Ice Machine Descaler

[Turbo1Ton]

I'm looking for guidance from the group but especially our chemistry gurus @JoyfulNoise and @JamesW

I have an undercounter ice maker. I have used the manufacturer's cleaner/descaler up until recently when the costs of said product has increased exponentially. It is Scotsman Clear 1 cleaner/descaler. Here is the composition:



Now, on any of the 'off' brand cleaner/descalers, they do not list any phosphoric acid. Here is one:



And here is another:



My question is what effect does the phosphoric acid have on the product? Should I be looking for a product with the phosphoric or does it matter? This will at least give me some more information on the pros and cons of the different products.

--Jeff

 

[Newdude]

I run a half gallon of vinegar through my coffeemaker every few months for descaling and it seems to work great.

 

[Homebrewale]

I run citric acid through my coffee maker. It doesn't leave an aftertaste like vinegar if you don't do enough rinses.

 

[PoolStored]

It is getting expensive. I too have an undercab ice maker. This is what I use and it does an amazing job. It doesn't take that much and three

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK2PKJA

There are others, that are cheaper with Phosphoric Acid...

Arctic Concentrated Ice Machine Cleaner - Nickel Safe - 1 Pint / 16 oz.

Arctic concentrated ice machine cleaner is specifically designed for removal of mineral buildup which can lead to bacterial contamination in ice machine equipment. This ice machine cleaner is great at protecting nickel plated evaporators. This ice maker cleaner is safe for use with all ice...

www.webstaurantstore.com

 

[Mdragger88]

Here’s the one I bought last time- glorified citric acid only - works just fine.
Keep in mind that I don’t have hard water. My tap ch is 25-50ppm.
I have a commercial sized ice machine.
I also run a little bleach through it.
Essential Values Ice Machine Cleaner 16 fl oz, Nickel Safe Descaler | Ice Maker Cleaner Compatible with: Whirlpool 4396808, Manitowac, Ice-O-Matic, Scotsman, Follett & more! - Made in USA Amazon.com

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Phosphoric acid removes all kinds of scale, both mineral (Ca and Mg) and metallic (iron) scale. The combo of citric and phosphoric acid works the best on all forms of scale. I’d stay away from the HEDP based products.

 

[pjt]

I have a standalone ice maker that I fill with distilled water. Works great and no scale.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

RO water for ice is the best! Clear/clean ice with bubbles or funny tastes.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

RO water for ice is the best! Clear/clean ice with bubbles or funny tastes.

As I have a manifold system feeding all of my fixtures, I may be able to add an RO system in the mechanical closet to feed just the ice makers (refrigerators and undercounter). I may look into this some more.

--Jeff

 

[JoyfulNoise]

As I have a manifold system feeding all of my fixtures, I may be able to add an RO system in the mechanical closet to feed just the ice makers (refrigerators and undercounter). I may look into this some more.

--Jeff

If you do get an RO system, I highly suggest a 5-stage filter setup (sediment, two carbon block, GAC, and RO membrane) with a permeate pump to boost the membrane pressure. That will make the RO process more efficient and produce less waste water.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

If you do get an RO system, I highly suggest a 5-filter setup (sediment, two carbon block, GAC, and RO membrane) with a permeate pump to boost the membrane pressure. That will make the RO process more efficient and produce less waste water.

Do you have any recommendation on brands/systems to start looking at? Google pulls up so many and it's a little overwhelming.

--Jeff

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Do you have any recommendation on brands/systems to start looking at? Google pulls up so many and it's a little overwhelming.

--Jeff

I’m partial US Water Systems as they sell online and they stock high quality stuff. And they are very DIY friendly. But they ain’t cheap …