Tabletop Pastry Bakery Equipment
Home » Blog » How To Maintain And Clean Your Ice Cream Machine?

How To Maintain And Clean Your Ice Cream Machine?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-12-15      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button
How To Maintain And Clean Your Ice Cream Machine?

You want your ice cream machine to make safe, yummy treats every time. Cleaning it often is very important. If you skip cleaning, bacteria and mold can grow. This can even cause people to get sick, like the Listeria outbreak in Washington. A dirty machine can stop working or make bad ice cream. If you clean your machine the right way, customers stay happy. Your machine will also last longer. Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. can help with training and support if you need it.


Key Takeaways

  • Clean your ice cream machine every day. This stops bacteria from growing. It also keeps food safe. Your customers will stay healthy and happy.

  • Cleaning often helps your machine last longer. It also makes the machine work better. A clean machine uses less energy. This helps you save money.

  • Use cleaning solutions made for ice cream machines. Use the right tools too. This cleans well and does not hurt the machine.

  • Teach your staff with checklists and practice. This helps everyone clean the same way. It also makes them feel sure and lowers mistakes.

  • Plan deep cleans and check parts often. This helps you find problems early. It stops expensive repairs. It also keeps your ice cream tasting good.


Why Clean Your Ice Cream Machine

Food Safety and Hygiene

You want every scoop to taste good and be safe. Cleaning your ice cream machine is not just about how it looks. It is important for food safety. If you do not clean it, germs and bacteria can grow inside. These germs can make people sick. There was a time when a hospital milkshake machine spread listeriosis. This happened because the machine was not cleaned well. Even after some cleaning, the bacteria stayed. That is why you should always follow the best ways to clean your ice cream machine. Cleaning your machine every day keeps your customers and business safe from health problems.

  • Dirty machines can cause:

    • Bacteria growth

    • Foodborne illnesses

    • Health code violations


Performance and Longevity

A clean ice cream machine works better and lasts longer. When you keep up with cleaning, you stop bacteria and minerals from building up. This helps your machine work well and keeps your ice cream tasting good. Cleaning often lets you find small problems before they get worse. Clean machines use less energy. This saves you money and helps you avoid breakdowns.

  • Regular cleaning helps you:

    • Maintain food safety

    • Extend your machine’s life

    • Keep energy costs low

    • Avoid expensive repairs

Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. says you should always follow the cleaning steps from the manufacturer. Their team can help you learn how to take care of your ice cream machine for the best results.


Customer Satisfaction

Your customers want fresh and tasty ice cream every time. If your ice cream machine is dirty, the ice cream can taste bad or make people sick. Clean machines make customers happy and help them trust your shop. When you clean your machine often, you build a good name and people will come back. That is why cleaning your machine is important for any ice cream business.

Tip: Make cleaning your ice cream machine part of your daily routine. This is the best way to keep your machine, your ice cream, and your customers happy!


Daily Clean and Maintain Routine

How Do Slush Machines Work

   

Taking care of your ice cream machine every day is important. It keeps your ice cream safe and tasty. You should follow these easy steps to clean your machine. If you use Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. equipment, some parts can go in the dishwasher. You can also get help online if you need it.


Rinse and Flush

First, rinse your ice cream machine with warm water. This helps wash away old ice cream and sticky stuff. Make sure nothing is left inside before you keep going. If you forget to rinse, old mix can dry up and get stuck. This makes cleaning harder later.

  • Pour warm water into the hopper.

  • Run the machine for one minute to flush out mix.

  • Drain all the water.

Tip: Always use clean water when you rinse. Dirty water can spread germs.


Wash Cycle and Soak

Next, run the wash cycle on your machine. Most commercial machines have a cleaning mode. Use a cleaning solution made for ice cream machines, like Stera-Sheen. This cleaner is safe and breaks down fats and sugars.

  • Mix the cleaning solution as the label says.

  • Pour it into the machine.

