Ice Has Bad Taste - Refrigerator

NOTE: If this is a NEW INSTALLATION, dispense about 2 gallons of water from the dispenser. This will help to purge any air or debris from the refrigerator's water line system. If the ice maker is being used for the first time, it is recommended to dispose the first 2 full bins of ice.

1. Remove odor.

   Odors in the refrigerator's freezer or fresh food compartment may not be apparent, but will still affect the smell and taste of the water and ice.

   • Clean the interior of the unit regularly.

   • Always seal food containers tightly.

   • Place boxes of BAKING SODA in both compartments for odor absorption. Do NOT use open containers of baking soda, which can allow the baking soda to be stirred up and circulated in the air. If baking soda circulates with the air flow it may settle in the ice tray and affect the taste of the ice.

   
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2. Check tap water.

   If the ice and tap water (from the sink) have a similar taste, then the issue is not with the refrigerator.

   
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3. Water softener.

   Water softeners do not have a taste in a liquid state. However, when frozen the chemical properties of these softeners change, it causes instances where the liquid water tastes fine, but the ice does not.

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4. Ice usage.

   Ice that is allowed to stay in the ice bin for days can affect the taste or odors of open items in the same compartment. If there are opened food items in the freezer, you may want to cover them to stop this from happening. Also, if the current batch of ice has a bad taste as a result of this, it will be best to dispose it and allow new ice to be produced.

   
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5. Replace filter every six months.

   It is recommended that the water filter be replaced every six months or more often as needed. This can vary from household to household, depending on frequency of use, water quality, and style of filter. If the water filter has not been replaced in the last 4-6 months, the water or ice may develop an unpleasant taste or odor.

   For more information, please visit our Water Filter Installation - Refrigerator article.

   Replace using only LG Brand filters that are not expired. Avoid using Non-LG Brand Water filter and Using a water filter for more than recommended period (6 months)

   Use of consumable products that are NOT Authorized by LG is not covered under Warranty

   LG recommends replacing the water filter every six months. If you have been using the filter for more than 6 months issues caused by this are not covered under Warranty

   
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6. Stale water.

   If the unit is not used often, the water will sit in the water lines and the reservoir. This will give the water a funny taste. Dispose off the first few glasses and try again. If you do not use ice frequently, you should empty the ice bin and allow more to be made.

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7. Impurities from source.

   If the tap water in the home has impurities that require removal prior to consumption, a water purifying system will be required. The water filter is only capable of improving the quality of already drinkable tap water.

   If the tap water is consumable, the taste could be caused by the water supply lines to the refrigerator. Attempt to check the water supply line by disconnecting it and tasting the water from the source.

   
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8. Proper Leveling.

   Verify that the unit is leveled correctly, most issues on refrigerators originate from improper leveling. For further assistance, visit our LG Refrigerator Leveling Instructions.

   
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9. Request a Repair.

   If you are still experiencing this issue after trying the above steps, your refrigerator will require a repair service. Please visit our Request a Repair page.

Sanmi is a Home Appliance expert and author of this help library article. Please leave him feedback below about the page.