how to fix refrigerator door seal

Download Article

A faulty or leaking refrigerator door wastes energy, increases your energy bill, and stresses your refrigerator, shortening its life. You also risk spoiling your food. Changing the door seal (often called a gasket) may be necessary, but it's not that difficult of a process.

1
Understand what a gasket or door seal is. Every refrigerator has one. This is a gasket (or seal) that is made out of molded rubber.
- The function of the gasket is to keep cold in and to keep heat out of the refrigerator. Essentially, it seals the colder air in, and prevents air outside the refrigerator from seeping in.
- The reason this matters is because a bad or worn seal will allow cold air to leave the refrigerator, and warm air to enter it. This means that temperatures in the refrigerator could increase, causing the food inside it to spoil more quickly. It will also cost you more money in energy.
2
Determine whether you need to replace the door seal after all. If there are gaps between the gasket on the door and the refrigerator gasket, it's not sealing correctly.^[1]
- One way to tell that you need a new gasket is if your refrigerator seems to be running more frequently, or you just think it seems like it's losing cold air. You could also inspect the door gasket for condensation or blackish mold. If you see either of those things, you probably need a new gasket because the cold air is making the water in the warm air condense. If you see cracks or thinning of the gasket, it's also probably time for a new one.
- You could also test the gasket with a dollar bill. Put the dollar bill between the refrigerator door and refrigerator, and close the door on it. Then, try to pull it out slowly. If you feel it drag slightly, your gasket doesn't need replacing. If it slips out quickly or has moisture on it or mold, get a new gasket.
- You will need to do one of two things: repair the gaps in the gasket or replace it altogether. Replacing a faulty seal will save you money by not wasting energy. It's not very expensive to buy a new gasket. It just costs about $50 to $75, and it should only take about 30 minutes to replace. You will save energy, so it will pay for itself fast.^[2]
Advertisement
3
Consider repairing the gasket if it's possible. *Close the refrigerator door and look at the gaps. Inspect them. How big are they and where are they?
- Use petroleum jelly on the gasket to fix small gaps. Simply pull the gasket away from the channel to expose a couple of inches (.05 meter) in the door corner. Cut small strips of weather stripping. Pack the corner with it by placing it along the channel of the door gasket.
- Push the gasket back in the channel. Repeat the process, and pack other corners if you think that's needed.
- Close the refrigerator door again and look for gaps again. If this didn't work, and you still see gaps, you will need to replace the seal.
Advertisement

1
Research the right gasket to buy. This will depend on the type of refrigerator you have, and what its model and identification information says.^[3]
- Check the owner's manual. If you can't find your owner's manual, go online and research what it says.
- Go to a hardware store or manufacturer service center, and tell them the refrigerator information. Store personnel should be able to help you find the right gasket. Check the door seal size. Measure your door.
- You could also research the gasket on the website of the manufacturer. Be aware that if the door liner beneath the seal is cracked, you will need a new liner as well as seal (gasket).
2
Prepare the new gasket while you're removing the old one. It's a good idea to put the new gasket in warm water for a few moments before installing it. Before you remove the old one, shut off the power to the refrigerator.^[4]
- This process will make it easier for you to install the new gasket. You also might find it easier to level the refrigerator if it seems off balance. Some people even remove the refrigerator door to install the gasket, but this is not mandatory.^[5]
- You won't need a lot of equipment, but you will need what is called a hex head screwdriver. You can find these at most hardware stores. If you are confused what it is, just ask a salesperson and tell him or her the purpose. You should turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise.^[6]
Advertisement

1

Remove the gasket from the refrigerator door. Grab the bottom of it on the inside, and pull the gasket back. You want to be able to see the metal gasket retainer.^[7]
2

Loosen, but do not remove, the screws that hold the metal retainer around the entire door. You should use the hex head nut screwdriver to do this. Lift the edges of the seal to find the screws underneath that are holding in the plastic liner and door seal. Often, the screws hold in a plastic liner, which in turn clamps the door seal to the door.
3

Pull the gasket out of the door to remove it once you have loosened the retainer screws. Once all of the screws are loose, the door seal should easily slide out from behind the plastic liner. Don't be too forceful when doing this step, since some plastic liners can be quite brittle and crumble if you are too rough. ^[8]
4

Take the new gasket, and install it. Position one of its corners on the top of the refrigerator door. Push the lip of the new gasket over the metal retainer, and slide it behind the metal retainer and around the entire perimeter of the refrigerator door. The best method is to start in the top corners, and work your way around the door.
5

Use the hex head driver to screw the metal retainer in. You don't want to tighten the gasket retainer screws all the way. You want them to be snug.
6

Apply powder. Use a bit of baby powder or talcum powder to prevent sticking.
7

Rub some powder around the hinge side corners of the door seal and where the seal slides. This will help to prevent the door seal from twisting as it meets the metal of the fridge.
8

If this still doesn't prevent twisting, then wedge a screwdriver under the seal as you close the door, and leave it shut for an hour.
9

Close the refrigerator door, and open it several times to inspect the gasket. You are looking for any warped areas of the gasket. Repeat this process several times.
10

Rub petroleum jelly along the hinged side of the door if you see some gaps. Once the gasket looks like it is properly fitted, tighten the screws more. Alternatively, you can heat the door seal up with a hair dryer to fix the gaps. This softens the door seal and allows you to stretch it.

Advertisement

Add New Question

Question

Can you fix the seal on a refrigerator?

Aaron Beth is the founder of Aaron's Refrigeration Company in New York City and a factory certified installer (FCI) for Sub-Zero products. He specializes in the service and maintenance of built-in refrigerators, wine coolers and ice machines. With over 54 years of experience, Aaron is the recipient of numerous Super-Service awards from Angie's Lists and 2019 Best-of-the City.

Appliance Technician

Expert Answer
Question

Where can I shop for a door seal for my fridge?

Check at any appliance parts store. You will need the make and model number of your unit. The ID tag is usually inside the door or on the back of the unit.
Question

How do I put a strip on the gasket on my fridge?

It depends on the brand you have. Some fridges, like Westinghouse, use screw seals.
Question

Where can I find a door seal for a good price?

You can most likely find one at your local hardware store.
Question

What can I do if my fridge doesn't have screws holding the gasket?

Ian Nicholson

Community Answer

You should be able to just pull it off! Some fridge gaskets have a groove going around the door, and the gasket simply pops in (like a resealable bag).
Question

How do I get the seal to touch if the door is slightly bowed, causing a gap in the middle?

Ian Nicholson

Community Answer

Heat the seal with a hair dryer so the seal walls soften enough to allow the magnetic strip to reach the door frame.
Question

Should I leave the door open or closed if a refrigerator is not in use for several weeks at a time?

It depends on whether it is plugged in or not. If it IS plugged in, close the door but put a box of baking soda inside to prevent odors. If it is NOT plugged in, leave the door propped open to prevent mildew. If it will be empty long-term, unplug it and remove the door to prevent anyone (children) being trapped inside.
Question

If the specific gasket on my refrigerator is no longer being made, can I substitute another of the same size and use it?

Check the old one against the replacement as for how they fasten to the door. And if the measurements are the same, then you can substitute it.
Question

Can the fridge door seal cause it to not stay cool?

Yes, a bad seal would allow the freezer to leak air, making the freezer less efficient, causing it to work harder. When this happens, it can cause other parts to potentially fail. If it is more than just a few degrees from being as cold as it should be, then it is not likely to be caused entirely by the seal unless it is totally compromised.
Question

Does the bottom of my door needs to be replaced? Can I do a patch job on it?

No, just replace the entire gasket to ensure it properly seals around the entire door.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Refrigerator seals vary somewhat, so read the instructions that come with the door seal and read the owner's manual for your refrigerator, if you have it.
Soaking the new gasket in warm water before beginning can make it more pliable and easier to work with.
Always use safety precautions when dealing with any appliance. Make sure you use proper safety equipment. If you aren't sure you can do the repair, hire a qualified technician.

Things You'll Need

Appropriate screw or nut driver
Replacement seal
Baby or talcum powder and petroleum jelly
Flashlight

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To replace the seal on your refrigerator door, start by submerging the new gasket in warm water so that it's softer and more pliable. Then, remove the old gasket by lifting the edge up and turning the screws underneath. Once you've loosened the screws, pull off the old gasket and dispose of it. Next, take the new gasket out of the water and put it on the refrigerator door, pushing the lip over the metal retainer that holds the screws. Finally, tighten the screws in the retainer to secure the gasket. Read on to learn how to fix any gaps in the seal with petroleum jelly!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 747,555 times.