is it normal for the water tank to smell weird when its brand new

Diagnosis

This is a common occurrence with the GE Profile Opal Ultra and its XL Side Tank. The "weird" smell—often described as a combination of industrial plastic, rubber, or a faint chemical scent—is caused by off-gassing from the BPA-free plastics and the silicone seals used to ensure the tank is watertight. During the manufacturing process, residual lubricants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cling to the interior walls of the tank. Because the Opal Ultra uses a nugget ice process that involves circulating water through a freezing cylinder, these odors can be amplified when the water is first heated or agitated. If you notice the smell is stronger when the tank is full, it is likely because the water is reacting with the surface tension of the plastic walls. You can confirm this is a manufacturing residue rather than a leak or contamination by checking if the smell dissipates after the first three full tank cycles; if the smell persists or turns "sour" or "musty," it indicates a bacterial biofilm rather than new-product off-gassing.

How to Fix It

To permanently eliminate the manufacturing odor and ensure your nugget ice tastes neutral, follow this deep-cleaning and flushing sequence:

1. Empty the XL Side Tank completely and remove it from the unit. Use a soft microfiber cloth and lukewarm water to wipe down the interior walls, paying close attention to the corners and the seal at the bottom.
2. Fill the tank with a solution of one quart of distilled water mixed with two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. Do not use bleach, as this can degrade the plastic seals.
3. Install the tank back into the Opal Ultra and run a full ice-making cycle. Allow the machine to produce at least 2-3 lbs of ice using this vinegar solution. Discard all of this ice immediately; do not consume it.
4. Remove the tank, rinse it thoroughly with warm water until all vinegar scent is gone, and refill it with filtered water.
5. Run the "Clean" cycle on the machine. Navigate to the settings menu on the display panel, select "Clean," and let the machine run its automated internal sanitization process.
6. Perform two additional "flush" cycles by filling the tank and letting the machine produce ice, then discarding that ice. By the third batch, the plastic scent should be completely gone.

If That Didn't Work

• Switch to Distilled Water: If you are using tap water, the "weird" smell might actually be a chemical reaction between the new plastic and the chlorine or minerals in your local water supply. Switch to bottled distilled water for one week to see if the odor vanishes.
• Baking Soda Soak: If the plastic scent is stubborn, fill the XL Side Tank with warm water and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Let it soak for 4 hours. The baking soda acts as a pH neutralizer that pulls odors out of the porous plastic surfaces more effectively than vinegar.
• Check the Intake Valve: Sometimes the smell isn't the tank, but the rubber gasket where the tank connects to the machine. Remove the tank and wipe the intake valve with a damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap to remove any factory grease.
• Air Dry Cycle: Remove the tank and leave it open and empty in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours. This allows the remaining VOCs to off-gas into the air rather than into your drinking water.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use abrasive scrubbers or caustic cleaners inside the XL Side Tank, as scratches in the plastic provide breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
• Filter Maintenance: If you use a filter with your side tank, replace it every 3-6 months. A saturated filter can trap odors and make the water taste "stale," which is often mistaken for a plastic smell.
• Daily Drainage: To prevent future odors, empty any unused ice and rinse the tank every 7 days to prevent the buildup of biofilm.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not place the unit or the spare tank in direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the plastic and potentially revive that "new plastic" chemical smell.