the ice tastes kinda plasticky or funny even after multiple cleanings. how do i get rid of that?

Diagnosis

This "plasticky" or chemical taste in the Frigidaire EFIC189 is typically caused by "off-gassing" from the internal food-grade plastic components and residual lubricants used during the assembly of the auger and water pump. Because the EFIC189 uses a compact, enclosed reservoir system, these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can become trapped in the water loop, leaching into the nugget ice as it freezes and thaws. Furthermore, standard cleaning cycles often fail to reach the internal silicone tubing and the small-diameter water lines that connect the reservoir to the freezing cylinder. If you are using tap water, the plastic components can also react with chlorine or chloramines in the municipal supply, creating a metallic or synthetic flavor profile that persists even after surface-level cleanings. You can confirm this by tasting water poured directly into a glass from the source versus the ice produced; if the water is neutral but the ice is "funny," the issue is internal contamination within the machine's plumbing.

How to Fix It

To fully neutralize the plastic taste, you need to perform a deep chemical strip and a high-volume flush. A simple vinegar rinse is often too weak to break down manufacturing residues.

1. Prepare a Descaling Solution: Use a citric acid-based descaler such as Dezcal or a dedicated coffee machine cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons of the powder (or the equivalent liquid dose) into 2 liters of distilled water. Do not use boiling water, as this can warp the plastic reservoir.
2. Fill and Soak: Pour the solution into the water reservoir until it reaches the "MAX" fill line. Turn the unit on and initiate the "Clean" cycle. Once the cycle starts, pause the machine after 10 minutes of operation to allow the solution to soak into the internal tubing and the freezing cylinder for at least 30 minutes.
3. Complete the Cycle: Resume the cleaning cycle and let it run to completion. This ensures the solution is pumped through the entire internal loop.
4. The Triple-Flush Method: Drain the reservoir completely. Fill it with fresh, filtered water and run the machine normally. Discard the first three full batches of ice. Do not consume them, as they will carry away the loosened plastic residues and cleaning agents.
5. Air Out: Leave the top lid open for 2 hours between flushes to allow any remaining gaseous odors to escape the chamber.

If That Didn't Work

• Switch to Distilled or Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water: If the taste persists, your local water chemistry is likely reacting with the plastic. Using distilled water removes the minerals and chlorine that trigger the "plastic" taste, and it also prevents scale buildup on the freezing pins.
• Deep Clean the Ice Bin: The taste may not be in the ice itself, but in the plastic bin where the ice sits. Wash the removable bucket with a mixture of baking soda and warm water, scrubbing the corners with a soft brush to remove the factory film.
• Perform a "Hard Reset" Flush: Fill the reservoir with a 1:10 ratio of white vinegar to distilled water. Run the machine until the reservoir is empty, then immediately follow with three cycles of plain distilled water. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down different types of residues than citric acid does.
• Check the Intake Filter: If you have an external filter attached to your water line, replace the cartridge. A "spent" carbon filter can actually release trapped odors back into the water stream, which the ice maker then concentrates into the nuggets.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or strong detergents in the EFIC189. These can degrade the silicone seals and permanently permeate the plastic, making the chemical taste impossible to remove.
• Weekly Maintenance: To prevent the return of "funny" tastes, run a cleaning cycle with a diluted citric acid solution once every two weeks.
• Avoid Stagnation: If the machine will not be used for more than 48 hours, drain the reservoir completely. Stagnant water in the small internal tubes can develop a biofilm that tastes metallic.
• Use Filtered Water: Always use a Brita or similar carbon filter for the reservoir to minimize the interaction between municipal chlorine and the machine's plastic internals.