If your refrigerator’s gasket is damaged, it should be repaired quickly, as the damaged gasket will affect the refrigerator’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature. A damaged gasket can also cause your electricity bill to increase, as the refrigerator must work overtime to try to keep things refrigerated. It can also cause frost buildup in the freezer, which reduces airflow between the refrigerator and freezer sections.
In most cases, a damaged gasket should be replaced with a new one. However, if there is minor damage, you should be able to repair it. Keep reading to repair or replace the refrigerator gasket.
A simple test can help determine how damaged the door gasket is.
Silicone grease or petroleum jelly can be used to adjust the door gasket if it is out of place. Put some silicone grease or petroleum jelly onto a cotton swab and push it into the groove underneath the loose rubber. This should make it easier to push the rubber back into place and seal any leaks.
A door gasket that is not working correctly can often be fixed by giving it a good clean. Grime, grease, or mold on the door gasket can cause the seal not to stick and allow air to get through. Warm water and detergent can be used to clean the door gasket. For a more thorough clean, remove the gasket from the refrigerator door, and then wash it in a bucket of soapy water (see removal instructions below).
After the gasket has been washed, thoroughly dry it, and then apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the side that connects to the refrigerator door. The silicone grease will improve its effectiveness and stop cracks from occurring in the future. After applying the grease, reattach the door seal to the refrigerator.
Waxed paper and silicone sealant can be used to repair a tear in the refrigerator gasket.
Replacing the door gasket is a relatively simple procedure. First, a new door gasket will need to be purchased. It is important to get a new gasket that will fit your refrigerator, so it is best to match the new door gasket with the old gasket, using the refrigerator’s make and model.
Once you have the new door gasket, unpack it 24 hours before installing it. The gasket will likely come folded up in some packaging, which makes it more difficult to install. Unfolding the gasket and laying it out overnight will help the door gasket return to its proper shape and form.
Removing the old door gasket will depend on the type of gasket that the refrigerator has. In most cases, you can simply pull it off. If the door seal is fitted between outer and inner panels on the door, there are screws around the door liner that will need to be loosened. Once loosened, pull the old seal off.
There are three common styles of door gaskets, with each type requiring a slightly different installation. If the gasket can be pushed into the groove, you can use your fingers to firmly push the gasket in and secure it to the refrigerator door. If the gasket fits behind the liner on the door and is held by a retainer lip, use your fingers to push firmly and attach it to the lip.
Other gaskets may require the removal or loosening of screws. If the gasket needs to be fitted between the outer and inner door panels, loosen the screws around the door liner to help position the gasket.
To install the new gasket:
If there are still sections of the door seal that are not fitting correctly, with time, the pull generated by the magnetic strip should help correct the issue. It may take a few days for this process to work.
Sparks and electrical appliances are definitely not a good combination! If you’re using your microwave…
It’s always stressful when appliances are not working as expected. If your Frigidaire dishwasher is…
No one likes wet shoes, especially on a rainy day when there’s no chance of…
If you've ever stepped into your kitchen and discovered a pool of water around your…
Having a dryer in your home is a great convenience that makes doing laundry easy…
When your microwave's light refuses to switch off, understanding the underlying causes is crucial. This…
Leave a Comment