How to Get Rid of Odors in a Refrigerator's Ice Machine
Refrigerator ice makers can absorb all kinds of food odors from your refrigerator and freezer compartments. Even fresh foods can cause the ice to smell and they may also affect how the ice tastes. Occasionally ice maker odor is caused by the water supply to the refrigerator and not by the items inside. To remove ice maker odor, you have to first determine the cause. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Fill ice cube trays with tap water and place them directly into the freezer. When the water freezes, dump the ice into a bowl.
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Set the bowl of ice cubes into your freezer and leave it for a few days. Smell the ice cubes after this period. If the ice smells, the odor is caused by the air circulating around your refrigerator. If the odor is not present, then the cause of your ice maker odor is the water source.
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Replace your refrigerator’s water filter if the source of the smell is your water supply. This should be done at least every six months.
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Remove all items from the refrigerator and freezer and turn off the power to allow your freezer to defrost. Soak up excess water in the freezer with a towel as it defrosts.
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Add one tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of warm water and dip a clean cloth into your solution.
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Wipe all surfaces inside your refrigerator, including shelves and drawers, and then rinse with clean water and dry.
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Clean the freezer interior with your baking soda solution. Wipe down walls, trays, and shelves to remove any residues that might cause odor.
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Seal open food containers before replacing them in the fridge or freezer compartment and throw away spoiled foods.
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Remove the ice bin and wash it with warm water and baking soda. Your ice bin should be washed every two to three months to prevent odors from building up.
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Replace ice bins that are more than two years old. Over time, the bin can absorb odors that are difficult to remove. Replacement bins can be ordered by most appliance parts stores.
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Tips & Warnings
Empty the ice maker regularly. Old ice tends to rapidly absorb odors.
New refrigerators often have a plastic smell. Because your refrigerator is an enclosed area, it can take a long time for the odor to fade completely.
Avoid using bleach or ammonia to clean the interior of your fridge. These products can damage the liner. A lemon scent may be absorbed into the plastic inside your fridge as well and can drift into your ice maker, so avoid scented cleaning products.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
