how do you clean the water filter on this thing? i can't find any info and my ice tastes weird.

Diagnosis

The "weird taste" you are experiencing with your Aeitto 26lbs/24H Ice Maker is typically caused by biofilm buildup or mineral saturation within the internal filtration system and the water reservoir. Unlike high-end refrigerators, this portable unit utilizes a basic sediment filter—a porous foam cylinder—designed to catch large particles and debris. Over time, this foam becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and traps organic compounds that degrade, leading to a stale or metallic flavor in the bullet ice.

This issue is often exacerbated by "hard water" (high calcium and magnesium content), which creates a scale layer on the filter and the internal evaporator pins. When the filter is saturated, it no longer scrubs the water; instead, it begins leaching trapped impurities back into the water stream. You can confirm this is the issue if you notice a slimy residue on the walls of the water reservoir or if the ice production time has slowed down from the standard 6-minute cycle to 8 or 10 minutes.

How to Fix It

To thoroughly clean the filtration system and eliminate the off-flavor, follow this deep-cleaning sequence:

1. Power Down and Drain: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Remove the ice basket and dump any remaining ice. Use the drain plug located at the bottom rear of the machine to empty all residual water from the internal pump reservoir.
2. Locate and Extract the Filter: Open the top lid and look into the water reservoir area. Locate the black foam cylinder (the sediment filter) positioned near the pump intake. Carefully pull the cylinder out of its housing using your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers if it is seated deeply.
3. Mechanical Debris Removal: Hold the foam cylinder under a stream of warm (not boiling) tap water. Gently squeeze the foam repeatedly from top to bottom. This forces trapped sediment and slime out of the pores. Continue this until the water squeezed from the foam is completely clear.
4. Chemical Decontamination: Prepare a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and three parts warm water in a small bowl. Submerge the foam filter entirely and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This breaks down the calcium scale and kills odor-causing bacteria.
5. Final Rinse and Reinstall: Rinse the filter under fresh water for at least 60 seconds to ensure no vinegar scent remains. Slide the filter back into its original position, ensuring it is seated firmly against the intake.
6. System Flush: Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water. Run two full cycles of ice production. Discard the first two batches of ice entirely to flush any remaining cleaning agents from the internal lines.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Full Descaling Cycle: If the taste persists, the buildup is likely on the evaporator pins rather than the filter. Mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid or a specialized descaling solution with 1 liter of warm water. Pour this into the reservoir and let it sit for 30 minutes without running the machine. Then, run a full cycle and drain.
• Sanitize the Reservoir Walls: Use a soft microfiber cloth dipped in a mild soap solution to scrub the interior walls of the plastic water tank. Biofilm often clings to the plastic surfaces where the filter cannot reach, contaminating the water before it even hits the filter.
• Switch to Distilled Water: If you live in an area with extremely hard water, the foam filter will saturate almost instantly. Try using distilled water for one week. If the taste disappears, your local tap water mineral content is too high for the Aeitto's basic filtration system.
• Inspect the Pump Intake: Check the small plastic grill where the water enters the pump. If you see white flaky deposits (calcium), use a cotton swab dipped in vinegar to gently scrub the grill clear.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive scouring pads inside the reservoir; these can scratch the plastic, creating microscopic grooves where bacteria can grow, or leave a chemical taste that is impossible to remove.
• Frequency of Cleaning: To prevent flavor degradation, the foam filter should be squeezed and rinsed every 2 weeks, and the full vinegar soak should be performed once a month.
• Avoid "Standing" Water: Never leave water in the reservoir for more than 24 hours without running a cycle. Stagnant water leads to rapid biofilm growth on the filter.
• Temperature Tip: Using chilled water in the reservoir reduces the workload on the compressor and can slightly improve the clarity and taste of the bullet ice.