How To Clean Your Costco Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

Ok...I admit it...I've owned this Frigidaire countertop ice maker from Costco for the last 18 months and this will be the first time cleaning it. Let the comments start rolling in........
Here is my Frigidaire ice maker on Amazon if you want to check out the current pricing - amzn.to/3rsRsZv
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[@ScottsPC]

Here is my Frigidaire ice maker on Amazon if you want to check out the current pricing - amzn.to/3rsRsZv

[@chrism1102]

You can get this model for $93 right now during Amazon Prime days.

[@cristiep7377]

Thanks Scott, for those who threw their manuals away you are a super help!

[@ScottsPC]

Lol... Took me 30 minutes of searching through all the junk drawers in my house to find it! Thanks for the comment.

[@sherryprevento3398]

I threw mine away too lol

[@TheoWerewolf]

I have one of these and the main machine is used by a LOT of companies and they all have the same defect: they should have a way to lift the entire top of the machine off. That would give you access to the entire freezing area for cleaning.

[@zoltanforray2643]

From an old Lifehacker tip on cleaning water bottles, I use 4-5 denture cleaning/foaming tablets (e.g. Polident or Kroger store brand) in the water reservoir and let it sit for a few hours. Then use a water bottle cleaning brush to give it a good scrubbing and then drain and rinse again.

[@oraleewoods5207]

Thank you for the video. I threw my instructions away, so this was really helpful.❤

[@ThacMan]

Soak a paper towel in straight vinegar and let it cling to the surfaces that have hard water minerals for about 30 minutes. Should come right off with a soapy sponge. Great video Scott!

[@TURBOSUBS]

Great video was wondering how to clean that back basket , your video super helpful 🥰

[@bruscifer]

First off I am glad I found this because I found someone with a dirtier icemaker than mine 😂! Seriously, we have hard water too. I have been filling mine with distilled water and haven't had that kind of build up. I am in the process of cleaning mine now, so thanks for the tutorial.

[@vladj2428]

Came for the cleaning cause I can’t find my manual. Stayed for the pc content cause I saw your channel picture at the end of the video. ( no I didn’t notice the Channel name.

[@arlettewilkinson6827]

OMG!! it works!!!! Thank you so much!!! Mine has no self-clean button, but that method WORKS!!!

[@kellyo7454]

Self cleaning doesn't clean everything! Wish they made one to easily take apart to actually clean and wash!

[@chris...9497]

One part vinegar to one part water run through the machine, as usual ice runs or run through the auto-clean cycle, will dissolve and remove the mineral scale/deposit. Then drain the vinegar solution and run several changes of fresh water through the ice maker. (Of course, throw out the 'vinegar' ice.)

[@dianenewhall7692]

Needed to clean my icemaker so did a quick search on yourube and who knew my old colleague would be the very first suggestion (of course i am a subscriber). Thanks for the guidance Scott. Miss you both😊

[@ScottsPC]

We miss you too Diane! Thanks for watching!

[@rubyj4477]

Lord you really don’t wipe the outside ever, never let it go that long.

[@Alex_Tavera]

iIt's just how pet owners are

[@Steyrshrek1]

@@Alex_TaveraI have pets and mine gets wiped off outside everyday or two, and I do a deep clean every 3-4 months. So not sure what it has to do with owning pets.

[@LeendaRella]

Thank you for this video! I couldn’t find my manual and was wondering how to use the cleaning function! ❤❤

[@lynettehawkes2261]

Thanks so much for your video. I actually forgot about the self-clean. Also, to get those mini dirt specs off of the inside water tray surrounding the ice-making evaporators, I put a Q-tip on a long stick with an elastic and managed to get all the way behind them. Hope that doesn't hurt the evaporators.

[@Technie87]

This man has mold in his ice maker 😷 Great cleaning video!

[@OleensEmbroidery]

Be careful not to tilt it too far for too long. I broke my first one by not letting the freon settle before starting it up again. I use only distilled water and know it i time to clean when the ice is no longer clear.

