Frederic Melton
If your ice cubes smell like cheese, it's likely that they've absorbed the odours of their surroundings. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as unsealed food in your freezer or refrigerator, spoiled food, or mildew. To prevent this from happening, it's recommended to store food in airtight containers, use freezer deodorizers, and regularly clean your refrigerator and freezer. Additionally, consider the age of your ice cubes, as older ice is more likely to have absorbed unwanted aromas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ice absorbs odors | Food gases are easily transferred to ice cubes |
| Cause of odor absorption | Air movement between the fresh-food and freezer compartments |
| Solution | Store food in sealed containers |
| Solution | Use stainless steel ice cube trays |
| Solution | Store ice in airtight containers |
| Solution | Clean the ice maker module with a vinegar and water solution |
| Solution | Use a freezer deodorizer |
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What You'll Learn
Ice absorbs odours from its surroundings
Ice can absorb odours and tastes from its surroundings, according to Camper English, a cocktail and spirits expert and the author of The Ice Book: Cool Cubes, Clear Spheres, and Other Chill Cocktail Crafts. The main culprit is unsealed food. Although your fridge and freezer may seem like separate compartments, most share the same recirculated air. Food gases are easily transferred to water and ice. In fact, ice cubes can absorb odours from spoiled food inside your refrigerator's interior compartment, which is why your ice may smell bad.
To prevent this, avoid storing fragrant food in the freezer or fridge. Before placing any fragrant food in the fridge or freezer, transfer it to an airtight container. The container can be as aesthetic or utilitarian as you like, as long as smells cannot escape it. If you use ice trays, transfer the fully frozen cubes to a well-sealed bag or bin. You can also get ice cube trays with lids, but if the moulds are made of silicone, transfer the ice to a bag or container as soon as possible, as silicone absorbs smells too.
In addition to the above, regularly clean out your refrigerator and freezer, tossing out expired foods. Double-wrap and bag products with weak packaging. Use a freezer deodorizer that is specifically designed to combat strong food odours and prevent ice from smelling bad. You can also use a refrigerator deodorizer in your refrigerator compartments. Thoroughly clean the inside of the freezer and refrigerator using a solution of warm water and baking soda. The solution should be about one tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of water.
If you use tap water to fill your ice maker, the ice might taste funny because the water is contaminated. In this case, consider a water filter and softener for the house. If your ice has been in the freezer for a long time, it can start to taste funny, and it can even make your ice taste like freezer burn. Dump out all the old cubes and make fresh ice if you suspect this is the problem.
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Mildew growth in the ice maker module
Ice cubes can absorb odours from spoiled food inside your refrigerator or freezer. Food gases are easily transferred to water and ice. Therefore, mildew growth in the ice maker module can be a common cause of smelly ice. Mildew, a type of mould or fungal growth, thrives in damp, dark environments with yeast and can cause health issues if consumed.
To prevent mildew growth in your ice maker, it is important to regularly clean and sanitise the ice bin and the machine itself. This includes cleaning removable parts and ensuring that the machine is dried thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture build-up, a key factor in mould growth. It is also recommended to replace the filter in your ice maker regularly, as outlined in your manufacturer's instructions.
Additionally, to prevent mildew growth, avoid placing your ice maker in areas with high yeast concentrations, such as near dough preparation stations or beer fermentation areas. It is also important to store food in airtight containers to prevent food odours from being absorbed by the ice.
If mildew growth is suspected, it is essential to act quickly to avoid health risks. Unplug the ice maker, discard the ice, and empty the water reservoir. Prepare a cleaning solution of vinegar and warm water, and scrub all accessible parts of the machine, paying attention to corners and hidden areas. After scrubbing, dry the machine completely and run a sanitising cycle with a bleach solution before rinsing thoroughly. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the ice maker monthly and wiping it down weekly, can help prevent mildew buildup.
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Unsealed food in the freezer
If your ice cubes smell like cheese, it's likely that they've absorbed the odours from their surroundings, specifically from inside your freezer. Ice can absorb odours and sometimes even tastes from the air around it, and the main culprit is often unsealed food. While your fridge and freezer may seem like separate compartments, most share the same recirculated air.
To prevent this, always seal your food in airtight containers before placing it in the freezer. This will stop smells from wafting around your freezer and being absorbed by the ice. You should also regularly clean out your freezer, tossing out expired foods and double-wrapping or bagging products with weak packaging. In addition, you can use a freezer deodorizer designed to combat strong food odours and prevent ice from smelling.
If you use tap water to fill your ice maker, the ice might also taste or smell funny due to contaminated water. In this case, consider using a water filter and softener. Additionally, if your ice has been in the freezer for a long time, it can start to taste like freezer burn. To avoid this, don't serve ice that's more than a week old, and make a fresh batch before hosting any events.
Finally, if your ice maker module needs cleaning, the ice might also taste or smell funny. Mildew can grow if the module is left uncleaned for long periods. Clean the module, located at the back of the freezer, with a vinegar and water solution.
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Using tap water to fill the ice maker
If your ice machine is connected to a water line, you are likely using tap water to fill it. Tap water can contain minerals that can build up in your ice machine and make the ice taste or smell bad. This can be especially true if your tap water has a lot of sulfur or a similarly strong odour.
To avoid this, you can use filtered water, which is free of contaminants that can build up and damage your ice maker over time. By using filtered water, you can help to keep your ice maker in good condition for longer. It will also improve the taste of your ice, ensuring it tastes clean and fresh.
There are a number of ways to filter your water. You can buy a filter that attaches to your water line and filters the water before it goes into the ice machine. Alternatively, you can use a standalone water filtration system to filter the water before filling the ice maker. If you are unsure of which system is right for you, it is recommended to talk to a professional who can assess your needs.
If you are using tap water to fill your ice maker, it is important to regularly clean out your refrigerator and freezer, tossing out expired foods and double-wrapping and bagging products with weak packaging. You can also use a freezer deodorizer to combat strong food odours and prevent ice from smelling bad.
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The ice is too old
Ice cubes can easily absorb odours from spoiled food inside your refrigerator’s interior compartment, which is why your ice smells bad. The older the ice, the more likely it has collected weird aromas and/or freezer burn. So, before you invite people over, dump all your ice and make a fresh batch.
If you are a big fan of stinky cheese, there is a good chance that your ice has absorbed its odour, whether you know it or not. The ice in your freezer might smell and taste like cheese, and the longer it sits in the freezer, the stronger the smell and taste will be.
To prevent this from happening, you should store your food in sealed containers or your ice in airtight containers. You can also get ice cube trays with lids, but if the moulds are made of silicone, transfer the ice to a bag or container as soon as possible because silicone absorbs smells too.
To fix this issue, you should dump whatever has been sitting in your freezer for a while. You can also use a freezer deodorizer that is specifically designed to combat strong food odours and prevent ice from smelling bad.
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Frequently asked questions
Ice can absorb odours from its surroundings, so if there is cheese stored in your freezer, it is likely that your ice will smell like cheese. To prevent this, store fragrant food in airtight containers.
To prevent your ice from smelling like cheese, store fragrant food in airtight containers before placing them in the freezer. You can also use stainless steel ice cube trays to avoid plastic contamination and absorption of freezer odours.
In addition to using airtight containers and stainless steel ice cube trays, you can also regularly clean your freezer and refrigerator, tossing out expired foods and using a freezer deodorizer to combat strong food odours.
