I have a counter top Ice Maker and I clean it monthly. I noticed one time that it looked like there may be a bit of mold growing so I cleaned it with vinegar, let it dry and then put it back in use. I prefer this over the one in the refrigerator because this is so much easier to take care of. My coffee maker is cleaned every couple months. I did it only a couple days ago. It is amazing to me how many people will asked me what this long spring is for when they get something out of a drawer for me in the kitchen.