the ice tastes weird or has a plastic smell, even after a few cycles

Diagnosis

The "plastic" or chemical taste in the Magic Chef MCIM22ST is primarily caused by residual manufacturing lubricants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped within the internal refrigeration lines and the plastic reservoir. During the assembly of these units, food-grade lubricants are used on the evaporator pins and seals; if these are not fully purged, they leach into the water during the freezing process, concentrating the taste in the ice cubes. Furthermore, the MCIM22ST uses a specific grade of BPA-free plastic that can undergo "off-gassing" when first exposed to water and temperature fluctuations. Because the machine recirculates water from the bottom reservoir back up to the freezing tray, any impurities or chemical residues are continuously cycled through the system rather than being flushed away. If you have only run a few cycles, you have likely only circulated the surface contaminants, leaving the deeper residues in the pump and tubing intact.

How to Fix It

To completely neutralize the chemical taste and purge the internal lines, you must perform a deep-cleaning flush using an acidic agent to break down the lubricants.

1. Empty the ice basket completely and remove any remaining water from the reservoir.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 1 quart of distilled white vinegar with 3 quarts of warm (not boiling) water. Alternatively, use a mixture of 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice to 1 gallon of filtered water.
3. Pour this solution into the water reservoir until it reaches the "MAX" fill line.
4. Plug in the unit and press the "POWER" button. Allow the machine to run through 3 complete ice-making cycles. Do not consume this ice; discard it immediately after each batch.
5. Once the third batch is complete, press the "POWER" button to turn the unit off.
6. Unplug the machine and use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior walls of the reservoir and the ice-dropping area to remove any residue.
7. Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water (using a Brita or similar filter is highly recommended to prevent mineral buildup).
8. Run the machine for 2 more cycles using only fresh water, discarding these batches as well.
9. The machine is now ready for normal use. Fill with filtered water and allow the ice to accumulate.

If That Didn't Work

• Deep Soak the Basket: The removable ice basket can sometimes absorb smells. Soak the basket in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap for two hours, then scrub with a soft nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water to ensure no soap residue remains, as soap can cause the ice to foam.
• Check the Water Source: If you are using tap water with high chlorine levels, the chlorine can react with the plastic components of the MCIM22ST, intensifying the "chemical" smell. Switch to bottled or reverse-osmosis water for 48 hours to determine if the issue is the water chemistry rather than the machine.
• Air Out the Unit: If the smell persists, unplug the machine and leave the lid open in a well-ventilated room or a garage for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the plastic components to finish off-gassing without the presence of moisture, which often accelerates the smell.
• Inspect the Intake Valve: Check for any small pieces of packaging foam or plastic wrap that may have been left inside the reservoir during shipping. Even a small piece of plastic caught in the intake can leach odors into the water stream.

Heads Up

• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemical cleaners inside the reservoir, as these can degrade the seals and leave a permanent chemical taste that is nearly impossible to remove.
• Always use filtered water. The MCIM22ST does not have a built-in filtration system; using hard water will lead to calcium scale buildup on the evaporator pins, which can trap odors and reduce ice production speed.
• Clean the reservoir once every two weeks with a diluted vinegar solution to prevent biofilm and mold growth, which can mimic a "musty" or "plastic" smell.
• Ensure the unit is placed on a level surface with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Overheating the condenser can cause the plastic housing to warm up, releasing that "new plastic" smell again.