the ice tastes weird, kind of plastic or chemical, even after multiple cleaning cycles. is this normal?

Diagnosis

The chemical or plastic taste in your EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is typically caused by residual manufacturing lubricants and "new machine" volatile organic compounds (VOCs) clinging to the internal food-grade silicone tubing and the evaporator cylinder. During the assembly process, small amounts of industrial oils are used to ensure the mechanical components of the refrigeration system move smoothly. Because nugget ice is created by freezing water in a cylinder and then scraping it off with a rotating blade, the ice comes into direct contact with these surfaces, absorbing any lingering residues. Furthermore, the internal reservoir and the pump system can trap air pockets containing these odors. If you are using tap water, the machine's internal components may also be reacting with chlorine or minerals in your water supply, which amplifies the "plastic" taste. This is not "normal" in the sense that it should persist, but it is a common occurrence with high-output countertop units that require a deeper initial purge than the standard self-cleaning cycle provides.

How to Fix It

To completely eliminate the chemical taste, you must perform a deep chemical purge and a mechanical flush. Follow these exact steps:

1. Empty the ice basket and drain all remaining water from the reservoir. Wipe the interior with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any surface dust.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix 1 gallon of lukewarm distilled water with 1 cup of high-acidity distilled white vinegar (5% acidity). Do not use apple cider vinegar or scented cleaners.
3. Fill the reservoir to the "Max" line with this solution.
4. Press the "Clean" button. The machine will enter a cycle where it circulates the solution through the internal tubing and the freezing cylinder. Let this cycle run to completion.
5. Once the cycle ends, do not drain the machine immediately. Let the vinegar solution sit in the internal lines for 30 minutes to break down the residual oils.
6. Run the "Clean" cycle a second time with the same vinegar solution.
7. Drain the reservoir completely by pulling the drain plug at the back of the machine. Let it drain for 2 minutes to ensure no vinegar remains in the pump.
8. Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water.
9. Run the machine normally and produce at least 4 full baskets of ice. Discard every single batch of ice produced during this phase; do not consume them, as they are flushing the final remnants of the lubricant.

If That Didn't Work

• Switch to Bottled or Reverse Osmosis Water: If you are using tap water, the chlorine can react with the plastic components of the machine, creating a medicinal taste. Switch to distilled or RO water for one week to determine if the issue is the water chemistry rather than the machine.
• Deep Clean the Air Filter: Check the condenser vents on the sides of the unit. If they are clogged with dust, the machine may overheat slightly, which can cause the plastic housing to off-gas and affect the taste of the ice. Vacuum the vents thoroughly.
• Use a Citric Acid Solution: If vinegar is too weak, mix 2 tablespoons of food-grade citric acid powder into 1 quart of warm water. This is more aggressive than vinegar and is highly effective at stripping industrial residues from the evaporator cylinder.
• Sanitize the Ice Basket: The plastic basket itself may have absorbed the smell. Wash the basket separately with a mixture of baking soda and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reinserting.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive scrubbing pads inside the reservoir or on the freezing cylinder, as this can damage the food-grade coating and lead to permanent metallic tastes.
• Weekly Maintenance: To prevent the return of odors, run the self-cleaning cycle once every 7 days, even if the machine appears clean.
• Water Quality Matters: Using hard water will lead to scale buildup on the freezing cylinder, which traps odors and reduces the "crunchiness" of the nugget ice. Use filtered water to extend the life of the pump.
• Avoid Overfilling: Always ensure the water level stays between the Min and Max lines; running the pump dry can cause overheating and a burnt-plastic smell.