Slime
Slime is a type of mold or fungus that growth on surfaces that are exposed to moisture and warm temperatures. If the moisture is not wiped clean and left alone or the machine is not sanitized properly and on time, you will then see mold build up in the wet, cool environment of your ice maker. Most times, slime will take on a light pink color if left untreated, the pink color will soon start changing colors, pink will turn to red, green, brown and even black strings of slime stretching from the panels inside the non commercial and commercial ice machines.
Slime causes the ice to have a taste, odor & change color. Serving contaminated ice may bring unnecessary problems to your food service establishment, such as loosing valuable customers, law suits… People with weak immune systems are at risk to illnesses passed on through the pathogens found in contaminated ice cubes.
Ice Machine Slime
Ice Machine Maintenance
Keep the ice machine interior clean and sanitized using an approved sanitizer. It is not uncommon to clean up commercial ice machines once a month. Professional maintenance will cost around $160, but there are many products, such as Manitowoc’s Guardian that can extend slime cleaning effectiveness by up to six times. The Guardian sachet housing comes with every S-Series Manitowoc ice machine. “Manitowoc’s exclusive Guardian® Accessory is patented technology that releases chlorine dioxide on a controlled basis to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that form slime and cause odors in the food zone of ice machines.”
Do it yourself. Twice a week take a paper towel, and wipe the moisture from the ice machine surfaces above the ice level. Using sanitizes solution wipe interior walls with proper sanitizing solution. Using bleach is not safe, because it reacts with the metal walls of your ice machine.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post I’ve never even thought about slime inside of my ice machines. Just imagine how many restaurants have no idea about the micro world growing inside of their commercial ice machine. OMG! this is disgusting, disturbing and very very dangerous! I dont think that health department checks ice makers for slime.
I really like your post. Does it copyright protected?
Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!
How soon will you update your blog? I’m interested in reading some more information on this issue.
Sorry for the delay, I have a very busy schedule
I am working on one Manitowoc commercial Ice machines article right now, will be posted soon
Thanks
It is not copyright protected, but if you want to use this material, just include a link to this website as appreciation for the time spent for this article
Thank you
Just like any other electrical appliance and particularly one involved with food preparation, an ice maker needs to be properly maintained, cleaned and indeed correctly operated. Always read the ice machine instruction manual and note anything that needs to be done or checked on a regular basis.
Hints & Tips – always use the ice maker in its correct upright position; keep ventilation grilles clear; never put the machine in water or any other liquid; Scotsman Ice Machine if using the ice maker outside be sure to protect it from the elements and if possible use a leakage contact breaker.
After Use – always Manitowoc Ice Machine disconnect the ice maker if it’s not to be used for some time (eg. during the next 48 to 72 hours), remove any leftover ice cubes and empty the water tank.