Published Date 6/23/2022
When is the last time you read anything about ice cube trays? Never? Well, in a series of Realtor articles titled “How Gross?” Larissa Runkle tackles another highly trafficked item in your freezer besides ice cream and frozen vegetables.
Because so many homeowners have refrigerators with built-in ice makers, the idea of ice trays being an issue is not one that comes up very often. But what if it does? Ice makers sometimes stop working, or when an impending party is in the offing, perhaps instead of buying ice at the local CVS or grocery, you break out a few silicon trays, fill them up with tap water, and throw them in the freezer. “Although it’s tempting to believe the ultra-cold temps of your freezer will keep the nasties at bay, that isn’t exactly how things work,” says Runkle. “Indeed those cute frozen cubes can become hazardous hosts of bacteria. And those icky germs can hitch a ride into your favorite cold beverage the next time you drop a few into a glass.”
Runkle offers some info on everything you need to know about how foul your ice cube trays really are, plus expert tips for keeping them a little cleaner. “It’s no surprise that store-bought items come with a whole slew of germs. But the exact details of what those germs are—and how sick they can make you—might be worse than you initially thought,” she says. First, think about how an ice tray naturally picks up the germs around the store from which they’re bought, causing you to bring the harmful bacteria home with you. The bacteria is often antibiotic-resistant or can cause strep and staph infections, according to Zogics cleaning expert Jeff Stripp. So wash those trays thoroughly before filling them up for your next cocktail party or backyard barbecue.
One of the most shocking realizations for nonscientists is that some bacteria can survive the arctic temps of your freezer. Runkle turns to another expert, C.T. Price, of Life Grows Green: “Bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli can all survive in minus temperatures,” says C.T. Price. Did you know the Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to slow the growth of any unwanted bacteria? Not exactly a conversation starter at any party.
Wash the trays BETWEEN fill-ups instead of simply refilling them and shoving them back into the freezer. It is critical in keeping your ice-consuming household healthy and virus-free. Especially if you’re freezing anything other than water, such as juice, Price recommends washing the trays after every use. As for how to clean them, sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. “Buy dishwasher-safe ice cube trays whenever possible,” says Price. “The more convenient cleaning something is, the more likely we are to do it.”
If you already have a collection of non-dishwasher silicon trays, washing them regularly by hand works fine. Use soap and warm water but also consider swapping out your scented dish soap for baking soda. Silicon readily absorbs smells and flavors from whatever it comes in contact with, so a scent-free cleaning solution is probably best. As with anything, regular cleaning is the best way to ensure your ice cube trays don’t build up a colony of harmful bacteria. “Ice trays are best treated like any other dish and should be washed after every use,” says Price. “If you take only three ice cubes, don’t refill it! Instead, keep consuming the ice until all the cubes are used, then empty the tray and wash it.”
Or you might consider investing in a few double-wides — larger ice holders where you can empty full trays of ice. This will make it easier to wash the trays regularly without ever running out of ice. As for Runkle’s last warning, be wary of cross-contamination. “Clean your hands before handling your ice cube trays. That simple step will go a long way in keeping them primed for your next beverage and protect you from nasties that might be tempted to join your dinner party.”
Realtor, TBWS
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