Lg Refrigerator: bad odor in ice cubes

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a bad odor in the ice cubes from your LG refrigerator? This unpleasant smell can affect your drinks and is often caused by food odors, an expired water filter, or stale ice. Luckily, there are simple DIY solutions and professional options to restore the freshness of your ice.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official support emphasizes that food odors in freezer and refrigerator can affect ice smell and recommends sealing food and cleaning the interior.
  • LG guidance recommends replacing water filters every ~6 months to maintain quality of ice and water.

Possible Causes

Food odors in freezer/refrigerator being absorbed by ice

How to Identify: Ice tastes or smells similar to strong food odors (e.g., fish, spices, especially if stored items are loosely wrapped; residual odors present in freezer compartments.

Part: Freezer/fresh-food compartment air and ice storage

Expired or dirty water filter

How to Identify: Ice and water taste/ smell bad, filter not replaced in >6 months; reduced ice quality.

Part: Refrigerator water filter

Stale or old ice cubes absorbing smells

How to Identify: Ice has been sitting unused for long periods; smell persists in older ice but improves with fresh batches.

Part: Ice bin/storage area

DIY Solutions

Clean freezer and refrigerator interior

Easy 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: soft cloth, mild detergent or vinegar solution
  1. Remove all contents from freezer and fridge compartments.
  2. Wipe down shelves, walls, and ice bin with a clean cloth and mild detergent or vinegar solution.
  3. Ensure all areas with spills or residues are thoroughly cleaned and dry before restocking.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage surfaces.

Replace water filter

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Replacement LG water filter
  1. Locate water filter per refrigerator manual.
  2. Remove old filter and install new LG-branded filter.
  3. Run water through dispenser for several minutes to flush new filter before using ice.

Dispose stale ice and flush ice maker

Easy 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Warm water, clean container
  1. Turn off ice maker.
  2. Discard all existing ice in ice bin.
  3. Run water through dispenser to flush water lines, then allow new ice to form.
  4. Discard first few batches of new ice to clear residual tastes.

Clean ice maker components

Moderate 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: warm soapy water or vinegar solution, soft brush or cloth
  1. Turn off the ice maker and disconnect water supply if needed.
  2. Remove ice bin and accessible components.
  3. Clean ice bin and surrounding surfaces with warm soapy water or vinegar solution.
  4. Rinse and dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling and resuming operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before cleaning electrical components.

Professional Repairs

Inspect and service water supply line or internal components

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Odor persists after thorough cleaning, filter replacement, and flushing ice maker
Visible mold or buildup deep inside ice maker not reachable by DIY methods

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter regularly: Bad taste and odors in ice and water
    Frequency: Every 6 months
  • Clean freezer and ice maker interior: Food odors and buildup affecting ice smell
    Frequency: Monthly to quarterly
  • Dispose unused ice regularly: Stale ice absorbing odors
    Frequency: Weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator bad odor in ice cubes?
The odor may result from food odors in the freezer, an expired water filter, or stale ice absorbing smells.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator bad odor in ice cubes myself?
Clean the refrigerator, replace the water filter, dispose of stale ice, and flush the ice maker.
How much does it cost to fix bad odor in ice cubes?
Professional repairs can cost between $120 and $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for bad odor in ice cubes?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the odor or if you suspect a complex issue with the water supply line.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Contaminated water supply due to old or damaged water line
  • Strong-smelling foods stored in the refrigerator affecting ice quality
  • Dirty ice maker or ice bin leading to odor transfer

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the ice maker and ice bin thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar. Remove any ice cubes and let the ice maker run for a cycle to produce fresh ice.

  2. Check the water supply line for any signs of damage or age. If it's rubber, consider replacing it with a new, food-grade line to prevent odor transfer.

  3. Remove any strong-smelling foods from the refrigerator and clean the interior with a mild solution of baking soda and water to neutralize odors.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Weird smell on ice cubes LG fridge

Community Discussions

weird smell on ice cubes

Clean the fridge and ensure no strong-smelling foods are stored; consider replacing the water supply line if it's rubber.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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