  • Start the wash cycle and let it run for at least one minute.

  • If your machine does not have a wash cycle, soak parts in hot soapy water.

This step helps clean your machine well and keeps it working right.


Disassemble and Dishwasher Cleaning

After washing, take apart the main parts of your ice cream machine. Remove the blades, paddles, lids, and containers. Many machines, like some from Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd., have parts you can put in the dishwasher. Put these on the top rack.

  • Take the machine apart carefully.

  • Put dishwasher-safe parts in the dishwasher.

  • Wash other parts by hand with hot soapy water.

  • Wipe all surfaces inside and outside.

Note: Always check your manual to see which parts are safe for the dishwasher.


Sanitize and Dry

Sanitizing is a very important step. You want to kill any germs that might still be there. Use a food-safe sanitizer, like Ice Machine Sanitizer or Stera-Sheen Green Label. These products are safe for food service and protect your customers.

Sanitizing Agent

Description

Registration Status

Ice Machine Sanitizer

Effective for sanitizing food contact surfaces and ice machines.

EPA Registered

Stera-Sheen Green Label

Versatile cleaner for various food service equipment, ensuring safety.

NSF Registered

  • Dip or spray all parts with sanitizer.

  • Let them air dry or use a clean towel.

Sanitizing keeps bacteria away and helps you follow health rules. Never skip this step.


Reassemble and Lubricate

When everything is dry, put your ice cream machine back together. Follow the instructions from your manufacturer. Some parts need a little food-grade lubricant to move smoothly. Lubricate moving parts if needed.

  • Put the machine back together carefully.

  • Add lubricant to seals and moving parts.

  • Make sure everything fits tight.

Now your machine is ready to make ice cream again. Cleaning and taking care of your machine every day helps it last longer and keeps your ice cream tasting good.

If you are not sure what to do, Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. has online help and training to show you how to clean your machine the right way.


Tools and Products for Cleaning

Tools and Products for Cleaning


To keep your ice cream machine very clean, you need the right cleaning solution, brushes, and food-safe products. You want every part to be clean and safe for your customers.


Cleaning Solutions

You need a cleaning solution that gets rid of dairy left behind. This keeps your machine fresh. The best cleaning solution for ice cream machines is a special cleaner like Kay-5 or Stera-Sheen. These cleaning solutions break down fats, sugars, and proteins that stick inside. Always fill a sink with warm water and your cleaning solution. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer when you mix the cleaning solution. If you use another approved cleaning solution, check the label and mix it as the directions say. This keeps your machine safe and helps you avoid damage. Using a cleaning solution every day makes cleaning easier and keeps your ice cream tasting good.

Tip: Never use strong chemicals or bleach as a cleaning solution. Only use a cleaner made for ice cream machines.


Brushes and Accessories

Some parts of your ice cream machine are hard to reach. You need special brushes to clean these spots. A 4-piece cleaning brush kit works best for soft serve and shake machines. This kit has a freezing barrel brush, tube brush, double-ended brush, and a polyester tube brush. All brushes are made from safe materials approved by the FDA. These brushes help you scrub away bacteria and old mix from every corner. Another good choice is the Soft Serve and Shake Machine Cleaning Brush Kit. It also comes with four brushes made for ice cream and gelato machines. Using the right cleaning solution and brushes together makes cleaning faster and better.

  • Freezing barrel brush

  • Tube brush

  • Double-ended brush

  • Polyester tube brush

Safe Sanitizers and Lubricants

After you clean your machine, you need a food-safe sanitizer and lubricant. These products keep your ice cream machine safe and working well. Look at this table for some top choices:

Product Name

Type

Certification

PASMO PASCAL

Lubricant

Food Grade

Stera-Sheen Green Label

Sanitizer

Specialty for Soft-Serve Machines

Stera Sheen Machine Lube

Lubricant

NSF listed H-1

Use a sanitizer after the cleaning solution to kill germs. Put a lubricant on moving parts so your machine works without problems. Always pick products that are safe for food. This keeps your ice cream safe and your machine in great shape.

