As spring changes to summer, icy cold beverages can cool us down on a hot day. But bad-tasting ice can be enough to make us settle for room-temperature refreshment, and leave us wondering how to fix bad tasting water from the refrigerator. But wonder no longer: from food odor to a dirty ice maker, we’ll review common ice maker problems and solutions when Maytag refrigerator ice tastes bad.
Troubleshooting Tips When Your Maytag Refrigerator Ice Tastes Bad
If you’re asking, “Why does my refrigerator ice smell?” sometimes, there’s a simple answer, and some straightforward troubleshooting can help get to the bottom of why Maytag refrigerator ice tastes bad.
#1. Tainted Tap Water
Before you look to the ice maker, we first suggest evaluating your tap water. Maytag refrigerator water and ice can have a bad smell if the tap water that supplies it smells bad. Tap water can absorb minerals and impurities as it flows underground to your home, giving the water a certain taste. An excess of minerals can result in hard water, which can also have a particular taste or smell.
A home water filter or softening system can improve the quality of tap water. However, you may want to contact your water provider to evaluate the contents of your tap water before proceeding.
#2. Brand New Refrigerator
If your Maytag refrigerator is brand new, dust or dirt from when it was assembled and packaged may be in the water line. These contaminants can give your first glasses of water or batches of ice a bad taste. We recommend flushing the dispenser water line before using water from a newly-installed refrigerator.
To flush the line, press and hold the water dispensing button for 5 seconds. Then release the button for 5 seconds. To ensure that the line is flushed, repeat this process until 5-7 liters of water is dispensed.
#3. Improper Food Storage
Did you know that ice could absorb odor from the food around it? Open containers, spoiled foods, or unwrapped leftovers in your freezer or refrigerator can all emit a bad smell. Ice can then take on this odor and also smell or taste bad. Here’s how you can remove refrigerator odor to prevent this problem:
- Clean out your freezer and refrigerator on a monthly basis, disposing of any unused or spoiled food. Wipe down the refrigerator with a damp cloth and mild cleanser before replacing items.
- Make sure food is contained or wrapped correctly to prevent odors.
- Place an open container of baking soda on the refrigerator’s top shelf to absorb odor. Replace the baking soda every 1-3 months.
#4. Stale Ice Cubes
If you don’t use your refrigerator ice or water dispenser frequently, both can get stale and take on a bad taste or smell. You may even notice that your ice maker smells like mildew from mold that develops on the ice as it sits.
Flushing your water dispenser can help rid the water line of stale water. Dispose of old ice in your ice bin and wash the bin with soap and warm water. Dry the bin completely, replace it, and allow the refrigerator to dispense a fresh batch of ice.
#5. Dirty Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter
Refrigerator water filters screen out particles and contaminants from tap water to provide cleaner ice and water. Over time, the filter can become clogged with these impurities, allowing contaminants to enter the refrigerator’s water supply. When this happens you may notice that your Maytag refrigerator ice tastes bad or the water has a bad smell.
A dirty Maytag refrigerator water filter should be changed immediately. It’s recommended that you change the water filter every 6 months to avoid this outcome. For best results, replace the filter with the same factory-authorized brand that is original to the refrigerator.
#6. Refrigerator Ice Maker Needs Cleaning
Over time, stale ice cubes, food odor, and lingering mold or mildew can all leave you with a dirty ice maker. Here’s how to clean Maytag refrigerator ice maker components quickly and easily:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Empty the ice bin, disposing of any ice.
- Wipe down the ice maker and bin with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water or a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water.
- Use an old toothbrush dipped in the water or solution to access hard-to-reach parts.
- Dry the ice maker and bin completely with a clean cloth.
- Plug the refrigerator back in and dispose of the first 2-3 batches of ice.
If your Maytag refrigerator ice tastes bad after these troubleshooting tips then a refrigerator ice maker service should assess the problem. Call Moore Appliance Service for fast and reliable assistance.
