Winterizing an ice maker is mostly about the water line.

Winterizing an ice maker is mostly about the water line — get that drained and you’re most of the way there.

Start by shutting off the water valve that feeds the ice maker. Usually it’s under the sink or in the basement. Once it’s off, disconnect the line and let it drain into a bucket. If you can’t disconnect easily, run the ice maker through one last cycle to push as much water out as possible, then unplug the fridge.

Clean out the ice bin, dry it, and leave the freezer door propped open a crack so air can circulate. Otherwise you’ll come back to mildew or that stale freezer smell. If your unit