Get Your Opal Ice Maker Looking Like New With This Cleaning Guide

With this guide, you will know how to easily clean your Opal Ice Maker to ensure it produces fresh and clean ice every time! Opal Ice Maker is a brand of portable ice makers designed for home use. It is manufactured by FirstBuild, a subsidiary of GE Appliances.

The Opal Ice Maker is designed to produce nugget ice, which is a type of ice that is softer and more chewable than traditional ice cubes. The machine has a compact design and can be placed on a countertop, making it ideal for use in small kitchens or other spaces where a full-size ice maker may not be practical.

Importance of Cleaning Your Opal Ice Maker

If you have an Opal Ice Maker, it is very important to clean and maintain it for the quality and safety of the ice it produces.

Here are some reasons why cleaning your Opal ice maker is important:

  • Reduces the Risk of Contamination: If your Opal Ice Maker is not cleaned regularly, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens. This puts you and your family at risk of illness or infection. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of contamination and ensures that the ice you consume is safe and healthy.
  • Improves the Taste and Quality: Over time, your Opal Ice Maker can accumulate mineral buildup and bacteria that can affect the taste and quality of the ice it produces. Regular cleaning ensures that these impurities are removed and that your ice is fresh and clean.
  • Extends the Life of the Ice Maker: A clean ice maker is less likely to break down or develop mechanical problems. Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your Opal Ice Maker and save you money on costly repairs.

Overall, cleaning your Opal Ice Maker is an important part of its maintenance and can help ensure that you have clean, fresh, and safe ice whenever you need it!

Easily Clean Your Opal Ice Maker

For cleaning your Opal Ice Maker, you will need a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and mild dish soap.

Interior

Here are the steps for cleaning the interior of your Opal Ice Maker.

Step 1 – Turn off and unplug the ice maker to avoid any electrical shocks or damage to the machine.

Step 2 – Remove the ice bin and all the remaining ice from the machine. If there is any excess water or ice build-up in the bin or the ice maker, use a dry towel or paper towel to wipe it away.

Step 3 – Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.

Step 4 – Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out excess water.

Step 5 – Use this cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces of the Opal Ice Maker, including the ice bin and the ice chute.

Pay particular attention to any areas where mold or bacteria might grow, such as the water reservoir and the ice-making mechanism.

Step 6 – Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and use it to wipe down the surfaces again.

Step 7 – Replace the ice bin and plug it back in.

Now you have a clean interior, you can ensure that it produces safe ice!

Exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your Opal Ice Maker is important to maintain its appearance and ensure that it continues to function properly.

To clean the exterior, you can follow these steps.

Step 1 – Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a clean bucket or sink.

Step 2 – Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and allow it to absorb the water and soap. Then, wring out the excess water from the cloth or sponge until it’s damp but not dripping wet.

Step 3 – Use this cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the Opal Ice Maker, including the top, sides, and front.

Pay particular attention to any areas where dirt, grime, or fingerprints may have accumulated.

Step 4 – Wipe off the surfaces once more after rinsing the cloth or sponge in clean water.

Step 5 – Wipe the exterior with a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Step 6 – If there are stubborn stains or marks, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water.

Sensors Care

To clean the sensors of your Opal Ice Maker, you can follow these steps:

Step 1 – Unplug the ice maker from the power source to ensure your safety.

Step 2 – Remove the ice bin to access the sensors.

Step 3 – Clean the sensors with warm water and mild dish soap using a cotton swab or small brush (toothbrush works well).

Step 4 – Rinse the sensors with warm water and dry them with a soft, clean cloth.

Step 5 – Reinstall the ice bin and plug the ice maker back in.

Side Tank

To clean the side tank of your Opal Ice Maker, you can follow these steps:

Step 1 – Empty any remaining water from the side tank and unplug the Opal Ice Maker.

Step 2 – Remove the side tank from the unit and discard any remaining ice.

Step 3 – Mix 2 quarts of water with 2 quarts of vinegar or use the Opal Cleaning Kit.

Step 4 – Clean up any visible mineral buildup or deposits with this solution. If mineral deposits are present in the tank, It is recommended to fill the tank with the water and vinegar solution and let it soak briefly.

