ice from my opal tastes weird and plasticky, did i not clean it right?

Diagnosis

The "plasticky" or chemical taste in your GE Profile Opal 2.0 is typically caused by one of two things: residual manufacturing lubricants (common in new units) or a failure to fully purge the citric acid-based cleaning solution from the internal tubing and the side tank. Because the Opal 2.0 uses a complex internal plumbing system to move water from the side tank into the freezing cylinder, pockets of concentrated cleaner or factory residue can get trapped in the "dead zones" of the piping. If you recently performed a cleaning cycle, the taste is likely caused by a concentrated residue of the cleaning solution that didn't get flushed out of the pump assembly. If the machine is brand new, it is likely "off-gassing" from the food-grade plastics and silicone seals used in the reservoir and side tank. You can confirm this by tasting the water directly from the side tank; if the water in the tank tastes fine but the ice tastes like plastic, the issue is localized within the internal freezing mechanism and pump lines.

How to Fix It

To eliminate the taste, you need to perform a deep-purge flush that forces water through every internal valve. Follow these exact steps:

1. Empty the ice bin completely and wipe the interior walls with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove any stray plastic shards or dust.
2. Fill the side tank to the "MAX" line using distilled water. Do not use tap water for this process, as minerals can bond with residual cleaners and prolong the taste.
3. Turn the machine on and press the "Clean" button. When the machine prompts you to add the cleaning solution, do not add any. Instead, simply press the "Start" button to begin the cycle using only the distilled water.
4. Allow the cleaning cycle to run for its full duration (approximately 20-30 minutes). This forces the pump to circulate water through the internal lines at a higher pressure than the standard ice-making mode.
5. Once the cycle finishes, drain the side tank completely. Wipe the interior of the tank with a clean cloth to remove any biofilm or residue.
6. Refill the tank with fresh distilled water and run the machine in normal "Ice" mode.
7. Discard the first three full bins of ice. Do not use these for drinks; the first few batches act as a mechanical scrub for the freezing cylinder.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Vinegar Rinse: If the plasticky taste persists, fill the side tank with a mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% white distilled vinegar. Run a standard "Clean" cycle. The acetic acid in the vinegar breaks down manufacturing oils and stubborn chemical residues better than water alone. Follow this with two full water-only cleaning cycles to remove the vinegar scent.
• Sanitize the Side Tank Seal: The rubber gasket where the side tank connects to the main unit can trap odors. Remove the side tank, take a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, and clean the mating surface and the rubber seal. Let it air dry for 10 minutes before reattaching.
• Check Your Water Source: If you are using a filtration system or a specific brand of bottled water, the "plastic" taste may actually be a reaction between the water's pH level and the machine's internal components. Try switching to a different brand of distilled water for 48 hours to see if the taste disappears.
• Deep-Clean the Bin: Sometimes the taste isn't in the ice, but the ice is absorbing odors from the plastic bin. Wash the ice bin with a mild, scent-free dish soap and rinse it multiple times. Avoid using scented soaps (like lemon or apple), as the porous plastic of the bin can absorb those scents and transfer them to the ice.

Heads Up

• Always use distilled water to prevent scale buildup; calcium deposits can trap odors and flavors, making the "plastic" taste return even after a cleaning.
• Never use bleach or harsh abrasive chemicals in the side tank, as this can degrade the silicone seals and actually create a permanent chemical taste.
• Run a cleaning cycle every 2-4 weeks depending on usage to prevent biofilm buildup in the internal lines.
• Ensure the side tank is seated perfectly flush against the machine; a slight gap can allow air to enter the pump, which can cause "spitting" and affect the taste of the first few nuggets.