Is there a certain cleaner or chemical that will remove a lingering garlic odor from an ice maker or other food processing equipment?
About a month ago, my wife and I noticed that the ice from our fridge had a slight garlic smell and taste. On inspection, I noticed a jar of minced garlic that wasn't completely closed in the door right under the ice maker (The ice maker is in the fridge, and has a rubber seal to the door where the ice comes out like this.)
I removed the garlic, dumped the ice, and soaked the removable ice tray/conveyer mechanism in hot soapy water. The first few batches of ice were better, but now the smell and taste are back.
Right now we simply can't use the ice maker. Is there a trick to garlic smell?
Also, the garlic issue with the ice maker was from garlic fumes only. The jar did not spill, and there was never any direct contact between the garlic and the fridge.
Best Answer
Buy an activated charcoal filter. They make some specifically for the fridge (search on Amazon):
Fridge-It Naturally Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber - $6
And ones that you can use anywhere (and they last up to two years):
Mini Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags - $10
To me, at least, it seems like the old baking soda in the fridge thing doesn't work; but activated charcoal clears up everything, even stale cigarette smoke.