the ice tastes kinda plasticky or funny, even after running it a few times.

Diagnosis

The "plasticky" or chemical taste in a new Frigidaire EFIC452-SSRED is caused by the off-gassing of food-grade plastics and synthetic lubricants used during the manufacturing of the internal water reservoir and the cooling evaporator plates. When the unit is first powered on, the combination of moisture and heat during the freezing process pulls these residual manufacturing volatiles into the ice cubes. This is not a sign of a defect, but rather a lack of "seasoning" of the internal plumbing. Furthermore, if you are using tap water, the chlorine and minerals in the water can react with these new plastic surfaces, amplifying the chemical flavor. To confirm this is the issue, perform a "scent test" on the empty water reservoir; if you detect a faint chemical smell similar to a new shower curtain, the internal components have not yet been fully flushed of production residues.

How to Fix It

To completely eliminate the taste, you must perform a deep-flush of the system using a combination of a chemical cleanse and a mechanical flush of the ice-making cycle.

1. Deep Clean Cycle: Fill the reservoir to the "MAX" line with lukewarm water. Mix in 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. Press and hold the Power and Select buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to initiate the self-cleaning mode. Let the unit run the full cycle without interruption.
2. The Rinse Phase: Drain the reservoir completely and wipe the interior with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove any vinegar residue. Fill the reservoir with distilled or highly filtered water.
3. The Three-Batch Rule: Run the machine to produce three full baskets of ice. Do not consume these. The first batch removes the surface residues, the second removes the deep-line residues, and the third ensures the flavor profile is neutral.
4. Reservoir Scrub: Use a soft bottle brush to gently scrub the corners of the water reservoir where the plastic meets the chassis, as these seams often trap the most manufacturing oils.
5. Air Dry: Leave the lid open for 2 hours between the second and third batch to allow any remaining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to dissipate into the air rather than freezing into the ice.

If That Didn't Work

• Switch to Distilled Water: If the taste persists, your tap water likely contains high levels of chlorine or sulfur which bond to the new plastic. Switch to distilled water for 48 hours. If the taste disappears, the issue is a chemical reaction between your local water supply and the unit's plastics, not the machine itself.
• Baking Soda Soak: Fill the reservoir with warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Let it sit for 4 hours without running the machine. This acts as a pH neutralizer to pull acidic plastic odors out of the porous surfaces of the reservoir.
• Check for Packaging Residue: Inspect the internal cooling pins (the silver prongs where ice forms). Occasionally, a small piece of clear protective film or a droplet of shipping oil is left on the evaporator. Use a damp cloth to wipe the pins thoroughly.
• Extended Ventilation: Move the unit to a well-ventilated area or near an open window for 24 hours while unplugged. This allows the "new car smell" of the plastic housing to off-gas more rapidly.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive scouring pads on the interior of the EFIC452-SSRED; this will scratch the plastic and create microscopic grooves where bacteria and odors can permanently lodge.
• Water Quality: Using hard water will cause calcium buildup on the cooling pins, which can actually trap "plasticky" tastes and make them harder to remove over time.
• Regular Maintenance: Run the self-cleaning cycle once every two weeks to prevent biofilm buildup, which can mimic the taste of plastic or mold.
• Storage Tip: If you aren't using the machine for more than a week, empty the water and leave the lid open to prevent stagnant water odors from soaking into the plastic.