[@diananore1368]

I clean mine regularly but wanted to watch your video to see your suggestions. I like the idea of moving the paddle out of the way and unplugging to see behind it. Also, I do have a ceramic water filter that is homemade using two buckets, 4 ceramic filters and a spigot. I’m able to keep it right next to icemaker and use the filtered water in ice machine. I try to clean both on the same schedule and keep a piece of masking tape on the water filter lid showing dates I cleaned both. Monthly is a good target. Just have to tell yourself it’s not that hard. I use vinegar in mine also. No soap though.

[@cathrinethompson9847]

Is it only the newer models that have self cleaning? I hold my power button but only power button flashing but nothing is moving?

[@sadiechalamet3814]

Same! Did you figure it out ever ?

[@Isyi1234]

How often should you clean the unit

[@skykitchen867]

Thank you so much for your video. Purchased the copper colored model off Amazon, and the on/off button doesn't show cleaning on it, nor does the instruction booklet show it. However when I hold it down it goes into cleaning mode and shows exactly what your ice maker does. Wierd! Wonder why they left it off the one I got, oh well, but the performance of the machine is great!!!!!

[@browneyedqueen2010]

Great video, I plan to use your techniques today!!

[@queenmodegaming]

Whew I didn’t even know it had a cleaning program. Mine kinda looked like that with the gunk in the back . I took my time and cleaned everything out with a soft sponge and water/vinegar and baking soda mix , and I even unscrewed the top to clean in between the rods omg . Also I didn’t know it had a drain in the bottom . All ima say is keep ya manuals ppl. .. Anyways ima run that cleaning mode now … 🚶‍♀️

[@Omygoddess65]

Try spraying some citric acid water on those hard water buildups and let sit for a bit and go back at it with a soft scrubber. I also use citric acid with distilled water to descale/clean my coffee makers and ice maker...

[@oscrm1760]

When do you do the self cleaning the machine have what have water at level line

[@sharbus5202]

As standard or just under the full line

[@michellemcelrath4545]

Thank you so much for this! Im wondering if the top doesnt come off to get all the way around that basket? 🤔Im leery of what is on the back side of that after over a year with ours!

[@queenmodegaming]

It does ! I unscrewed my with a knife today lol it yes the gunk does go all the way around I seen some stuff when I manually rotated it . But ima try the cleaning program too .

[@hd114ul7]

Thank you. I hate reading instruction manuals. I just watched a video of a guy cleaning his every month. It looked nasty. It looked like his tap water had sewer water in it.🤮 Now I know why people drink bottled water in most cities.

[@GoAskKit]

Question how long did it take the machine to get that dirty?

[@alleyarnez8614]

Only new information that I discovered on the scale in an icemaker, was the top of the water filter inside comes off to be cleaned. I agree with some of the other comments, you should be using distilled vinegar!

[@annmariefadlallah1930]

Ty your video was very help ful !!!! I bought second hand and hand book !!!!

[@robertyearian227]

Good job

[@ScottsPC]

Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@sunshinegypsea]

I can’t get my self cleaning to work. I wonder if some have this feature & some don’t? Mine looks identical to this one

[@Sativa_Diva]

Try unplugging and re-plugging it in. I had to hold the on/off button for about 20 seconds before it registered.

[@travishemming3783]

Mine has to be turned off before holding the power button to start the cleaning cycle. If it's on, the S/L lights will alternate, but nothing else happens. I then quickly press the power button to turn it off, release it and then press and hold the power button down until S/L flash back and forth again. When you can see parts moving and hear the pump while S/L flash, it should be in the cleaning cycle. This lasts about 20 to 30 minutes on mine. I often run the cycle two or three times to make sure all the internal hoses and the pump are cleaned as well as possible, especially if it's been a while since I last did it.

[@arlettewilkinson6827]

@@travishemming3783 It Works!!! TYSM

[@hectormelendez4891]

Thanks

[@michellebrannon4432]

Any tips on how to clean that back basket without a spray faucet like that? I’ve been trying to get the grime out and I can’t get to it.

