In this guide
TL;DR: For the Opal models below, replace an installed water filter with the specified intake screen before cleaning. Confirm the model's procedure and approved cleaner.
Start with the model's intake instructions
For models with a large round front button, GE's cleaning guidance says to turn off, unplug and wait one hour. Remove the filter, if installed, and refit the reservoir screen; otherwise cleaning water will not circulate.
For XPIO13-series units, unplug with dry hands before handling parts. Follow GE's complete preparation sequence for draining, the side tank and drain tubes, then remove accessory filters and refit the supplied mesh screen.
Follow that manual's full drain-and-rinse sequence before serving ice.
Keep cleaner approval separate
GOHALL Ice Machine Cleaner Tablets are for compatible standalone machines; refrigerator and freezer ice makers are excluded. The listing does not establish GE approval or nickel-safe compatibility. Use only the cleaner and process your model permits. Discard ice made during cleaning and complete every required rinse. Our standalone tablet and rinsing guide explains that separate product boundary.
An Add Water warning has its own troubleshooting path. Changing the intake setup alone cannot diagnose a pump or sensor fault.
Intake-screen question
What if the screen is missing?
Stop and get GE's correct part before cleaning; do not leave the intake uncovered.