Does your fridge water taste bad? Here’s how to fix it

Refrigerators with built-in water dispensers and ice makers are the easiest way to get clean and cold water at home. However, that convenience turns ugly when the fridge water tastes bad. It may be frustrating at first but it is also a sign of an underlying issue in the refrigerator. The causes of fridge water tasting bad or ice tasting bad range from contaminated filters to plumbing problems, and there are several other factors at play. If your fridge water tastes bad, here is a look at possible causes and how to fix them.

Bad-tasting ice from the refrigerator: Common causes and fixes

If the water coming out of your fridge’s built-in water dispenser or ice cubes tastes bad then the issue can often be traced to stagnant water, a dirty ice maker, or even food odour inside the freezer. Here are the common causes and fixes for bad-tasting ice from the refrigerator.

Dirty water filter

The common cause for your fridge waste tasting bad or bad-tasting ice is the water filter. The refrigerator water filter serves the purpose of removing impurities, chlorine, and contaminants. However, this filter can get clogged over time or the old filter can cause water to taste bad. The fix is easy.

You should replace your fridge water filter once every six months or as recommended by the manufacturer. To get the best quality water or ice, you should choose original OEM filters instead of cheaper third-party alternatives.

ALSO READ: Evolution of refrigerators: From western imports to modern smart refrigerators

Check your water source

Another cause for bad-tasting ice from the refrigerator is a poor source of water. If that’s the case then filtration on the machine alone won’t be able to remove all the residual flavours or odours present in the water. If the water from your faucets has a weird taste then your refrigerator’s water will also have a weird taste. You can use a TDS meter to check your tap water, and if needed, consider installing a water filtration system.

Ice absorbing freezer odours

Ice cubes could taste bad if they absorb odours from open food containers, soiled items, or food items with strong smells like onion or fish. You can fix this by storing food items in airtight containers and placing an open box of baking soda to neutralise the smell in the freezer. You should also empty and clean the ice bin regularly.

Mould or bacteria in ice maker

Ice could also taste bad because of the build-up of mould, algae, or bacteria in the ice maker. The moisture in the ice maker is a breeding ground for microbes and they can affect the taste of ice and water. You can deep clean the ice maker every few months with a mix of vinegar and water and if your fridge supports it, run a cleaning cycle or manually clean the dispenser.

The above factors can be the cause of your fridge water or ice tasting bad and if it does, don’t ignore it. Regular maintenance, clean water input, proper storage, and clean filters can keep your dispenser as well as freezer working efficiently.