News How Often Should You Clean Your Ice Cube Trays? They don’t show dirt, but ice cube trays should be cleaned occasionally. Here’s how to clean them and how often. By Abby Wilson Abby Wilson Abby Wilson is a contributing writer for the Better Homes & Gardens digital team. She graduated with a degree in journalism and English literature from New York University, and is based in New York City. She served as Managing Editor for NYU’s independent student newspaper, the Washington Square News, and previously worked as a Production Intern at NY1 and a Metro Intern at the New York Daily News. More of her work can be found in Gotham Gazette and Paste Magazine, and at MLB.com. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 12, 2024 It’s easy to let ice cube trays sit in your freezer for months—or even years. Whether you cycle through a tray every couple of days or only use the cubes for drinks once a week, you probably reuse them regularly without giving it much thought. While ice cube trays certainly don’t accumulate as many germs as a dirtied plate or cup, you should tend to them every once in a while. We spoke with Marla Mock, the president of Molly Maid of Neighborly, to get the dirt on this quick but important household chore. The 6 Best Ice Cream Makers of 2024, According to Testing How Often to Clean Your Ice Cube Trays Mock says ice cube trays should be cleaned consistently—about once a month. However, if you’re using them for more than just water (maple syrup ice cubes, anyone?), you should scrub them down after every use to keep the ice cubes extra clean. “It’s a good idea to wash your plastic or rubber ice cube trays regularly,” Mock says. “Over time, residue can accumulate, affecting the taste of your ice cubes.” Even if you don’t usually notice the taste of your ice cubes, that’s no reason to put off cleaning the trays. According to Mock, other sanitary concerns can arise when your trays are left unwashed for too long. Freezers don’t kill all bacteria, after all. Keeping the rest of your refrigerator and freezer clean (including built-in ice makers) also helps ensure fewer bacteria and less residue buildup between washes. Make an Ice Ring, Ice Cups, or Ice Shards to Keep Punch Cool Brie Goldman The Best Method for Cleaning Ice Cube Trays If you’re sold on the merits of keeping your ice cube trays clean, the next step is discovering the best way to do so: “Dishwashers may not clean [ice cube trays] thoroughly, and the high heat in dishwashers can degrade plastic trays over time,” Mock says. "Even if your trays are specifically made to go in the dishwasher, hand washing is the way to go for a full-service clean."—MARLA MOCK Wash ice cube trays as you would any other dish. Warm water, dish soap, a sponge, and a good air dry does the trick. If you’re in the mood for a natural clean, The Cleaning Authority COO Leanne Stapf told Martha Stewart that a solution of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and a half-cup of hot water will lift odors and bacteria when scrubbed onto the plastic or silicone trays. Whichever way you go, your family and guests will thank you the next time you serve them a chilled drink with ice fresh from your freezer (and sparkling-clean trays). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit