How to Fix a Broken Refrigerator Door Seal

Your refrigerator’s door seal, also called the gasket, has an important job: it ensures that the warm air outside the fridge stays outside and the cold air inside stays inside. This allows the refrigerator to efficiently maintain the temperature your food needs to stay fresh.

When the door seal goes bad, food can spoil more quickly and the refrigerator becomes too warm, so it has to work harder. This leads to higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan for your refrigerator due to additional stress on its components.

If you believe the door seal on your refrigerator might be broken, this article will show you how to verify this and present ways to fix or replace it.

How to tell if a refrigerator door seal is bad

There are various methods you can use to check whether a refrigerator door seal is bad. The first is a quick visual check with the door open for obvious signs of damage, such as:

• The seal has cracks, tears, or is worn
• The seal is loose, dislodged, or unattached
• The seal is dirty or moldy

Next, you can place a flashlight inside the refrigerator, shut its door, and then turn the lights off in the kitchen so the room is dark. If you see light leaking out from around the edge of the door, this means there are gaps in the seal, indicating that it’s bad.

You can also use the paper test. This involves placing a piece of paper halfway in and out of the door and then closing the door on it. Next, pull on the paper to check for resistance. If the paper slides out easily, it means the seal isn’t tight and is likely broken. You should repeat this test, placing the paper at different points around the door’s perimeter.

How to repair a broken refrigerator door seal

How you fix a refrigerator’s door seal depends on the extent of the damage. If the seal appears dirty or moldy, a thorough but gentle cleaning with a soft toothbrush or cloth and warm, soapy water may be enough to solve the problem.

Similarly, if the seal has been dislodged, you may be able to push it back into place or glue it back if your existing door seal has an adhesive backing.

However, if the damage is more severe, the best course of action is to replace the door seal. Thankfully, this usually isn’t too difficult, and most door seals are relatively inexpensive and easy to source online or in a home improvement store.

How to replace a faulty door seal

Here are the typical steps involved when replacing a broken refrigerator door seal:

1. Purchase a new door seal that’s suitable for your refrigerator model.
2. Open the door and remove the old door seal by gently pulling it off with your hands. It’s often easiest to start in the top corner. Some door seals may also need you to remove some screws securing them.
3. Clean the channel or groove around the inside edge of the door where the old seal sat so it’s free of grime or adhesive residue. You can use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge.
4. Dry the channel or groove after cleaning using paper towels or a dry, clean cloth.
5. Take the new door seal out of its packaging and install it by gently pushing it into the channel with your fingers. Start in one corner and then gradually work your way around the door. Secure the seal with screws if your refrigerator requires them.
6. Once the new seal is installed, double-check that every part of the seal is pressed into the channel properly.
7. Test that the door seal is good using the flashlight or paper test as described in the previous section.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding refrigerator door seals.

Can I replace the door seal myself?

Yes, replacing a refrigerator door seal is a relatively easy task that most people can do themselves. However, if you don’t feel able to do it yourself for any reason, an appliance repair professional would be happy to do it for you.

How long should a new refrigerator door seal last?

Most refrigerator door seals last between 5 and 10 years, though some may last longer. However, it’s important to clean the door seal every few months to help maximize its lifespan.

What should I do if the door seal is moldy?

You can clean the door seal using warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to remove the mold. After cleaning, apply a white vinegar solution to the seal to help prevent the mold from returning.

Why is it important to fix a broken door seal?

Fixing a broken door seal prevents food from spoiling quicker, lowers your energy bills, and reduces damage to your appliance due to greater strain on its components.

Summary

Ensuring your refrigerator’s door seal is in good condition is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient appliance. Fixing a broken door seal is a simple task that most people can handle themselves. However, don’t hesitate to hire a professional if you prefer. Lastly, remember to clean the door seal with mild soap and water every few months to help extend its lifespan.