A clean Sub-Zero ice maker is important for making clean, crisp ice. If your ice maker isn’t clean, you’ll start to notice a difference in the quality of your ice. Not only will it taste bad, but it could also cause problems with your machine. Let’s review how to clean a Sub-Zero ice maker.
How to Clean a Sub-Zero Ice Maker
Sub-Zero Undercounter Ice Makers are known for their production of high-quality, fresh-tasting ice. We will review Sub-Zero UC-15i cleaning, as it is the most popular model of Sub-Zero undercounter ice machines. Even though this particular model has a cleaning cycle feature, a clean a Sub-Zero ice maker requires particular steps and special cleaning products.

Why Is Sub-Zero Ice Maker Cleaning Important?
Are you wondering how to clean a Sub-Zero undercounter ice maker? Sub-Zero ice machine cleaning is important to keep your ice maker producing the refreshing ice you’ve come to rely on. Signs that your ice maker may need cleaning include the ice maker not making enough ice, ice quality deterioration, or having a foul odor or taste, and in the worst-case scenario, an uncleaned ice maker does not make ice. Skip the ice maker troubleshooting. If your ice maker isn’t working at all, make sure to have a professional diagnosis and repair by a Sub-Zero technician.
How to Clean a Sub-Zero Undercounter Ice Maker
Sub-Zero recommends using their Sub-Zero Ice Maker Cleaner for maintenance, optimal performance, and ice purity.
Steps to Clean a Sub-Zero Ice Maker:
- Press the Clean button.
- Wait approximately two minutes for the ice maker to remove any internal ice
- Remove all ice from the bin of the ice maker
- In a small cup or turkey baster, measure four ounces of Sub-Zero Ice Maker Cleaner
- When the clean light begins to flash, pour the cleaner into the ice maker’s spray area.
- The Sub-Zero ice maker cleaning process will automatically begin. This step can take up to 30 minutes. Once it is complete, the clean light will no longer blink and will turn off.

How to Sanitize a Sub-Zero Ice Maker
Immediate sanitizing of the Sub-Zero ice maker is recommended after the cleaning process is complete. To remove bacteria, mold, and mildew, Sub-Zero recommends using their Sub-Zero Ice Maker Sanitizer.
To Sanitize the Ice Maker:
- Begin by pressing the Clean button again.
- Measure 1 tablespoon of the undiluted Sub-Zero Ice Maker Sanitizer
- When the clean light begins to flash, pour the sanitizer into the spray area.
- Similar to the cleaning process, the sanitizing process will automatically begin. The ice maker will run a sanitizing cycle for ten minutes, then will run eight rinse cycles.
- Step number 4 can take up to 30 minutes. While the unit is sanitizing, mix 1 teaspoon of sanitizer with six cups of warm water. Apply this dilution to the ice bin using a soft cloth.
- Rinse your soft cloth thoroughly in warm water. Wipe down the interior of the ice bin, concentrating on removing any mineral build-up or debris.
- Once the sanitizing process is completed, the clean light will stop blinking, and your Sub-Zero ice maker is ready to make fresh ice once again!
How Often to Clean an Ice Machine
Even with regular cleanings, over time your Sub-Zero ice maker may develop mineral deposits or a bacterial film. Depending on how often you use your machine and the quality of your water, we recommend deep cleaning your machine every three to six months.
If you have any questions about how to clean a Sub-Zero ice maker or would like to schedule a Sub-Zero ice maker repair, please contact Dave Smith Appliance Service. Our team of expert technicians are happy to help!