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KitchenAid Undercounter Ice Maker: Cleaning Light Blinking
A standalone KitchenAid ice machine tracks when it needs descaling, and the Cleaning light is how it tells you. Usually the fix is running or finishing a clean cycle, not a part.
What the Cleaning Light Means
On KitchenAid’s standalone undercounter ice makers (KitchenAid files them as freestanding ice makers), a lit or blinking Cleaning light means one of two things: the unit is due for cleaning, or a clean cycle is running or was interrupted. Freezing water leaves minerals behind, and KitchenAid says they build into hard scale. Its guidance is to clean when the light comes on, after about 9 months, or when ice output drops noticeably, and as often as every 6 months with hard water. Source: KitchenAid Cleaning light blinking (opens in a new tab).
Based in Plano
Serving homes across Dallas–Fort Worth
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Toward the repair if you go ahead
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What Goes With the Cleaning Light
You may also notice these.
Why the Light Comes On
From KitchenAid’s article.
How to Clear the Cleaning Light
Use an ice machine cleaner made for the job and follow your manual for where it goes.
Resume an interrupted cycle
KitchenAid says the Clean button blinks while the cycle runs. If it stopped, press Clean to resume. It shows Cleaning Complete when done, after about 70 to 90 minutes.
Run a full clean if it is due
KitchenAid calls for one 16-ounce bottle of approved ice machine cleaner and names affresh Ice Machine Cleaner, part W11179302 (KitchenAid not making ice (opens in a new tab)).
Reset if the light sticks
Unplug the ice maker or switch off its breaker to reset the controls. If the Cleaning indicator is still on afterward, press Clean so the cycle can finish.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- The light stays on after a full clean
- Ice output stays low after cleaning
- The unit stops partway every time
- The Service light comes on
More KitchenAid Ice Machine Help
KitchenAid ice maker repairMore help, including other KitchenAid codes:
Ice maker repairKitchenAid Undercounter Filter Light guideKitchenAid dishwasher Clean Light guideKitchenAid dishwasher F9E1 error codeAll KitchenAid appliance repairKitchenAid Cleaning light articleWritten estimate first
Cleaned It and Still Low on Ice?
We descale the water system, check the condenser, drain, bin sensor and water valve on KitchenAid undercounter ice makers, and give you a written estimate before parts.
- Diagnostic fee credited toward the repair
- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
KitchenAid Cleaning Light Questions
KitchenAid says about every 9 months, when the Cleaning light comes on, or when production drops. With very hard water, as often as every 6 months.
KitchenAid says the display reads Cleaning Complete after about 70 to 90 minutes.
KitchenAid’s instructions call for an approved ice machine cleaner and name affresh. Using what the manual specifies avoids damage to the water system.
Hard water leaves more scale, and KitchenAid says hard water can call for cleaning as often as every 6 months.
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Get Your KitchenAid Ice Machine Producing Again
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- Real Warranty
- Based in Plano