LG Ice Maker: contaminated ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG ice maker is producing contaminated ice that appears discolored, tastes bad, or has an unpleasant smell, it may be due to dirty components, a contaminated water supply, or absorbed odors from the freezer. This issue can affect the quality of your ice and may require immediate attention to ensure safe consumption.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

Official LG troubleshooting acknowledges ice quality issues in water/ice related support and recommends maintenance steps though specifics require model reference.

Possible Causes

Dirty ice maker components (mold, bacteria, mineral buildup)

How to Identify: Bad taste or odor in ice, visible residue or discoloration in ice bin or on ice cubes

Part: Ice maker interior surfaces, water reservoir/tank, ice bin

Contaminated water supply or old water filter

How to Identify: Bad tasting ice coinciding with water quality issues or long time since water filter replacement

Part: Water filter, supply line

Odors absorbed from freezer or stored items

How to Identify: Ice absorbs strong odors from nearby foods or freezer interior, no visible contamination inside ice maker

Part: Ice storage bin

DIY Solutions

Clean and sanitize the ice maker interior

Moderate 30–60 minutes

Tools Needed: soft cloth or sponge, ice maker-safe cleaning solution (e.g., vinegar or manufacturer ice maker cleaner), gloves

Turn off ice maker and remove ice bin and any removable components.
Mix mild vinegar solution or use ice maker-safe cleaning product.
Wipe down interior surfaces, tray, and reservoir where accessible.
Run one or two cycles of ice production then discard the ice to rinse internal system.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before cleaning.

Replace water filter

Easy 10–15 minutes

Tools Needed: replacement water filter

Locate the water filter per LG model instructions.
Remove and dispose of old water filter.
Install new filter according to instructions and run water/ice cycles to flush.
Discard initial batches of ice after replacement.

⚠️ Safety First: Follow LG-specific filter replacement instructions.

Next step

Choose the next step for contaminated ice

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Model number required

Browse by model — no specific failed part is claimed

Model-compatible Ice Maker parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Enter your complete model number for compatible results

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Search results are not a diagnosis. Verify both the complete appliance model and the retailer's fit information before ordering.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Deep sanitization and component inspection

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Water line or valve replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $180

When to Call a Professional

Persistent bad taste or contamination after thorough cleaning and filter replacement

Signs of mold deep inside inaccessible components

Leaks or visible damage during inspection

Preventive Maintenance

Clean ice maker interior: Buildup of mold or bacteria causing contaminated ice
Frequency: every 3–6 months
Replace water filter: Water quality issues affecting ice taste
Frequency: every 6 months or per manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Ice Maker contaminated ice?

Contaminated ice may result from dirty components, a contaminated water supply, or odors from stored items.

How do I fix LG Ice Maker contaminated ice myself?

To fix it, clean the ice maker's interior and replace the water filter according to LG's instructions.

How much does it cost to fix contaminated ice?

Professional repairs can cost between $100 - $250 for sanitization and $80 - $180 for water line replacements.

When should I call a technician for contaminated ice?

Call a technician if cleaning and replacing the water filter does not resolve the issue, or if the problem persists.

References & Sources

7 Reasons Why Your LG Refrigerator Ice Tastes Bad Community

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

Dirty water supply line leading to the ice maker
Corroded or damaged ice maker components, such as the ice mold
Contaminated water filter or absence of a water filter

User Suggested Solutions

Flush the water supply line and clean the ice maker. Disconnect the water supply, flush the line with clean water, and use a mild vinegar solution to clean the ice maker components. Reconnect everything and test the ice production.
Inspect and replace corroded components. Check the ice mold and other parts for corrosion. If damaged, replace the affected parts with OEM replacements.
Replace the water filter if applicable. If the ice maker has a water filter, replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure clean water supply.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources