If the first sip of an icy cold beverage yields an unpleasant smell we typically blame the glass or the beverage itself. But often the ice is at fault when something in your drink makes you wrinkle your nose. We’ll review some common causes your Samsung refrigerator ice smells bad from stale ice cubes to a dirty ice maker.
Common Causes for Why Your Samsung Refrigerator Ice Smells Bad
Is the ice maker broken? Is there something wrong with the refrigerator? Fortunately, in most cases, there are clear causes and straightforward solutions when your Samsung refrigerator ice smells bad.
#1. Tap Water Issues
If you’re wondering how to fix bad tasting water from refrigerator, first consider your home’s water source. If you have hard water with higher mineral content it could affect the taste of your water and ice. The same could be said if your water source has certain chemicals.
If your tap water shows a high concentration of minerals or chemicals a home water filtration system may improve the taste of water and ice.
#2. Refrigerator is Brand New
If your Samsung refrigerator water smells bad after your refrigerator is installed we recommend flushing the water lines before taking another sip. Any impurities that are in the water line upon installation will remain there unless you flush the line first. This impure water will also be used to create the first few batches of ice.
Simply dispense and dispose of the first 2-3 gallons of water to flush the water line of any contaminants. You should also dispose of the first 2-3 batches of ice from the ice maker. Lastly, make sure your refrigerator water filter is installed before attempting to dispense water or ice. This will avoid contamination of the water dispenser and ice maker’s systems.
#3. Old Food Odors
Believe it or not, your Samsung refrigerator ice tastes bad if it absorbs food odor. Open food containers, spoiled food, and spills can all affect the taste of ice. Here’s how to avoid ice contamination from food odor:
- Clean up any food spills as quickly as possible
- Make sure food containers are properly sealed
- Clean out and wipe down the inside of your refrigerator on a monthly basis using a damp cloth
- For persistent odor, place a bowl with at least 1 cup of baking soda in the refrigerator to help absorb bad smells
#4. Ice Cubes Are Stale
Did you know that the infrequent use of your ice maker or water dispenser can also lead to odors? If ice remains in the ice bin for lengthy periods of time, it will eventually absorb food odors and can become moldy. When this happens you may notice your ice maker smells like mildew. Similarly, infrequent use could cause any contaminants in the water dispenser to multiply and create a bad taste or smell.
To banish the odor from old ice we suggest throwing the stale ice away and washing the ice bin in warm soapy water. Flush the water dispenser of any contaminants by dispensing and disposing of 2-3 gallons of water before drinking.
#5. Dirty Samsung Water Filter
A water filter works to remove some minerals and chemicals from the refrigerator’s water. Over time, the filter can become clogged with these particles, leaving it unable to do its job. Consequently, the refrigerator’s drinking water and ice may taste or smell bad because the filter was unable to remove any impurities.
We suggest replacing a dirty Samsung water filter every six months with these simple steps:
- Turn off the refrigerator’s water supply valve
- Locate the filter between the refrigerator’s two crisper drawers
- Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise
- Replace with the new filter by turning it clockwise
- Make sure the filter’s lock symbol aligns with the indicator line on the refrigerator
#6. Samsung Ice Maker Needs Cleaning
When your Samsung refrigerator ice smells bad sometimes your ice maker may need a good cleaning to banish odors. Here’s how to wash your ice maker quickly and easily:
- Remove and wash the ice bin in warm, soapy water. You can also use a solution of ½ cup bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water.
- Use the same bleach solution on a damp cloth to wipe down the ice maker itself
- Wipe away the bleach solution with a cloth dampened in just water
- Make sure both the ice maker and ice bin are completely dry
We hope these odor-eliminating tips do the trick when your Samsung refrigerator ice smells bad. Whether it’s bad-smelling ice or how to fix a broken ice maker, Sharper Service Solutions are the Pacific Northwest’s ice maker service experts. Call us today for any repair needs!