[@queenmodegaming]

Firstly I used a soft baby bottle brush to get in between there at first . Then I seen U can unscrew the top . I was running vinegar and water and alittle baking soda thru the ice cycle a few times before I knew it was self cleanjng option per this video. I ran it and that’s just what it does sprays water and rotates 😅

[@dianesmith9380]

Thankyou

[@dl4087]

Thank you brother , this was very helpful.

[@lamirada90638]

How often should it be cleaned? Thank you for this video!

[@rosytellez21]

Every 3 months.

[@lamirada90638]

@@rosytellez21 thank you!🥰

[@Surferchicusa]

were you using tap water, bottled water, or filtered water?

[@triciarowe523]

I find the plug on the bottom in an awkward position. I wish it was on the side. Is it safe to turn the machine sideways or lift it so you can reach the plug?

[@queenmodegaming]

What I do is scoot it alil off the counter so the plug is just hanging off and still stable . Then I empty it into a bucket below it

[@jdubya54]

Thanks good video

[@danmoua7686]

Ah, we have PERFECTIONIST I like that. Great Job.

[@davidbillings5559]

Perfect presentation.

[@Beyondthenumbersbn]

How can I buy a replacement ice basket if needed?

[@starbuck1776]

Pro tip, only use distilled water to fill it up!

[@rosinzone9684]

How about just good ole filtered water, like from a real water filter, not brita.

[@RV-there-Yet]

Funny you mention that. When I researched "what type of water is best for countertop ice makers" I found an equal amount of "distilled is best" & "never ever use distilled"~ a few articles explaining that because distilled water lacks minerals, it won't make enough ice crystals to form super solid ice- ice will be soft. Also, some sensors won't recognize distilled water, thereby "confusing the machine". Good grief. The other half said distilled water produces the best, cleanest ice & won't create as much build-up & yuck in the machine. Makes sense to me. Just thought it was weird that their seems to be such a split on this~ who'd have thought, right?! 😂

[@muggsieo]

I use my reverse osmosis water to fill.

[@rubyj4477]

We use distilled but clean machine at least once a month physically and self cleaning mode. Never Waite as long as the man in video because your ice maker is giving you sludge ice.

[@ceceprn]

Manual says NOT to ever use distilled water!!!!

[@capric0rpse]

I can’t pull the water screen off, the white piece. It’s really on there. 😂

[@Juscallmefitz]

I’ve been using bottled water to fill my ice maker. I’ve never used tap water

[@blaze2051]

bottled water is tap water its just been filtered

[@darryljones9592]

You need a Shop Vac

[@melissamurdie816]

Great video, thank you!

[@angelaortiz3406]

My machine is not dirty, but I have the same one and it’s taking a long time for the ice to make. Do you know what that is and if you do can you please let me know I would appreciate it.❤

[@michaelswinarski7990]

Make sure there isn’t anything next to the fan on the side, if it gets blocked then there’s nowhere for the hot air to go

[@angelaortiz3406]

@@michaelswinarski7990 OK thank you very very much. I appreciate it.🙏🏼❤️

[@angelaortiz3406]

@@michaelswinarski7990 thank you so so much❤️

[@angelaortiz3406]

@@michaelswinarski7990 everybody that help I want to say thank you so so much❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JeDow-jx4cn]

I used vinegar and water solution to clean mine. When I was emptying the solution from the ice maker a blue liquid came from the back inside tray. Is this normal? Is it safe to finish cleaning and use?

[@mommallama81]

My guess is that's freon. I'd assume you've figured it out by now but sade practice; only clear liquids and if you didn't put a color in there, it shouldn't be colored

[@chrisumali9841]

Thanks for the demo and info. Super helpful video. Have a great day

[@allwayzshopping3837]

Thank you.. your help video helped me figure out why my ice maker wasn't making ice. It keeps saying the ice was full.. Just cleaned but sensors I did kno about. Went and cleaned it... I GOT ICE 🧊 🎉❤ TY

[@ManBearPigLOL]

damn ngl i woulda cleaned it a little before filming so props

[@michellecurrie4146]

Omg thank you.

[@cristiep7377]

I used canned air to blow mine out often.

