The Sneaky Reason The Ice From Your Fridge Tastes So Bad (And A Quick Way To Fix It)

When you go to grab a drink and discover that the ice from your refrigerator's ice maker smells bad or has a gross flavor, it can be unpleasant. This could simply be what happens if you never clean your ice maker or a result of not changing the filter in your fridge. Bacteria could have built up inside the ice maker, and quickly washing it could solve the problem. Alternatively, you might just need to swap out your filter to ensure the water running through your fridge is clean. When you know your ice maker isn't dirty and the filter is fresh, though, the sneaky culprit of the bad smell and taste could actually be the food in your fridge.

If you've been keeping your ice maker clean and the ice coming out still tastes disgusting, you may need to rethink how you're storing your food. Leftovers placed in the fridge in containers that aren't airtight can release smells, and while they may be unnoticeable when you first open the door, this scent can cling to your ice. This happens because your freezer and fridge often share the same air, allowing the bad smell to permeate into your ice. By ensuring that the food in your fridge is properly sealed, you'll stop your ice from tasting so awful.

The bucket of smelly ice in your freezer should be dumped out as soon as you notice the bad taste. While you can prevent the problem from continuing to happen, the ice that's been sitting in your freezer can't be saved. Now, do a thorough check of your refrigerator and freezer's content. Throw away any expired or moldy food, as well as frozen products that may have been kept for too long. If you find food that might not be completely airtight, such as items covered in plastic wrap or a pizza box, remove it from the fridge and repackage it. You'll want to use containers like Tupperware to ensure that the air doesn't escape.

Alternatively, if you are sure your food is sealed properly and not expired, you might be making mistakes when cleaning your fridge. Any hidden spills on the shelves or in the bottom of the fridge could also contribute to ice tasting poorly, and you'll want to be sure to clean it well and remove any food residues. Leaving an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge can also help to absorb unpleasant odors. For those that have recently purchased a new refrigerator, this could be the cause of the taste and smell, but running water through the ice maker for a few minutes should solve the issue.