Having refrigerator ice on demand has become a convenience that many of us can’t do without. So if your Frigidaire refrigerator ice tastes bad or has a funny smell, room temperature refreshment just isn’t an option. We’ll troubleshoot the most common reasons for bad smelling ice, like food odors or a dirty ice maker, and recommend some fast fixes.
Troubleshooting When Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Tastes Bad
Though it’s easy to believe that your ice maker is broken, there are usually DIY solutions when your Frigidaire refrigerator ice tastes bad. Before you call an ice maker repair service, try these simple troubleshooting tips.
#1- Tap Water Issues
When your ice cubes have a bad taste it may be your water supply that’s at fault and not your ice maker. As your water supply travels underground it can absorb particles that give it a certain taste or smell. Similarly, hard water has a high mineral content that can also give ice and water a different taste.
So, why do my ice cubes taste funny? Since the average refrigerator water filter can’t screen out every contaminant, this water can give ice a bad smell or taste. You may want to consider testing your home water supply to determine if a water softening or filtration system is recommended.
#2- Refrigerator is Brand New
Wondering why ice from my Frigidaire refrigerator smells if it’s brand new? It’s possible that dirt or dust settled in the water lines when the refrigerator was manufactured. Before using ice or water from a new refrigerator, dispose of the first batch of ice. In addition, flush the water lines by disposing of the first 5-7 liters of water.
#3- Absorbing Food Odors
Ice absorbs food odor very easily. If open containers or spoiled food are left in the refrigerator or freezer, they can be the reason your Frigidaire refrigerator ice tastes bad. Here’s how to clean your refrigerator and prevent food odor from affecting your ice:
- Remove any spoiled or improperly wrapped items.
- Wipe down the refrigerator and freezer’s interior with a solution of 1 Tbsp. baking soda and 1-quart water and a clean cloth.
- Make sure food is always properly sealed and promptly remove any old items.
- Prevent bad smells with regular monthly cleanings and by keeping an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors.
#4- Ice Cubes Are Stale
Just like food, refrigerator ice cubes smell and taste stale if not used promptly, even developing mold from lingering food particles. Dirty ice from ice maker buckets it therefore one of the leading causes of offputting tastes and odors.
Similarly, the water lines to your water dispenser can also develop mold or mildew without frequent use, giving the water a bad taste. Follow these tips to remove stale ice and bad-tasting water:
- Dispose of old ice and wash the ice bin with soap and warm water.
- When the bin is completely dry, replace it and dispose of the first batch of ice.
- Flush the water line by disposing of 5-7 liters of water.
#5- Dirty Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Filter
A refrigerator water filter works by screening out common contaminants, producing cleaner water for drinking and ice production. However, these contaminants can clog the water filter, allowing impurities to pass on to drinking water and ice.
So how to fix bad tasting water from refrigerator? We recommend replacing a dirty Frigidaire refrigerator water filter every 6 months, or as soon as your ice or water tastes different. Always replace the filter with a Frigidaire-recommended brand. Refer to your user manual to determine the correct brand and replacement procedure for your model refrigerator.
#6- Need to Clean Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker
If your ice maker smells like mildew from stale ice or lingering food odor it may be in need of a good cleaning. Here’s how to clean your ice maker to effectively get rid of dirt and odor:
- Turn off the ice maker.
- Remove and dispose of any ice in the ice bin.
- Wash the bin in warm, soapy water. Add 1-2 Tbsps of baking soda to a gallon of warm water to remove persistent mildew.
- With a clean cloth and a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water, wipe down all of the ice maker’s external components. Dip a toothbrush in the solution to clean any hard-to-reach parts.
- Dry the ice maker and bin with a clean cloth and replace the bin.
- Dispose of the first 1-2 batches of ice.
If your Frigidaire refrigerator ice tastes bad after following these tips or you find your refrigerator dispenser not working, we can help. Call Callahan’s Appliance for fast, professional Frigidaire refrigerator troubleshooting and repair!