[@howard_h.hamilton]

Intuitive operating panel vs one-touch operation

[@clanmaclaren1]

the top opens even more to get to the ice tray as well.

[@michellemcelrath4545]

Can you explain how?

[@clanmaclaren1]

@@michellemcelrath4545 it just lifts up.

[@Jazzatic2011]

I thought somewhere I’ve seen it say to avoid hot water as it could mess with the machines internal parts. Dont recal if that was instructional, as advice, or speculation though. Warm dounds ok though

[@ScottsPC]

I'll have to open the the instructional manual to see if this is a thing...My ice machine is still chugging along like normal....

[@One-Day-After-Another]

I just got mine... In the instruction manual "before use" you know what it says.... that I totally didn't do? It says to let the machine sit for 2 hours on a level surface before using... I guess sort of like if you buy anything with a compressor in it....(apparently this has a compressor) to let the fluids inside settle...... so if this is getting turned on its side at any point during cleaning... it may be best to wait and let it sit for a bit before using it... but mine is making ice like crazy... I'm dumping the first batch though... I'm only using reverse osmosis water so hopefully that will keep it clean....well, I'll clean it periodically anyway just to be safe.

[@WS-by5cl]

I will say that I only use RO water in mine, and still need to clean every week or two to keep up on mold and mildew.

[@One-Day-After-Another]

@@WS-by5cl True... but one thing that I do... I bought a clip fan that I keep in my kitchen clipped to an area of the counter because when my dishwasher is done..I open it and clip the fan to blow the dishes dry as it works much better than the dry cycle.....so when I'm done using my ice machine.... I drain it... wipe out any puddles with a clean paper towel... I grab that clip fan and clip it to the lid and the fan blows the inside dry for a couple of hours....then for good measure I let the scoop handle keep the door propped open an inch so the lid doesn't close all the way.... I love that little clip fan... it's so easy to take apart and keep spotless... I'm still going to clean mine periodically like in this video...

[@oscrm1760]

How much clean the unit , 1 month or each 1 week

[@Alvin-1138]

Climate? How many hours per day are you using? I live in 17-30% humidity Monthly

[@EstelaGuerrero-p4k]

What is not working is the tray that is not moving back or forward where the ice will make

[@LadyLondonDDG]

I clean mine once every month...thank God because I never have had that tyoe of gunk in there🤢

[@BrandiSmith-o3g]

My evaporator fingers are halfway cloudy & some have a couple of black specks on them I can't seem to get off! I just came across this video & didnt have my manual & see it says not to clean them, but umm come on now!? I've cleaned with 50/50 water & cleaning vinegar with paper towels, toothbrush & q-tips & did self-clean in the solution. Help someone!? Please!

[@gustavoalfredocarrilloorue2449]

es muy comun que marque add wather y lo mas probable es que tenga falso contacto en el panel donde se conecta ka bombita de agua

[@rubyj4477]

You’re suppose to use distilled or purified water to fill, not tap water. You shouldn’t use no dish soap, vinegar is a sanitizing cleaner, that’s all you need. But you never wait 18 months to clean one.

[@erikaerlanger1242]

Why don’t you do your own video

[@Boguardis]

Why use distilled water? It probably won't bother your machine too much. Been using ours all the time over a year now with zero issues.

[@franspa9016]

Just got a machine and instructions say not to use distilled water.

[@tobink4901]

Seriously Ruby ... The manual literally says do not use distilled water. Fake news.... Smh

[@karenlee6013]

My sister’s machine stopped working after she put distilled water in it. Started working again after adding spring water.

[@incognito3743]

Dude! 🤢

[@jammy46235]

What’s the point of self cleaning when you have to go on an manual clean it 🤷‍♂️

[@arlettewilkinson6827]

Recirculates the water only flushing it out over & over!!

[@Huracan1111]

Ice with pet hairs. 🤮

[@deeNashe]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO BCUZ I THREW MY MANUAL AWAY 🥹🥹🥹

[@donkeylong7707]

That’s nasty

[@lastpme]

It is scary how dirty these machines can get 😳🫢…thanks for making the video.