Whether you have a built-in model or a countertop gadget, maintenance is your best friend. Change the filter. Hard water is the number one killer of ice machines—it leads to scale and foggy, fragile cubes.
Clean it monthly. Use a dedicated sanitizer. Your ice is only as clean as the tray it froze in. Nobody wants a cube that tastes like last week’s forgotten broccoli.
And listen for the harvest cycle. If it starts taking longer than usual, you likely have a clog or a sensor issue. A quick rinse with vinegar can work wonders before you call a repair person.