How to Clean a Countertop Ice Maker: The ICEWAVE ZB-13 Guide

August 28, 2026

To clean a countertop ice maker safely, use the instructions for the exact model. For the ICEWAVE ZB-13 countertop bullet ice maker (product code ZSW-ZB13), switch it off and unplug it, remove the ice and removable parts, drain the tank, wipe the accessible interior with diluted mild detergent and warm water, rinse, dry, and close the drain plug before refilling.

This guide turns the current ZB-13 user manual into a practical cleaning, restart, and troubleshooting workflow. Controls, cleaners, and automatic cycles differ across portable ice makers, so instructions for another model should not be applied to the ZB-13.

Quick answer

What is the safest way to clean the ICEWAVE ZB-13? Unplug it, empty the ice, remove and wash the basket and scoop, drain the reservoir through the drainage plug, wipe accessible interior surfaces with diluted mild detergent and warm water, wipe again with clean potable water, dry thoroughly, and reseat the drainage plug.

Key takeaways

No automatic self-cleaning cycle is documented in the current ZB-13 manual.

Use diluted mild detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth for routine cleaning.

Replace standing reservoir water about every 24 hours during regular use.

Use potable water below the MAX line and keep at least 15 cm of ventilation space at the side and rear.

If the machine is tilted or turned over, leave it upright for at least two hours before powering it on.

ZB-13 care quick reference

Recipe reference
Care task	ZB-13 guidance	When
Replace standing water	Drain and refill with fresh potable water below the MAX line.	About every 24 hours during regular use
Wash removable parts	Use warm water and mild detergent; rinse and dry the basket and scoop.	Before first use and during routine cleaning
Clean the reservoir	Unplug, drain, wipe with diluted mild detergent and warm water, then rinse-wipe and dry.	When residue or odor appears, and before/after storage
Prepare for storage	Drain completely, dry the interior, and leave the lid slightly open.	Before extended non-use

Jump to a section

What you need

Cleaning steps

Cleaning frequency

Restart after cleaning

Troubleshooting

ZB-13 FAQ

01Unplug 02Empty 03Drain 04Wipe 05Rinse 06Dry

What you need before cleaning

Prepare a simple cleaning kit before you begin:

Warm water

Mild detergent

Two or more clean, soft cloths

A clean towel for drying

A sink or suitable container for drained water

Important: Do not use abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, or flammable cleaning liquids. Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water. The current ZB-13 manual does not document an automatic self-cleaning program.

How to clean a countertop ice maker step by step

1. Switch off and unplug the machine

Press ON/OFF to stop ice making, then disconnect the plug from the outlet. Wait for moving parts to stop before reaching into the ice compartment.

2. Remove the ice, basket, and scoop

Open the transparent lid, discard any remaining ice, and lift out the removable ice basket and scoop. Wash the basket and scoop with warm water and mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel.

The ZB-13 has a removable basket and scoop. Remove both before draining and cleaning the reservoir.

3. Drain the water tank

Position the machine so water can empty safely into a sink or suitable container. Open or pull the drainage plug as shown in the ZB-13 manual and allow the reservoir to drain completely.

Do not turn the machine upside down to empty it. If the appliance is tilted or turned over, place it upright and wait at least two hours before switching it on again.

4. Wipe the water tank and accessible interior

Use diluted mild detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth to wipe the water tank and accessible inner surfaces. Work gently around corners and areas where standing water may leave residue. Do not bend, strike, or scrape internal components.

5. Clean the lid, control panel, and exterior

Wipe the transparent lid, control panel, and outer housing with a soft, damp cloth. Do not pour or spray water over the appliance, vents, control panel, plug, or cord. Keep ventilation openings free of dust and obstruction.

6. Rinse-wipe and dry

Wipe the cleaned interior again with a separate cloth dampened with clean potable water to remove detergent residue. Dry the inner container and all accessible surfaces with a clean, soft cloth.

7. Close the drainage plug

Confirm that the drainage plug is fully seated before adding water. Return the clean, dry basket to the machine. The ZB-13 is now ready to refill or store.

