--- title: "Whirlpool Cleaning Needed: scale is due to come off the freezing plate" description: "What Cleaning Needed means on Whirlpool Cleaning Needed: scale is due to come off the freezing plates, what to check before booking, and when it is not a…" url: "https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/whirlpool-cleaning-needed/" --- # Whirlpool Cleaning Needed: scale is due to come off the freezing plate As water freezes on the plate, the minerals it leaves behind collect as scale, and Whirlpool asks for a cleaning when this indicator lights, after 9 months, or whenever output falls off. ## What Cleaning Needed actually means. As water freezes on the plate, the minerals it leaves behind collect as scale, and Whirlpool asks for a cleaning when this indicator lights, after 9 months, or whenever output falls off. With harder water Whirlpool expects the interval to shrink to about 6 months. The condenser needs attention at the same time, because a clogged one also cuts production. Whirlpool ice machine display · also shown as Cleaning Cycle button lit What to do when Cleaning Needed shows on the ice machine ### Kind of code Mode, not a failure Nothing is broken; the control is reporting a state someone chose or a routine it runs: a clean or sanitize reminder counting the hours since the last cycle, a delay of a few minutes after power returns before the pump and compressor start, a bin-full light while the bin control is satisfied, or a standby or off mode someone chose at the keypad. No part is needed; finishing the cycle the light asks for, waiting out the delay or the key sequence from the manual ends it. ### Usually leads to No repair Plan a cleaning run with an ice machine cleaner Whirlpool approves, following the guide for your model. ### Shows up as Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You An ice machine error code may show as a number on a small display, a pattern of blinking lights on the control board, a colored light on the front, or a machine that stops with one indicator flashing. ### Make Whirlpool Whirlpool ice machine visits start with the simple checks an owner can confirm, then move to the drain, the water valve and the cycle. ### Source Whirlpool Product Help: Cleaning Light Blinking - Freestanding Ice Maker Whirlpool 15-inch clear-ice machines. Depending on the panel, the reminder shows as a Cleaning Needed light or a lit Cleaning Cycle button. ## Before you book, in this order. Each step comes from Whirlpool's own guidance for Cleaning Needed on its ice machines. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit. 01 Plan a cleaning run with an ice machine cleaner Whirlpool approves, following the guide for your model. 02 Clean the air-cooled condenser while the machine is off and unplugged, as Whirlpool pairs it with the water system. 03 After the run, confirm the drain cap on the water pan is screwed on tight, since a loose cap gives thin ice or none. 04 If the indicator stays lit after a completed run, book a visit. ### Cleared? The light or code is gone, and the machine fills, freezes and drops a full batch of cubes into the bin with no new part. If it returns within a week, or the clean light comes back straight after a cleaning cycle, mention that in the booking. ### What not to do This indicator does not stop ice production and is not a report of a broken part. A machine that has stopped making ice altogether with this light on usually has a second cause, such as a closed valve or a kinked drain hose. ## What you may notice with it. The ice machine problems Cleaning Needed tends to arrive with. Answer these at the ice machine before anyone is booked. [All problems](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/) Before you call ### [Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/) [All 7 causes, cheapest first](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/) It also comes with - [**Ice Machine Making Too Little Ice for the Rush**](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-making-little-ice/) - [**Ice Machine Cubes Coming Out Thin, Small or Hollow**](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-ice-small-or-hollow/) Problem ### Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You 7 causes, cheapest first No repair indicated ## Nothing to repair. Nothing is broken; the control is reporting a state someone chose or a routine it runs: a clean or sanitize reminder counting the hours since the last cycle, a delay of a few minutes after power returns before the pump and compressor start, a bin-full light while the bin control is satisfied, or a standby or off mode someone chose at the keypad. No part is needed; finishing the cycle the light asks for, waiting out the delay or the key sequence from the manual ends it. [How to read what your ice machine is telling you](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/) ## Whirlpool ice machines. Whirlpool ice machine visits start with the simple checks an owner can confirm, then move to the drain, the water valve and the cycle. [Whirlpool ice machine repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/brands/whirlpool/) More Whirlpool codes [Clean light blinking](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/whirlpool-clean-light-blinking/) [Replace Filter](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/whirlpool-replace-filter/) [Service light](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/whirlpool-service-light/) Mode, not a failure on other makes [Atosa FUL](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/atosa-ful/) [Follett TIME DELAY](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/follett-time-delay/) [Ice-O-Matic Slow blue flash](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/ice-o-matic-slow-blue-flash/) [KitchenAid Clean light blinking](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-clean-light-blinking/) [Manitowoc E28](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/manitowoc-e28/) [Marvel