Garlic odors that get into the ice maker from freezer foods tend to result in ice cubes that have a bitter garlic odor and flavor. These garlic-flavored cubes completely change the taste of the drinks they are cooling. Ice cube makers with a strong garlic smell can be cleaned and refreshed with a few basic household items. Restore the usefulness of your freezer's ice cube maker by washing its surfaces with natural, food-safe cleaners.
Step 1
Remove all the food and ice from the freezer and turn it off. Allow the freezer and ice maker to thaw with the door open for a couple of hours or more.
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Step 2
Place a whole lemon on a cutting board and press down firmly as you roll it around in every direction. Slice the lemon in half and leave both halves on the cutting board.
Step 3
Open the box of baking soda and sprinkle enough on a small plate to completely cover the surface.
Step 4
Take one of the lemon halves, press the cut end into the baking soda and twist it slowly into the plate.
Step 5
Wipe down all the surfaces of the ice cube maker with the lemon half. A toothbrush can help you get to hard-to-reach places. Squeeze a little lemon juice on the bristles and dab them into the baking soda plate and scrub.
Step 6
Sprinkle another layer of baking soda onto the plate, twist the lemon half in it and keep applying until the ice cube maker is covered in the baking soda and lemon juice paste.
Step 7
Allow the lemon juice and baking soda paste to dry for an hour before wiping it away with a damp nonabrasive sponge.
Step 8
Rinse the nonabrasive sponge under running water and give the ice cube maker a second wipe down to remove any remaining residue.
Step 9
Dry the ice cube maker with paper towels and replace it in the freezer along with the open box of baking soda. Turn the freezer back on and close the door.
Step 10
Wait for three hours or more before checking the condition of the new ice. Shut off the freezer and repeat the cleaning process if the garlic smell remains.
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