ZB-13 care note: Regularly replacing the water does not replace cleaning, and wiping the visible reservoir does not replace washing the removable basket and scoop.

How often should you clean a countertop ice maker?

There is no single cleaning interval for every home because use frequency and water conditions vary. For the ZB-13:

Clean the basket and water tank before first use.

Replace standing reservoir water about every 24 hours during regular use.

Clean the machine when residue or an unusual odor appears.

Clean and dry it before returning it to use after long-term storage.

Drain and dry it before any extended period of non-use.

How to restart the ZB-13 after cleaning

Place the machine upright on a level, stable surface away from direct sunlight and heat.

Leave at least 15 cm of open space around the side and rear vents.

Confirm that the drainage plug is closed.

Fill the tank with potable water below the MAX line.

Replace the basket and close the lid.

Connect the machine to a grounded outlet that matches its rating label.

Press ON/OFF, then use SELECT to choose Large Ice or Small Ice.

A normal ZB-13 cycle typically takes approximately 6 to 12 minutes. Timing varies with the selected ice size and surrounding conditions.

Use SELECT to choose Large Ice or Small Ice after the cleaned ZB-13 has been refilled and restarted.

Countertop ice maker not making ice after cleaning?

Start with the ZB-13 indicator lights and basic operating conditions. Do not remove panels or attempt refrigeration-system repairs.

ADD WATER is on

Check that the reservoir contains potable water below the MAX line. Switch off and unplug the machine before inspecting the reservoir area. Refill if needed and restart. If the alert remains while water is present, stop using the machine and contact ICEWAVE support.

ICE FULL is on when the basket is not full

Remove the basket and make sure the scoop, loose ice, or another object is not blocking the ice-full sensor. Strong direct light can interfere with the infrared sensor, so move the machine away from bright sunlight and restart it.

The machine runs but produces no ice

Move the machine away from heat, confirm at least 15 cm of side and rear ventilation space, and use fresh potable water. If the same problem returns, or if you notice abnormal noise, damaged wiring, or a possible refrigerant leak, unplug the appliance and contact qualified service personnel.

Can you clean a countertop ice maker with vinegar?

Many general guides mention vinegar, but cleaner compatibility varies by model. The current ZB-13 manual specifies diluted mild detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth for routine cleaning.

Do not pour vinegar, alcohol, descaler, or another cleaning solution into the ZB-13 water system unless ICEWAVE support has confirmed that specific product and dilution for your unit.

How to store the ZB-13 after cleaning

Drain the inner container completely and wipe it dry. Leave the lid slightly open so air can circulate, then store the appliance upright in a dry, ventilated location.

If the machine is moved from a cold outdoor environment into a warm room, leave it unplugged for several hours until it reaches room temperature. If it has been tilted or turned over, keep it upright for at least two hours before connecting power.

ZB-13 cleaning and troubleshooting FAQ

Does the ZB-13 have an automatic cleaning cycle?

The current ZB-13 manual does not document an automatic self-cleaning cycle. Clean it manually by unplugging, draining, washing removable parts, wiping accessible interior surfaces, rinsing, and drying.

What water should I use after cleaning?

Use potable water only and keep it below the MAX line. Do not add juice, milk, beer, or other beverages to the water tank.

Why does my ice maker say ADD WATER when water is present?

First confirm the water level and restart the machine. If ADD WATER remains on while the reservoir contains water, unplug the ZB-13 and contact ICEWAVE support rather than disassembling the appliance.

Why does my ice maker keep saying ICE FULL?

The basket may be full, or the infrared sensor may be blocked by ice, the scoop, or another object. Strong direct light can also affect detection. Clear the sensor area and move the machine away from bright sunlight.

How long should the ZB-13 take to make ice after cleaning?

Each cycle typically takes approximately 6 to 12 minutes, depending on ice-size selection and surrounding conditions.

Keep the model-specific guide nearby

The reliable ZB-13 cleaning sequence is simple: unplug, empty, drain, wipe, rinse, and dry. Use the product page for current product details and the manual hub for the online guide and PDF download.