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Mastering Maintenance: Caring for Your Hoshizaki KM & KML Ice Machine

Mastering Maintenance: Caring for Your Hoshizaki KM & KML Ice Machine

November 1, 2023
5 min read
Mastering Maintenance: Caring for Your Hoshizaki KM & KML Ice Machine

Caring and maintaining a Hoshizaki ice machine.

Maintaining the pristine condition and optimal performance of your Hoshizaki ice machine isn't just about preserving its sleek appearance; it’s a vital step to ensure longevity, efficiency, and the health safety of your ice supply. Adhering to a comprehensive Hoshizaki maintenance schedule is crucial for any establishment priding itself on superior service and quality. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining your ice machine.

Not only will regular ice machine maintenance ward off unforeseen breakdowns, but it will also provide substantial benefits like consistent ice production, energy savings, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ice is as pure as it is cold. Follow along as we break down the best practices to keep your Hoshizaki ice machine in top-notch condition.

Ice machine cleaning & sanitizing instructions:

The icemaker must be cleaned and sanitized at least once a year. More frequent cleaning and sanitizing may be required in some water conditions.

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE
• Carefully follow any instructions provided with the bottles of cleaning and sanitizing solution
• Always wear liquid-proof gloves and goggles to prevent the cleaning and sanitizing solutions from coming into contact with skin or eyes
• Do not leave the icemaker unattended when panels are off.

Preparation:

Step 1: Remove the front panel, then move the control switch to the "OFF" position. Make sure the mode switch is in the "ICE" position. After 3 minutes, move the control switch to the "ON" position and replace the front panel.

Step 2: Allow the appliance to run until the compressor energizes. Once the compressor energizes, allow the appliance to run for an additional 3 minutes, then remove the front panel. Move the control switch to the "OFF" position.

Step 3: Remove all ice from the dispenser unit/ice storage bin. WARNING! If on a dispenser unit, turn off the dispenser unit power supply after dispensing the ice.

Cleaning Process:

Step 4: Move the mode switch to the "CLEAN" position, then move the control switch to the "ON" position (1 short beep occurs, then 3 seconds later 1 long beep occurs). Replace the front panel. The water tank drains and then fills.

Step 5: When the control board starts beeping (2 beep sequence), remove the front panel. Move the control switch to the "OFF" position.

Step 6: Remove the front insulation panel, then pour Hoshizaki "Scale Away" into the water tank. See table below for amount. Replace the front insulation panel.

Step 7: Move the control switch to the "ON" position (1 short beep occurs, then 3 seconds later 1 long beep occurs). Replace the front panel. To avoid excessive foaming in the water tank, there is a 1 minute delay before circulation begins. After approximately 30 minutes of circulation, the icemaker performs 3 rinse cycles.

Step 8: When the control board starts beeping (5 beep sequence), remove the front panel. Move the control switch to the "OFF" position.

Step 9: In bad or severe water conditions, turn off the power supply, then remove, clean (cleaning solution = 5 oz. Hoshizaki "Scale Away" per gallon of warm water), rinse, and replace the cube guide, float switch, water supply tubes, spray tubes, and spray guides; turn on the power supply when complete. Otherwise, continue to step 10.

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⚠️ Notice: ScaleAway
KML-325/500 9 fl. oz. (266ml)
KML-700 12 fl. oz. (355ml)

Sanitizing Process:

Step 10: Confirm the mode switch is in the "CLEAN" position, then move the control switch to the "ON" position (1 short beep occurs, then 3 seconds later 1 long beep occurs). Replace the front panel. The water tank drains and then fills.

Step 11: When the control board starts beeping (2 beep sequence), remove the front panel. Move the control switch to the "OFF" position.

Step 12: Remove the front insulation panel, then pour then pour 7.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (chlorine bleach) into the water tank. See table below for amount. Replace the front insulation panel.

⚠️ IMPORTANT
Use regular bleach with no additives. Using a bleach with additives causes excessive filming during sanitizing, reducing the effectiveness of sanitizing.

⚠️ Notice: 7.5% Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions (Chlorine Bleach)
KML-325/500 0.6 fl. oz. (17ml)
KML-700 0.8 fl. oz. (23ml)

Step 13: Move the control switch to the "ON" position (1 short beep occurs, then 3 seconds later 1 long beep occurs). Replace the front panel. To avoid excessive foaming in the water tank, there is a 1 minute delay before circulation begins. After approximately 30 minutes of circulation, the icemaker performs 3 rinse cycles.

Step 14: When the control board starts beeping (5 beep sequence), remove the front panel. Move the control switch to the "OFF" position.

Step 15: Clean the dispenser unit/ice storage bin liner using a neutral cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Step 16: Move the mode switch to the "ICE" position, then move the control switch to the "ON" position. Note: If on a dispenser unit, turn on the dispenser unit power supply.

Step 17: Replace all panels in their correct positions.

Ice machine maintenance schedule:

Ice Machine Maintenance Schedule
Frequency Area Task
Daily Scoop Clean the ice scoop using a neutral cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Bi-Weekly Air Filters Inspect. Wash with warm water and neutral cleaner if dirty.
Monthly External Water Filters Check for proper pressure and change if necessary.
Icemaker Exterior Wipe down with a clean, soft cloth. Use a damp cloth containing a neutral
cleaner to wipe off oil or dirt build up. Clean any chlorine staining (rust
colored spots) using a non-abrasive cleanser.
Underside of
Icemaker and Top
Kits; Bin Door and
Snout
Wipe down with a clean cloth and warm water.
Yearly Icemaker and
Dispenser Unit/Ice
Storage Bin
Clean and sanitize per the cleaning and sanitizing instructions provided in
this manual. See "III.B. Cleaning and Sanitizing Instructions."
Water Supply Inlet Close the icemaker water supply line shut-off valve and drain the water
system. Clean the water supply inlet screen.
Condenser Inspect. Clean if necessary by using a brush or vacuum cleaner. More
frequent cleaning may be required depending on location.
Water Hoses Inspect the water hoses and clean/replace if necessary.

Maintenance Recap.

Regular maintenance of your Hoshizaki ice machine is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity for any business that expects the highest standards in ice quality and machine performance. A diligent Hoshizaki maintenance schedule and proper cleaning techniques can save you time and money, preventing costly repairs and ensuring uninterrupted service. Remember, the longevity of your ice machine and the quality of ice it produces are directly linked to the care you invest in it. If you're looking for expert assistance or considering a hassle-free rental program that includes comprehensive maintenance, reach out to us. Our team at Brink Inc. Clear Ice Rentals. We are dedicated to ensuring your ice supply is never compromised. Contact us today to learn more about our ice machine maintenance services and let us help you keep your Hoshizaki equipment in prime condition.