When refrigerator ice tastes awful, there are frequently some easy fixes you may try before calling for a repair. We’ll identify typical culprits, such as stale ice cubes or a filthy ice machine, and DIY fixes that can address the issue.
How to Fix Bad-Tasting Refrigerator Ice
Appliance troubles may often be resolved with simple maintenance service, and ice maker concerns are no exception. The most frequent causes of this unpleasant issue are frequently easily fixed with quick maintenance advice.
Canned Ice Cubes
Stale ice can acquire an unpleasant taste or odour, as can stale food. If the ice is not used, it can accumulate odours or small food particles, which can even lead to mould growth. When this happens, you’ll find that the water tastes good and the ice in your refrigerator is horrible.
Get rid of the old ice and rinse the ice dispenser in warm, soapy water to fix the problem. When the container is completely dry, put it back in place and let the ice maker produce new ice. If you haven’t used the ice maker for more than a week, turn it off to avoid repeating the problem. When it’s time to use it, place the leftover ice in zip-top bags and seal them.
Food Smells
As noted, ice can quickly absorb any odours. Opened food containers, improperly packed, or spilled food can cause the ice to taste awful. Even if these foods are in the refrigerator, the stench can enter through the vents and spoil the ice even when the refrigerator is closed.
A thorough cleaning of your refrigerator will eliminate the problem if the ice tastes awful because of the food odour. Here are some quick ways to thoroughly clean your refrigerator or freezer:
- In your freezer and refrigerator, look for spills, unsealed containers, and expired or unused food.
- Use a cloth and a mild cleanser to clean the freezer or refrigerator.
- Make sure the food is securely packed or wrapped.
- To avoid food odour absorption, repeat this procedure every three to four months.
Old water filter in a refrigerator
The ice maker receives clean, fresh water from the refrigerator through a water filter. But over time, worn out filters can become filled with impurities and stop working properly, delivering unfiltered water to the ice maker. In this situation, contaminants can cause a strange smell or taste of ice in your refrigerator.
It is recommended that you change the water filter in your refrigerator every six months to ensure proper operation. If the ice in your refrigerator has an unpleasant taste or strange odour, it may need to be changed more often.
Cleaning an Ice Maker
Sometimes the smelly ice comes from the ice machine rather than the ice itself. If your ice maker has a mildew odour, use these cleaning techniques to get rid of the smell:
- Disconnect the ice maker.
- Remove the ice container, remove any ice residue, and wash it with a mild detergent. You may need a solution of vinegar and baking soda to get rid of the musty smell.
- Clean the outside and inside of the ice maker with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
- Completely dry the ice maker with a fresh cloth or paper towel.
- Switch on the ice machine and replace the ice bin.
