Why Does My Ice Taste Weird from the Ice Maker?

Ice Is a Sponge for Smells

Here is something most people do not realize: ice absorbs odors. The crystalline structure of frozen water has tiny air pockets and surface imperfections that trap volatile compounds floating around in your freezer. That leftover garlic bread, the bag of frozen shrimp, the container of chili -- they all release odor molecules, and your ice quietly soaks them up.

The longer ice sits in the bin, the more odors it absorbs. If you do not use ice frequently, the cubes can sit for weeks, slowly marinating in whatever your freezer smells like. By the time you drop them into a glass of water, they carry a medley of flavors you never asked for.

This is the most common cause of bad-tasting ice, and it is also the easiest to fix.

Working Through the Causes

The Water Quality Factor

Sometimes the ice tastes odd because the water going into the ice maker has an issue. Municipal water supplies occasionally have taste changes due to seasonal treatment adjustments, algae blooms in the source water, or increased chlorine levels after maintenance. These are usually temporary.

Well water can have mineral flavors -- sulfur (rotten egg smell from your drains is related), iron (metallic taste), or high mineral content (chalky or salty taste) -- that become more noticeable when the water is frozen and then melts in your drink. If your tap water has a noticeable taste, your ice will too. A refrigerator filter helps with chlorine and some contaminants but is not designed to handle heavy mineral content or sulfur. A whole-house filtration system or an under-sink reverse osmosis filter may be needed.

If your water supply recently changed (new house, new municipal source, seasonal changes), give it a few weeks and replace the filter to see if things settle.

The Ice Maker Itself

In less common cases, the ice maker mechanism can contribute to taste problems.

The ice mold -- the tray inside the ice maker where water freezes -- can develop a film of mineral deposits or mold over time. Some ice makers allow you to remove the tray for cleaning. Consult your refrigerator's manual. A gentle scrub with baking soda solution and a soft cloth usually does the job.

If your refrigerator is new, the first several batches of ice may taste like plastic or have a chemical flavor. This is normal outgassing from new components. Discard the first three to four batches and the taste should resolve.

Keeping Your Ice Fresh Going Forward

The single best thing you can do is use your ice regularly. Ice that turns over frequently never has time to absorb significant odors. If you do not use much ice, empty and dump the bin every two weeks and let it refill with fresh cubes.

Beyond that:

• Replace the water filter on schedule, every six months or as the manufacturer recommends
• Keep an open box of baking soda in the freezer (replace it every three months)
• Store all freezer foods in airtight containers or sealed bags
• Clean the ice bin monthly with warm water and baking soda
• Avoid placing strong-smelling items directly next to the ice maker

Related: Fridge Making a Clicking Noise · Why Does My Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs? · Dishwasher Leaving White Residue on Glasses