DOOR flashing](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/marvel-door-flashing/) [Maxx Ice Bin Full](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/maxx-ice-bin-full/) [Monogram Time to Clean](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/monogram-time-to-clean/) [All 35 codes of this kind](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/#family-mode) Whirlpool builds this ### Undercounter ice machine A self-contained ice machine that makes and stores its own ice under a bar, a service counter or a kitchen island, from commercial units to clear-ice models in large homes. ## In Whirlpool's own words > It is recommended that you clean the ice Maker when the "Cleaning Needed" or [Whirlpool Product Help: Cleaning Light Blinking - Freestanding Ice Maker](https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Refrigeration/Ice_Makers/Blinking_Lights/Cleaning_Light_Blinking_-_Freestanding_Ice_Maker) [Whirlpool Product Help: Cleaning Light Blinking - Freestanding Ice Maker](https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Refrigeration/Ice_Makers/Blinking_Lights/Cleaning_Light_Blinking_-_Freestanding_Ice_Maker) [Whirlpool Product Help: Not Making Ice - Has Power - Freestanding Ice Maker](https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Refrigeration/Ice_Makers/Operation%2F%2FPower/No_Operation/Not_Making_Ice_-_Has_Power_-_Freestanding_Ice_Maker) Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Whirlpool 15-inch clear-ice machines. Depending on the panel, the reminder shows as a Cleaning Needed light or a lit Cleaning Cycle button. ## Whirlpool Cleaning Needed ice machine repair, where we come out. The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered. [All service areas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/) [Tampa Bay](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/) FL · 31 areas - [Hyde Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/hyde-park/) - [Davis Islands](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/davis-islands/) - [Palma Ceia](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palma-ceia/) - [Westchase](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/westchase/) - [Carrollwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/carrollwood/) - [Belleair](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/belleair/) - [St. Pete Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/st-pete-beach/) - [Palm Harbor](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palm-harbor/) [Orlando](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/) FL · 30 areas - [Winter Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/winter-park/) - [Windermere](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/windermere/) - [Dr. Phillips](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/dr-phillips/) - [Bay Hill](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/bay-hill/) - [Lake Nona](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/lake-nona/) - [Heathrow](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/heathrow/) - [Celebration](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/celebration/) [Miami / South Florida](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/) FL · 47 areas - [Brickell](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/brickell/) - [Coconut Grove](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coconut-grove/) - [Coral Gables](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coral-gables/) - [Pinecrest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/pinecrest/) - [Key Biscayne](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/key-biscayne/) - [Aventura](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/aventura/) - [Sunny Isles Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/sunny-isles-beach/) - [Bal Harbour](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/bal-harbour/) - [Miami Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/miami-beach/) - [Golden Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/golden-beach/) - [Weston](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/weston/) - [Boca Raton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/boca-raton/) - [Palm Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/palm-beach/) [New York Metro](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/) NY · 75 areas - [Upper East Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-east-side/) - [Upper West Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-west-side/) - [Tribeca](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/tribeca/) - [SoHo](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/soho/) - [Greenwich Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/greenwich-village/) - [Battery Park City](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/battery-park-city/) - [Brooklyn Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/brooklyn-heights/) - [Park Slope](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/park-slope/) - [DUMBO](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/dumbo/) - [Forest Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/forest-hills/) - [Great Neck](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/great-neck/) - [Southampton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/southampton/) - [Scarsdale](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/scarsdale/) [Houston](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/) TX · 36 areas - [River Oaks](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/river-oaks/) - [Memorial](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/memorial/) - [Tanglewood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/tanglewood/) - [Greater Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/greater-heights/) - [Kingwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/kingwood/) - [Bellaire](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/bellaire/) - [Bunker