Continuous Control of Contamination in Ice Machines
Low-level chlorine dioxide gas is the most effective way to maintain clean ice machines over time. CleanAir systems release a controlled, continuous flow of ClO₂ gas within the machine that:
- Inhibits growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae
- Penetrates internal airspaces and hard-to-reach surfaces
- Prevents reformation of biofilm between cleanings
- Eliminates odor and organic buildup without residue
Unlike traditional methods, this is not periodic treatment.
It is continuous environmental control inside the machine
Broad-Spectrum Pathogen Control
Chlorine dioxide provides strong efficacy against key organisms relevant to ice systems, including:
- E. coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Legionella pneumophila
Demonstrated performance includes up to 5-log (99.999%) microbial reduction, supporting both food safety and water quality requirements.
Supporting Role of Liquid Chlorine Dioxide
While gas-phase treatment maintains the system, liquid chlorine dioxide is used strategically to:
- Clean and reset contaminated machines
- Treat waterlines and incoming water
- Remove existing biofilm prior to implementing continuous control
This establishes a clean baseline, allowing gas-phase ClO₂ to maintain system stability moving forward.
Case Study: Major Orlando Resort
In a large hospitality environment, ice machines were identified as a recurring contamination source driven by:
- Biofilm development
- Microbial growth in enclosed internal components
- Inconsistent and labor-intensive cleaning cycles
After implementing a chlorine dioxide program centered on continuous gas-phase treatment, supported by initial liquid cleaning:
- Microbial counts dropped from consistently detectable levels to near or below detection limits across monitored machines
- Visible slime, mold, and internal buildup were eliminated within the system during the treatment period
- Cleaning frequency was reduced as machines remained stable between service intervals