Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it’s clean.
Summer is here, and with it, ice becomes a staple—piled into iced coffee, dropped into water bottles, packed into noodle bowls. But while we use ice every day, when was the last time you cleaned your ice maker or tray?
People assume that cold means sanitary. But that’s dangerously wrong. In reality, ice can become a breeding ground for bacteria, even at freezing temperatures.
Ice Isn’t as Clean as You Think
Many believe low temperatures kill germs. Unfortunately, that’s a myth. Some bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and viruses like norovirus not only survive in cold—they thrive.
In one study, norovirus remained 99% active in ice after 3 days. Even after 17 days, 45% of the virus still lingered. Listeria? It can survive at –20°C and becomes even more aggressive when ice starts to melt.
If you’ve trusted your ice simply because it’s cold, you’ve been misled.
The Golden Rule of Ice Handling: Clean Regularly
Want safe ice? It starts with cleaning.
Experts agree: clean your ice maker at least every two weeks, and once a week if used frequently.
Why? Ice machines have hidden nooks and constant moisture—ideal conditions for mold and bacterial growth.
Even ice stored in a freezer isn’t safe forever. It can absorb odors and cause cross-contamination with other food.
How to Properly Clean Ice Trays and Makers
Cleaning isn’t complicated.
Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio, use it to scrub the ice bin and connecting tubes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then let it dry completely before reuse.
For home freezers, replace all ice every 1 to 2 weeks.
Never grab ice with your hands—use tongs. Wash ice trays under running water after each use. That alone can eliminate most bacteria, including listeria.
If trays are stained or smelly, soak them in rice water for an hour—the starch removes odor and grime.
Rubbing with coarse salt or soaking in vinegar for 20 minutes also works for disinfection.
You Might Be Eating More Than Just Ice
Be honest—do you know how clean the ice you’re drinking is?
How long has it been sitting in your freezer? How often is the machine cleaned?
Ice handling isn’t about fancy gadgets.
It’s about habits: clean, replace, and don’t touch.
That’s it.
Follow this, and you won’t just be cooling down this summer. You’ll stay safe doing it.