Note: Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. says to use a cleaning solution, special cleaner, and food-safe sanitizer for the best results.


Train Staff to Clean Your Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine

Cleaning Checklists

You want your team to follow the same steps every time they clean your soft serve ice cream machine. A checklist helps everyone remember what to do and keeps the process simple. You can print this checklist and keep it near your machine for easy reference.

Step

Description

1

Unplug the unit before starting.

2

Rinse away large food particles with lukewarm water.

3

Wash removable parts with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

4

Apply food-safe sanitizer to surfaces that touch ice or mix.

5

Allow parts to air dry to prevent mold.

6

Regularly check condenser coils to prevent dust buildup.

You should also add these routines to your cleaning plan:

  • Daily wipe-downs for spills and drips.

  • Weekly deep cleaning for inside parts.

  • Monthly checks for signs of wear or damage.

After you finish, run a sanitizer through the machine, wipe the hoppers with a clean rag, and run sanitizer through the nozzles. Clean each part and check for any problems. Write down each task in a cleaning log. This record helps you spot missed steps and keeps your ice cream machine in top shape.

Tip: A checklist makes it easy for new staff to learn the recommended procedures and helps everyone stay on track.


Staff Training Tips

You want your staff to feel confident when they clean your soft serve ice cream machine. The best way to teach is with hands-on training. Show your team how to take apart, clean, and put the machine back together. Let them practice with you nearby.

Here’s a quick look at helpful training methods:

Training Method

Description

Hands-on training

Practice cleaning with real equipment and guidance.

Equipment maintenance

Teach regular cleaning, inspection, and care for the machine.

Familiarization with manual

Help staff read and understand the manual for safe and effective use.

You can also use short videos or posters near the machine as reminders. Encourage your team to ask questions if they are unsure. When everyone knows the recommended procedures, your ice cream always tastes great and your machine lasts longer.

Remember: Good training means fewer mistakes and happier customers!


Deep Clean and Preventive Maintenance

Regular deep cleaning and preventive maintenance keep your ice cream machine running smoothly and safely. You want to avoid sudden breakdowns, keep your ice cream tasting fresh, and meet health standards. Let’s break down what you need to do.


Schedule Deep Cleans

You can’t just rely on daily cleaning. Deep cleaning removes buildup that hides in hard-to-reach spots. How often should you do a deep clean? That depends on how busy your shop is, your machine’s model, and local health rules. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Some manufacturers recommend deep cleaning every three months.

  • Others suggest every six months or once a year.

  • If your shop is busy, you may need to deep clean every night or every few days.

Check your manual for the best schedule. If you’re not sure, ask Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. for advice or use their online training. They can help you set up a plan that fits your needs.

Tip: Mark your calendar for deep cleans. Set reminders so you never miss a date.


Inspect and Replace Parts

Deep cleaning gives you a chance to check all the important parts. You want to catch worn or broken pieces before they cause trouble. Here are some parts you should inspect and replace if needed:

  • Control panel buttons and knobs

  • Bearings and drives

  • Bags and mixing tubs

  • Blender parts

  • Seals and O-rings

  • Compressor belt

  • Refrigeration pipes and condensers

Look for cracks, leaks, or anything that looks worn out. Replace parts right away if you see damage. This keeps your machine safe and helps you avoid bigger repairs later.

Note: Always use parts approved by your manufacturer. Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. can help you find the right replacements.


Lubricate Moving Parts

Moving parts need to stay smooth and quiet. Lubrication stops squeaks and reduces wear. After you clean and inspect your machine, add food-grade lubricant to the spots your manual shows. Pay special attention to seals, gears, and any part that moves a lot.

  • Use only lubricants made for food equipment.

  • Wipe away old grease before adding new lubricant.

  • Don’t use too much—just a thin layer does the job.

