Refrigerator ice is dirty

If your refrigerator is producing dirty or discolored ice, start with the water supply tube — if it was disconnected, sat with standing water for months, or picked up sediment it will stain ice and should be replaced first. Next check the ice maker assembly and tray; a worn or corroded coating can flake into the ice and means replacing the ice maker or tray. Less commonly, dirty municipal water from a flushed hydrant or broken main can introduce discoloration; discard old ice and run a kitchen faucet until the water clears before making new ice. Finally, don’t overlook the water filter — an old or exhausted filter can shed residue into the ice, so replace it every six months. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement tubing, ice maker assembly, tray, or replacement water filter that fits your refrigerator. This approach fixes the bulk of dirty-ice problems and helps rule out issues tied to a refrigerator ice maker not working properly.

01 - Refrigerator Water Supply Tube

During normal use the water supply tubes will have water flowing through them keeping them clean. If the water supply gets disconnected or water is left in the tube and not used for 6 to 12 months, it can become discolored. If the water at the other faucets in the house is ok and you have replaced the water filter you may need to replace the water tubing to the ice maker to resolve the issue.

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02 - Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly

If the icemaker tray has a coating, the coating may be wearing off. If you are getting pieces or chunks of material stuck in the ice, check the ice maker tray. If the coating on the tray is corroded and flaking off, replace the icemaker.

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Highly Likely

03 - Dirty Water Supply

A fire hydrant that was flushed or a broken water main can cause dirty water to enter the home. Since the ice maker uses the same water supplied to the kitchen or bathroom faucets, dirty water can discolor the ice. Discard the old ice and run the water for awhile at the kitchen or bathroom faucet until the water clears up before having the ice maker make new ice.

Less Common

04 - Refrigerator Water Filter

If the ice being dispensed is dirty, it's possible that residue from an old water filter is getting into the water being supplied to the ice maker. Water filters should be replaced every six months for optimum water filtration.

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Uncommon But Possible