With the return of warmer weather, an icy cold drink is a great way to cool down. But bad-tasting ice has a way of ruining even the most refreshing beverage. From stale ice to exposed food, we’ll review why your refrigerator ice tastes bad and how to prevent it.

Though it might be tempting to replace the ice maker, there’s rarely a need to take this step when you have bad-smelling ice. The following simple reasons can have straightforward solutions when your refrigerator ice tastes bad.

Did you know that if you don’t use your ice maker’s ice often enough it could get stale? Ice that sits without being used can start to absorb food odors in the freezer and even refrigerator, giving it a bad taste.

If you can’t always use your ice frequently it may be best to dispose of any that’s been sitting for a while. This will allow your ice maker to make a fresh batch that hasn’t had the chance to absorb any odors.

If your ice maker’s ice tastes funny it could be because your water filter needs replacement. As the filter becomes clogged with particles and debris, it will no longer be able to screen out contaminants. These impurities then remain in the refrigerator water used to make ice, possibly giving it a bad taste.

While it’s recommended that you change your water filter every 6 months, you may have to do so more frequently if ice has a bad taste or dispensed water smells bad. A clogged water filter may also provide limited water for ice production. When this happens you may also notice your ice maker not making ice as frequently or at all.

While old ice will start to absorb food odor and develop a bad taste, this process will happen even faster if there is unwrapped food in the freezer. If food isn’t completely wrapped or covered correctly, it can emit a smell that ice will easily absorb.

When refrigerator ice tastes bad, check to make sure all your frozen items are properly wrapped and stored. This will prevent odor from escaping and affecting the taste of ice.

If your refrigerator ice still smells bad and has a strange taste, then there may be a problem with your home’s water supply. Certain minerals, deposits, and impurities can find their way into the water pipes that supply your home, giving the water a bad taste. When the refrigerator makes ice with this water, it can also have a bad taste or smell.

In this instance, the best defense is to change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months, as recommended. Make sure you use the same model filter that was original to your refrigerator to ensure that it fits and functions correctly. You may need to change the filter more frequently if your home’s water supply is heavily-laden with certain minerals or deposits.

If your refrigerator ice tastes bad after these adjustments then it may be time for a professional assessment. With over 75 years of experience, Reliable Appliance Service Parts and Service can address any ice maker repair.