Just because an ice maker and ice machine are cold environments doesn't mean they cant harbor dangerous germs. Bacteria in ice machines can quickly develop from a variety of sources. These factors can facilitate a buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Dirty hands that touch ice
Spilled food or beverage particles
Melted, dirty water that refreezes into dirty ice
Accumulated dust and dirt
Can mold in an ice machine make you sick? Yes, mold can harbor bacteria and germs from E.coli and norovirus to the common cold. Fortunately, knowing how to clean an ice maker and ice machine can lessen the chance of illness by eliminating dirt and bacteria. Nonetheless, there are differences between these two devices that dictate different cleaning methods.