Don’t Forget to Use Gloves
Use a Scoop
Store the Scoop in Sanitary Conditions and Clean it Daily
As we mentioned, using an ice scoop is the perfect recipe for avoiding any contamination of ice. However, if you use a dirty tool, everything is pretty much in vain. The best way to store an ice scoop is in a dedicated holder instead of keeping it inside the machine. Also, one of the most important things is the daily cleaning process because if you skip it, you’ll contaminate the ice.
Cleaning the scoop shouldn’t be an issue. You can use soap, sanitizers, boiling water, or a dishwasher. It’s not important what you use as long as it’s able to decontaminate the scoop. The ideal thing would be to sterilize it, but not many people have a sterilizer in their homes.
Do Not Reuse it
One of the worst things you could do is put the ice back in the machine. A lot of people think it is okay to put the excess back into the unit if you misjudge the amount. However, it’s a completely wrong assumption, and you should never do it. As soon as the ice touches something out of the unit, it’s safe to say that it’s contaminated. Any leftover ice should be discarded and thrown away.
Clean the Machine Regularly
Maintenance is one of the most important parameters of a well-handled machine. Although it’s recommended that you clean it thoroughly every six months, it’s advised that you clean it once a month. It doesn’t need to be a thorough clean, washing the components and wiping the inner part of the machine with a wet sponge will lower the chances of contamination by a lot. If you want to read about optimal maintenance, check our article about it.
Use Water Filters
It doesn’t matter how clean your water is, using a filter is always the best and safest choice. The good thing about water filters is that they aren’t as expensive as you might think. People often give up on installing a filter because most of them believe that it’s an expensive piece of equipment.
However, if your budget allows it, go ahead and buy it. The reasons are pretty simple. First of all, the water is filtrated and thus cleaner meaning the ice is going to be less contaminated by various bacteria found in tap water. Furthermore, the unit will perform better and last for longer.
If you have any uncertainties, go ahead and read our Buyer’s Guide and you should find some answers. Remember to keep the unit in good condition, and you’ll minimize the chances of contamination and preserve your health.
