If your drinks have a slightly funky aftertaste, don’t blame the beverage — your ice cubes might be the problem. Even crystal-clear cubes can carry an unpleasant flavor or odor, ruining an otherwise perfectly refreshing sip. So, what’s going on?
Ice easily absorbs smells and flavors from your freezer and the materials it’s stored in. That weird taste is more common than you’d think, and thankfully, it’s easy to prevent with a few simple changes.
The Problem: Ice Absorbs Everything
Ice acts like a sponge in your freezer. If you have exposed leftovers, open bags of frozen food, or old takeout containers, their odors can seep into your ice cubes. The longer the cubes sit, the stronger the taste.
Plastic ice cube trays can also be part of the problem. Many are made from porous materials that trap smells over time, transferring them to every new batch of ice.
The Fix: Clean Freezer, Better Tray
Start with a freezer overhaul. Toss any expired or smelly items and wipe down surfaces with a solution of baking soda and water. (Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water and use a microfiber cloth dipped in the solution to get everything sparkling clean.) From now on, keep any strong-scented foods sealed in airtight containers.
Next, it’s time to upgrade your ice cube trays. Swapping out your plastic trays for a nonabsorbent stainless steel ice cube tray can make a noticeable difference. Stainless steel doesn’t trap odors, is easy to clean, and lasts much longer than most plastic alternatives. This stainless steel tray is a great place to start.
Finally, if you use an ice bin, make sure it has a lid and gets cleaned regularly. Uncovered cubes can develop that stale freezer flavor if they’re just sitting around.
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If you primarily use ice cubes from your refrigerator’s automatic ice maker, start by dumping the existing cubes. Then, clean both the delivery chute and the storage bin with the baking soda and water mixture referenced above. Remember to replace your refrigerator’s water filter regularly, and consider placing an open box of baking soda near the storage bin to absorb odors.
Bonus Tip: Use Filtered Water
If your freezer is clean and your tray is upgraded but your ice still tastes off, try using filtered water. Tap water can contain chlorine or minerals that affect flavor, but filtered water helps ensure your cubes taste fresh from the start.
