How to Get Rid of the Freezer Burn Smell in My Ice Maker

According to the USDA, when air comes into contact with frozen food, the affected area becomes excessively dehydrated, turning foods leathery and gray. The chemical reaction from the process leaves behind a distinct unpleasant odor known as freezer burn that can permeate the porous materials of the freezer and ice maker. Not only is food affected, but the ice also takes on the smell of freezer burn. In most cases, eliminating the smell of freezer burn is possible with the use of natural cleansers found in the kitchen pantry.

Eliminate freezer and ice maker odors with regular cleaning.

Step 1

Place freezer items in an ice chest while working to rid your freezer and ice maker of the freezer burn odor. Do not use ice from the ice maker to store the foods.

Step 2

Use or discard foods affected by freezer burn. Try to eliminate the source of the smell, which could stem from the freezer burned food left in the freezer. The USDA says foods affected by freezer burn are safe for consumption. Just cut away the affected portions before or after cooking.

Step 3

Remove the ice and clean the ice bin in a sink of warm water with dish detergent. Ice is porous and absorbs freezer odors. Clean the ice bin once a month to avoid a build-up of unpleasant smells.

Step 4

Clean the freezer and ice maker with ¼ cup baking soda mixed with 2 cups of warm water. Wipe the solution over all the surfaces including the metal racks. Use a clean damp cloth to remove the baking soda residue left behind.

Step 5

Change the water filter that services the refrigerator and ice maker. The filter is absorbent and may be the culprit of the freezer burn smell. Most filters provide an indicator light signaling when it’s time to change the filter.