Lubricating your machine keeps it running like new and helps your ice cream come out just right.


Maintenance Log

Keeping a maintenance log is a smart move. Write down every time you clean, inspect, or fix your ice cream machine. This log helps you track how your machine performs over time. It also shows health inspectors that you follow safety rules.

Here’s what a good maintenance log can do for you:

  • Tracks performance and repairs

  • Proves you follow safety standards

  • Spots patterns that might mean a problem is coming

  • Helps prevent breakdowns and extends your machine’s life

You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or even an app. Just make sure you update it every time you work on your machine.

Tip: Chanda Machine Co.,Ltd. offers online support and training to help you set up a maintenance log and keep your records organized.

By following these steps, you keep your ice cream machine in top shape. You’ll serve safe, delicious treats and avoid costly surprises.


Troubleshoot Cleaning Issues

Signs of Improper Cleaning

Sometimes, you might think your ice cream machine looks clean, but problems can still hide inside. Watch for these signs that tell you cleaning did not go well:

  • You notice strange smells or leftover flavors in your ice cream.

  • The machine freezes up or stops working during use.

  • Valves or pipelines get clogged, making it hard for the mix to flow.

  • Sensors start giving wrong temperature readings.

  • You see old mix or sticky spots around the dispenser.

  • Cross-contamination happens, and you find bits of old mix in new batches.

If you spot any of these issues, your machine needs a better cleaning routine. Catching these signs early helps you avoid bigger problems and keeps your ice cream safe for everyone.

Tip: Always check your machine after cleaning. A quick look can save you from a lot of trouble later!


Fixing Odors and Residue

Bad smells or sticky residue can ruin your ice cream and turn customers away. You can get rid of these problems with a few simple steps:

  1. Pour a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar into the mixing bowl.

  2. Let the vinegar solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps remove stubborn odors.

  3. Rinse the bowl well with clean water and dry it completely.

  4. If the smell sticks around, wipe the inside and outside with a cloth dipped in water and lemon juice.

For a deeper clean, follow this routine:

  1. Drain all ice cream from the machine.

  2. Use the washing cycle to clean the tank, hopper, and dispenser.

  3. Take apart all removable parts and wash them by hand.

  4. Check seals and o-rings. Replace any that look worn out.

  5. Put everything back together, add lubricant, and sanitize as your manual says.

Note: Regular cleaning and quick action when you notice odors will keep your ice cream machine fresh and ready for business!

Cleaning and taking care of your ice cream machine every day helps it work well. This means your ice cream is safe and tastes good. Your machine also breaks down less often. If you want cleaning to be even easier, choose a good brand for your machine. Here are some reasons why:

  • Good machines are easier to clean.

  • You can find parts fast, so fixing is quick.

  • Customer service can help you fix problems.

Use checklists and reminders so you do not forget to clean. Your customers will see the difference!


FAQ

How often should I clean my ice cream machine?

You should clean your ice cream machine every day. If you use it a lot, clean it more often. Daily cleaning keeps your ice cream safe and tasty.

Can I use regular dish soap to clean my machine?

You can use dish soap for some parts. For best results, use a cleaner made for ice cream machines. These cleaners remove dairy and sugar better.

What should I do if my machine smells bad?

First, rinse with warm water. Then, use a vinegar solution to soak the parts. Dry everything well. If the smell stays, check for old mix or worn seals.

Do I need to lubricate my ice cream machine?

Yes, you do. Lubricate moving parts with food-grade lubricant after each cleaning. This helps your machine run smoothly and last longer.

CONTACT US

 NO. 903, Juzhengxiandaicheng, Joint Center 
of Guijiang Road and Baiyunshan Road, Luohe, 
Henan, China
 sales@hnchanda.com
 +86-395-3386258
 +86-18939535088

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCT CATEGORY

SEND US A MESSAGE
Copyright © 2025 chandamachine All Rights Reserved. Sitemap