Your Ice Tastes Bad Because You're Skipping Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Cleaning

Your Ice Tastes Bad Because You're Skipping Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Cleaning

I am a caffeine addict. My morning ritual involves a double shot of espresso poured over a mountain of bullet-shaped ice. For the first six months, my Frigidaire EFIC117-SS was my best friend. It fits under my low-clearance cabinets, runs at a quiet 50 decibels, and spits out its first batch of ice in exactly seven minutes. But then came the 'garlic morning.' I took a sip of my iced coffee and it tasted like it had been filtered through a swamp. I realized I had been treating a reliable countertop ice maker like a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, which is the fastest way to ruin your drinks.

I cracked open the lid with a flashlight and saw it: a thin, shimmering film of pink slime near the water sensor. If you don't stay on top of frigidaire efic117-ss cleaning, your machine becomes a petri dish. It isn't just about the taste; it's about the mechanics. Mineral scale builds up on the pump, the motor starts straining, and suddenly that 26-pound daily capacity drops to a trickle of slush. I had to learn the hard way that proper maintenance is non-negotiable.

  • Frequency: Deep clean every 2 weeks; drain weekly.
  • Cleaning Agent: 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water.
  • Time Required: 45 minutes (mostly waiting for cycles).
  • Key Spec: 2.3L reservoir capacity requires about 4.5 cups of cleaning solution.
  • Pro Tip: Use distilled water to cut cleaning time in half.

Exactly How to Clean Frigidaire Ice Maker Model EFIC117 SS

When you are ready to tackle how to clean frigidaire ice maker model efic117 ss, put away the harsh chemicals. You don't need expensive proprietary descalers. I use a 50/50 mix of white distilled vinegar and room-temperature water. Fill the 2.3-liter reservoir right up to the 'Max' line. If you use hot water, you risk warping the plastic components or confusing the internal temperature sensors, which are calibrated for tap water.

Plug the unit in and hit the 'Select' button to choose the large ice size. This ensures the pump runs at full capacity. Let the machine run two full cycles. You will get about 18 to 24 cubes of vinegar-scented ice. Do not use these for your drinks. Dump them in the sink immediately. The vinegar is an acid that eats through the calcium carbonate—the white crusty stuff—that builds up inside the internal tubing where you can't reach with a cloth.

After the vinegar cycles, drain the machine using the plug on the bottom-rear. This plug is a bit of a design flaw; it’s awkward to reach and you’ll need to slide the machine over the edge of the sink to avoid a mess. Once drained, refill with fresh, clean water and run three more 'rinse' cycles. If you skip the third rinse, your next batch of ice will have a faint salad-dressing aftertaste. I’ve tested it; three is the magic number to completely neutralize the vinegar pH.

Don't Forget the Hidden Prongs and Water Filter

The most overlooked part of the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is the evaporator assembly. These are the nine chrome-plated metal prongs where the ice actually forms. Over time, scale builds up here, making the ice 'stick' and causing the machine to work harder to harvest each batch. I take a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in vinegar and gently scrub each prong. You have to be careful not to bend them or knock the water tray out of alignment.

While you're in there, look at the small mesh filter at the bottom of the reservoir. It’s tiny, but it catches hair, dust, and sediment. If this gets clogged, the pump will start making a high-pitched whining noise because it's being starved of water. A quick flick with a toothbrush is usually enough to clear it. Also, wipe down the infrared sensors—the little 'eyes' on the side of the basket area. If these get dusty, the machine will think the basket is full and stop making ice altogether.

How to Clean Frigidaire Ice Maker EFIC117 When Mold Strikes

If you see pink or black spots, vinegar won't cut it. You need a sanitizing solution. When researching how to clean frigidaire ice maker efic117 for mold, I found that a diluted bleach solution is the only way to be safe. Use one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water. It’s a similar protocol to cleaning Newair ice maker models, but the Frigidaire has tighter corners in the back of the reservoir that require a bit more attention.

Run one cycle with the bleach solution, then drain it. You must be extremely thorough with the following rinses. I usually run five or six fresh water cycles after using bleach. I also use a Q-tip to get into the hinge of the lid, where moisture tends to trapped and mold likes to start its colony. If you leave the lid closed while the machine is off, you’re basically building a sauna for bacteria. Always leave the lid propped open when the machine isn't in use.

My 5-Minute Weekly Upkeep Routine

I don't have time for a 45-minute deep clean every few days, so I developed a shortcut. Every Sunday night, I pull the drain plug and let the reservoir empty completely. Leaving standing water in the tank for more than 48 hours is an invitation for biofilm. I wipe the interior with a clean microfiber cloth and a spray of lemon juice. This simple frigidaire ice maker efic117-ss cleaning habit keeps the scale from hardening.

Compared to maintaining a Mueller ice maker, which I found had more complex internal baffles, the Frigidaire is relatively straightforward if you stay consistent. If you live in a hard-water area, this weekly drain is the difference between a machine that lasts three years and one that dies in six months. It takes less time than making a pot of coffee, and it ensures your 3 PM iced tea doesn't taste like a chemistry experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CLR or descaling liquid?

Avoid heavy industrial descalers like CLR. They are too aggressive for the plastic tubing and the nickel plating on the evaporator prongs. Stick to white vinegar or food-grade citric acid powder.

Why does my ice still taste like plastic?

If the machine is brand new, run three cycles with a mixture of lemon juice and water. The citric acid is better at stripping that 'new factory' smell than vinegar is.

How do I get the vinegar smell out faster?

Add a pinch of baking soda to your second rinse cycle. It helps neutralize the acetic acid from the vinegar, though you'll still need a final plain-water rinse to clear out any grittiness.