Help! My GE Refrigerator Ice Smells Bad and Tastes Funny

Hot summer days and icy cold beverages go hand in hand. Unless the first sip reveals ice with an unpleasant odor or bad taste.  Before you resign yourself to a summer of room-temperature refreshment, we’ll review common reasons why a GE refrigerator ice smells bad or tastes funny. From food odor to a dirty ice maker, there’s usually a simple solution.

Does your GE Refrigerator Ice Smell Bad or Taste Bad? Try This…

No one wants to drink something that smells or tastes bad, and no one enjoys complicated repairs, either. Fortunately, when ice smells bad, there are usually easy ways to solve the problem, while regular maintenance can keep it from reoccurring.

Why Does My Ice Maker Make Smelly Ice?

There can be several reasons your GE refrigerator ice smells bad. We’ll review some of the most common causes and solutions below.

Food Odors

If your ice maker ice tastes funny and has an unpleasant odor, it could be that other frozen items are to blame. Open containers of food, poorly-wrapped items, or spoiled food can emit an odor that ice easily absorbs. Even refrigerated items can transfer odor to ice through the refrigerator’s ventilation system.

Luckily, a good cleaning can solve the problem. Follow these simple steps to clean out your refrigerator and freezer and eliminate food odors:

1. Remove and dispose of any food that isn’t properly sealed or is old and unused.
2. Wipe down the freezer and refrigerator interiors with a damp cloth and mild all-purpose cleanser. 
3. Ensure the remaining items are appropriately sealed in airtight containers or tightly wrapped. Label each item, including the date they were frozen or refrigerated.
4. Prevent food odor by removing old or unused items every month. Deep clean the refrigerator and freezer interiors 3-4 times per year.
   
   

   Image Source: GE Refrigerators

Old or Stale Ice Cubes

Just like food, ice can also become stale when unused. If allowed to sit for long periods, dirt particles can rest on ice, eventually developing mold. Ice is also more likely to absorb food odor the longer it remains unused. When this happens, you’ll find that refrigerator ice tastes bad and can have a moldy smell.

If your ice has been unused for over a week, it should probably be thrown away. Make sure you rinse the ice bin in warm, soapy water before replacing it to eliminate mold or odor further. If you know you won’t use your ice for a week or more, seal the remaining ice in zip-top bags. Turn off the ice maker to stop ice production until it’s needed.

Dirty Water Filter

In addition to supplying clean drinking water, a refrigerator water filter provides the ice maker with clean water for ice production. Yet, over time, the filter’s screen can become clogged with contaminants, and this allows impurities to enter refrigerator water, potentially affecting the taste and smell of ice. You may also notice your ice maker not making ice due to the limited water supply from the clogged filter.

If your refrigerator ice smells bad, changing the water filter can supply it with cleaner, fresher-tasting water. It’s recommended that you change a refrigerator water filter every six months. However, you may have to do so more frequently if your ice or water smells bad before that time.

Why Does My Ice Taste Bad but Water Is Fine?

If your GE refrigerator ice smells bad and tastes funny, but the water tastes fine, it’s likely due to food odors from the refrigerator or freezer. Spilled food, open containers, and spoiled items anywhere in the refrigerator or freezer departments will create odors that can transfer into your ice. To keep your ice tasting fresh, it is essential to clean up any spills, cover any strong-smelling foods, and throw away any spoiled items.

How Do I Get Rid of the Bad Taste in My Ice Maker?

To get rid of the bad taste that is occurring in the ice produced by your ice maker, you’ll want to ensure you solve the source of the foul odors that are causing the bad taste in your ice.

For Clean, Fresh-Tasting Ice:

• Make sure to immediately clean up any spills in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent odors.
• Cover all foods in appropriate containers to prevent air circulation of strong odors within your refrigerator or freezer.
• To prevent stale-tasting ice, throw away any ice that hasn’t been used within the week.
• Ensure your refrigerator water filter is changed every six months at a minimum
• Clean your ice maker every six months to keep mildew and mineral buildup that can affect the taste.

  Image Source: GE Appliances

How Do I Clean My GE Refrigerator Ice Maker?

Sometimes the ice maker may be the source of the odor, not the ice itself. Does your GE refrigerator ice smell or taste bad? If you notice your ice maker smells like mildew or has an accumulation of minerals from hard water build-up, a good cleaning can eliminate the odor and foul taste.

Here’s How to Clean Your Ice Maker in 5 Simple Steps:

1. Remove the ice bin, disposing of any remaining ice.
2. Rinse the bin in warm water and wash with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
3. If you notice a build-up of mineral deposits, soak the bin in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water, then scrub and rinse.
4. With a separate soapy cloth, wipe down the other ice maker components. 
5. Dry each component with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
6. Make sure the ice bin is completely dry before replacing it.

To prevent future ice quality problems, we recommend cleaning your ice maker every six months.

If your ice smells bad even after these troubleshooting tips, then it may be time for a professional assessment. For the very best in ice maker repair Tampa, call Appliance Repair Specialists.

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