The taste of water from a fridge dispenser can become unpleasant over time, often due to an old or improperly functioning filter, which might be harboring bacteria or no longer effectively filtering contaminants like chlorine and VOCs.
Last resort, you can clean your water supply system to the refrig. by detaching the water supply line and filling the piping and container with white vinegar, which is forced thru the water system as if it was water; just flush the system good with water, afterwards.
Ice starts as water. As water gets colder, it absorbs more gas from your freezer, including the funky smell/taste. If you want ice that doesn't taste like gross freezer, either get ice cube trays that fit inside a ziplock bag OR clean your fridge and freezer out with bleach.
One of the most common causes of bad tasting water from your fridge is an old filter. Though they are designed to provide filtration to the water supply of your fridge freezer, they do not last forever. Fridge filters are designed to be replaced once every six months.
Additional signs of a bad fridge water filter may be cloudy or poor tasting drinking water, as well as poor water flow that can occur due to debris clogging up the filter. If you've noticed a change in your drinking water, it's important to change your refrigerator filter before continuing to use it.
When you taste the tap water and it tastes great, but your ice still tastes a bit funny, it could be that your ice maker filter needs to be cleaned out. Most manufactures suggest that you change your ice maker's filter every six months to keep your ice tasting fresh.
Mix 1 capful of chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of warm water. With the dispenser still unplugged, pour the water and bleach solution through the opening at the top of the dispenser.
To ensure you achieve clean water lines in the fridge, you must flush them. Using a small funnel, slowly pour two to three cups of distilled white vinegar into the tube that leads to the water dispenser. Let the vinegar sit in the reservoir for five to ten minutes to thoroughly clean the system.
Over time, mineral deposits, bacteria, and mould can accumulate within the dispenser's reservoir and dispensing mechanisms, leading to foul-tasting water. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent these issues.
Refrigerator filters should be replaced every 6 months. Never leave a filter in place longer than a year. The longer you use a carbon filter beyond its maximum capacity, the more harmful your water could become.
"Sometimes [the bad taste] may be due to issues with the water supply, plumbing, or mold or bacteria," says Jake Romano of John The Plumber in Ottawa, Canada. "But generally speaking — it's the filter." Fridge water dispenser filters don't last forever. On average, you should replace them about every six months.
Can I get rid of freezer burn taste? It's not possible to reverse freezer burn, but you may be able to minimize its impact with a few basic practices. If you can, trim away visibly freezer-burned portions of meats prior to cooking and add flavor by marinating or seasoning dishes to taste.
If you have an automatic icemaker, harmless bacteria can grow in the water feed line and make the ice taste odd. Smelly substances in use near a freezer may be absorbed into the ice. “Freezer smell” can sometimes be noticed in empty metal ice cube trays.
Use activated carbon filters
They are usually available in refrigerator filters or standalone filter units. Carbon filters reduce bad odors and impurities present in your tap water without using harsh chemicals or other treatments. You can use them in combination with a reverse osmosis system for optimal results.
Reverse osmosis mishaps
RO systems work by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities, including salts and minerals. However, if the system's membrane is damaged or worn out, it may allow some salt to pass through, resulting in a salty taste in the water.
Bacterial growth: Over time, your water dispenser can quickly become a hotbed of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella or E. coli, especially if positioned in direct sunlight. These bacteria thrive in moist or humid environments and contaminate drinking water.
Depending on your water supplier, your bottle of water may have a metallic taste due to the dissolved minerals in the water, making it safe to drink. Metals like iron and manganese are naturally present in groundwater sources, and may cause the water to take on a metal-like flavor.
Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line. Turn ON the water to the supply line and check the flow. If the water flow seems weak or irregular, the problem is with the water supply. A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged.
Research says that you should do some intense maintenance every six to 12 months on your water line. If you don't, this can cause a buildup of bacteria. Sometimes even a gradual buildup of calcium in your water dispenser. This can slow down the flow of water and make it less cooling.
Use a water filter
Using a water filter is often the first (and best!) line of defense when it comes to improving taste. Their entire function is to remove harmful and unwanted contaminants from your water. So, if you choose the right one, you can rest assured that your water's taste will improve instantly.
Pour your bleach or vinegar solution directly into the water reservoir until it's about ⅓ full. Then, use a sponge or scrub brush with a long handle to scrub the inside of the reservoir. This helps remove any stuck-on dirt or mineral deposits inside.
What Can I Do to Make My Water Taste Better? Ionized water filters can help adjust your water's pH level, thereby enhancing its flavor. If the cause of the bitter water is high levels of minerals, reverse osmosis filtration systems can remove the minerals causing the unwanted flavor.