usage, but according to me, you should descale your Opal ice maker every four to six months.
Is it important to unplug the ice maker before descaling?
Yes, it is important to unplug the ice maker before descaling because if you do not remove the plug from the electric outlet then you might get an electric shock while descaling the ice maker.
How to descale the Opal Nugget ice maker?
Descaling the opal ice maker is a long process. I can tell you in a summarized form that, use vinegar and water in equal amounts and put it in the water reservoir(after removing water from it). Push the clean button in your Opal ice maker and after the cleaning process is completed rinse it with water two or three times.
Do I need to clean the sensor separately during descaling?
Yes, you have to the sensor separately during descaling. Use a soft cloth or a sponge soaked in the cleaning solution to descale the sensor.
What are the things I require before I start cleaning?
Things you require, before you start cleaning, are- clean water, vinegar, a sponge or a cloth, a bucket to make the solution, and also to catch water.
Conclusion
The opal ice maker is a machine and it requires regular maintenance to work properly. Descaling the ice maker is also a type of maintenance. Descale the opal ice maker by following the steps given above. Descaling the ice maker is very important for the long run of the ice maker and also for your health. Always make sure that you descale your ice maker on time. After descaling the ice maker start making nugget ice and enjoy your drink.