Hill Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/bunker-hill-village/) - [Piney Point Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/piney-point-village/) - [Hunters Creek Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/hunters-creek-village/) - [Sugar Land](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/sugar-land/) - [Cinco Ranch](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/cinco-ranch/) - [The Woodlands](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/the-woodlands/) - [West University](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/west-university/) [Chicago](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/) IL · 50 areas - [Lincoln Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lincoln-park/) - [Near North Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/near-north-side/) - [West Loop / Near West Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/west-loop-near-west-side/) - [Wilmette](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/wilmette/) - [Winnetka](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/winnetka/) - [Glencoe](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/glencoe/) - [River Forest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/river-forest/) - [Oak Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/oak-park/) - [Hinsdale](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/hinsdale/) - [Lake Forest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lake-forest/) - [Highland Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/highland-park/) - [Gold Coast](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/gold-coast/) - [Lakeview](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lakeview/) [Los Angeles](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/) CA · 95 areas - [Beverly Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/beverly-hills/) - [Bel Air](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/bel-air/) - [Holmby Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/holmby-hills/) - [Brentwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/brentwood/) - [Pacific Palisades](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pacific-palisades/) - [Santa Monica](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/santa-monica/) - [Hancock Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/hancock-park/) - [Studio City](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/studio-city/) - [Calabasas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/calabasas/) - [Manhattan Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/manhattan-beach/) - [Palos Verdes Estates](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/palos-verdes-estates/) - [Pasadena](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pasadena/) - [San Marino](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/san-marino/) - [Malibu](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/malibu/) [San Diego](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/) CA · 31 areas - [La Jolla](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/la-jolla/) - [Carmel Valley](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/carmel-valley/) - [Point Loma](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/point-loma/) - [Del Mar](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/del-mar/) - [Rancho Santa Fe](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/rancho-santa-fe/) - [Coronado](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/coronado/) - [Encinitas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/encinitas/) - [Solana Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/solana-beach/) [San Francisco Bay Area](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/) CA · 74 areas - [Pacific Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/pacific-heights/) - [Presidio Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/presidio-heights/) - [Russian Hill](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/russian-hill/) - [Noe Valley](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/noe-valley/) - [Sea Cliff](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/sea-cliff/) - [Hillsborough](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/hillsborough/) - [Atherton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/atherton/) - [Woodside](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/woodside/) - [Palo Alto](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/palo-alto/) - [Los Altos Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/los-altos-hills/) - [Tiburon](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/tiburon/) - [Piedmont](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/piedmont/) - [Marina](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/marina/) For the heart of your home. ## Questions about Cleaning Needed. ### Can I clear Cleaning Needed myself? Plan a cleaning run with an ice machine cleaner Whirlpool approves, following the guide for your model. ### How often will the Whirlpool Cleaning Needed light come on? Roughly every 9 months in normal water. Whirlpool says hard water can make a cleaning necessary about every 6 months, even before the light. ### Does cleaning a Whirlpool ice machine include the condenser? It should. Whirlpool pairs the water system and the air-cooled condenser as the two things to keep clean for full output. ### My Whirlpool makes thin cubes and shows Cleaning Needed. Which do I fix first? Run the cleaning first, then check that the drain cap on the water pan is tight. If the cubes are still thin, book a visit. --- **[Read on the site: Whirlpool Cleaning Needed: scale is due to come off the freezing plate](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/whirlpool-cleaning-needed/)** **[Book a visit with IceMachineRepair.center](https://icemachinerepair.center/schedule/)**