Step 5 – Rinse the tank thoroughly with tap water.

Step 6 – Dry the tank with a soft, clean cloth before reattaching it to the Opal Ice Maker.

It is important to clean the side tank regularly to prevent mineral buildup and ensure that the ice maker continues to produce fresh-tasting ice

Commercial Ice Maker Cleaner

If your ice maker is particularly dirty or has a strong odor, you may want to consider using a commercial ice machine cleaner. These products are specifically formulated to safely and effectively clean ice makers. It is a good way to ensure that your ice maker is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Here are two of the best ice machine cleaners you can use! Essential Values Ice Machine Cleaner 16 fl oz and Nu-Calgon 428734 Ice Machine Cleaner. Also, you can use the special Opal Ice Maker Cleaning Kit! This cleaning kit is the suggested method for cleaning.

Keep Your Opal Ice Maker in Good Condition

Here are some tips to help you maintain your Opal Ice Maker.

  • Change the Water Regularly: The quality of the ice produced by your Opal Ice Maker depends on the quality of the water you use. It is important to change the water in the unit at least once a week to ensure that it remains fresh and clean.
  • Use the Unit Regularly: To keep your Opal Ice Maker in good condition, it is important to use it regularly. If you don’t plan to use it for an extended period, make sure to drain the water reservoir and clean the unit thoroughly before storing it.
  • Keep It in Ventilated Area: Your Opal Ice Maker needs adequate ventilation to operate efficiently. Make sure to place it in a well-ventilated area, away from other appliances or objects that could block the air intake.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Opal Ice Maker continues to produce high-quality ice.

Final Thoughts

Regular cleaning can improve the taste and quality of the ice, extend the life of the ice maker, and reduce the risk of contamination. Opal Ice Makers are great appliances for producing chewable nugget ice, and with proper care and maintenance, you can keep them in good condition for a long time!

Frequently Asked Questions on [Clean Your Opal Ice Maker]

Here are a few frequently asked questions about cleaning your Opal Ice Maker:

How Often Should I Clean My Opal Ice Maker?

The frequency of cleaning your Opal Ice Maker will depend on how often you use it and the quality of the water used. In general, clean your Opal Ice Maker at least once every two months. However, if you use it frequently or notice a buildup of minerals or other deposits in the ice maker, you may need to clean it more often.

Why is My Opal Not Making Ice After Cleaning?

According to GE Appliances, if the Opal Ice Maker is in cleaning or defrosting mode, it will not produce ice. If the unit continues to not make ice after cleaning, try to reset the Ice Maker by unplugging the unit for 3-4 hours. Another possible reason for the Opal not making ice is a clogged water line, which can be cleared by locating the clog and clearing it so water can flow freely to the ice maker.

Is There a Filter in the Opal Ice Maker?

Yes, there is a water filter available as an accessory for the Opal Ice Maker, which is designed to provide fresh-tasting ice every time. According to GE Appliances, the Opal water filter is recommended to be replaced every three months for maximum freshness.

Why Does My Opal Ice Maker Display Ring Turn Yellow? The machine is in cleaning mode if the display ring around the circular button on the front of the Opal Ice Maker is solid yellow or flashing yellow. The pulsating yellow light indicates that the cleaning process has finished, while a solid yellow light means that the unit needs cleaning. If the Opal Ice Maker is not in cleaning mode, a solid yellow light may indicate that the unit is in defrost mode.

Why is My Opal Not Filling With Water?

If the Opal Ice Maker is not filling with water, it could be due to a few reasons. If you have the Opal side tank accessory installed, but water is not flowing from the tank to the ice maker, this usually means there is an air bubble in the line. Check that the hoses are connected properly and make sure the hoses are lying flat.

If the Opal Ice Maker is not connected to a water source, make sure the water tank is properly seated and filled with water. Another possible reason for the unit not filling with water is a clogged water line, which can be cleared by locating the clog and clearing it so water can flow freely to the ice maker

How Much Time Will It Take to Clean My Opal Ice Maker?

The time it takes to clean your Opal Ice Maker will vary depending on how thorough you want to be. On average, if you follow the steps provided in this guide, cleaning your opal ice maker might take around 20–30 minutes.