A faulty, leaky refrigerator will waste energy, make electricity bills soar, and overload the refrigerator, reducing its useful life. The food in it can also go stale quickly. It is necessary to replace the refrigerator door sealing rubber (which is usually called a gasket), but the process is very simple.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Assessing Fridge Door Rubber Seals
Step 1. Understand the refrigerator door seal or gasket
Every refrigerator has a seal or gasket on the door. These gaskets or seals are made of molded rubber.
- The function of the gasket is to keep the cold temperature inside and the hot temperature outside the refrigerator. In essence, gaskets seal cold air inside and prevent outside air from entering the refrigerator.
- This seal is important because a defective or worn gasket can let cold air out of the refrigerator and warm air into it. Thus, the temperature in the refrigerator also increases and the food in it goes stale. In addition, the refrigerator has to work harder to cool its contents and increase the electricity bill.
Step 2. Determine if you need to replace the refrigerator door gasket
If there is a gap between the gasket and the door sill, the refrigerator is not sealed properly.
- One way to determine if a refrigerator needs new gaskets is if it appears to be working harder than usual, or if it seems to be running low on cold air. You can also check for moisture on the door gaskets or for black moss. If you see one, it's likely that the gasket needs replacing because the cold air condenses the warm air. If you notice cracks or thinning in the gaskets, your refrigerator probably needs a new seal.
- You can also test the gasket with a banknote. Clamp the banknotes between the leaf and the refrigerator door sill. After that, try to pull it slowly. If you still feel friction, the gasket doesn't need to be replaced. If the note pulls out easily or feels wet and mossy, the gasket needs to be replaced.
- You will need to do one of two options: repair the gap in the gasket, or replace it entirely. Repairing a defective gasket will save you a lot of money and energy. The price of new gaskets is not too expensive, around IDR 700,000-1,050,000, and can be replaced in just 30 minutes. Your expenses will quickly break even by saving on electricity bills.
Step 3. Consider repairing the gasket, if possible
Close the refrigerator door and check for gaps. How big is the gap and where is it located?
- Use petroleum jelly on the gasket to repair small gaps. You can simply pull the gasket out of the duct so that a little (0.05 meters) of the corner of the refrigerator door can be seen. Cut a few small strips of weather stripping. Tighten the corners of the refrigerator door by inserting it along the line of the refrigerator door gasket.
- Press the gasket back into the line. Repeat this process and close the other corners if necessary.
- Close the refrigerator door again and look for another opening. If this method does not work, it means that the gasket needs to be replaced.
Part 2 of 3: Buying and Preparing a New Fridge Door Gasket
Step 1. Do your research to find the right gasket
The appropriate type of gasket depends on the type of refrigerator you have, the model, and the identification information provided.
- Check the user manual. If you can't find it, try searching the internet.
- Visit a hardware store or service center for your brand of refrigerator, and provide information about the refrigerator you have. The shop staff should be able to help you find the right gasket. Check the size of the door gasket, then calculate the size of your door.
- You can also research gaskets on the manufacturer's site. Be careful if there are cracks in the door lining behind the gasket as it means you will need to replace the lining and new gasket.
Step 2. Prepare the new gasket while replacing the old one
We recommend that you soak the new gasket in warm water for a while before installing it. Before removing the old gasket, turn off the refrigerator power.
- This process will make it easier to install the new gasket. It's also a good idea to balance the fridge if it's a bit wobbly. Some people even remove the refrigerator door to install the gasket, although this is not required.
- You won't need a lot of equipment, but it's a good idea to have a tool called a hex screwdriver. You can get it at hardware stores. If you're still confused, ask the store staff and tell them why you bought them. The screwdriver must be turned counterclockwise.
Part 3 of 3: Replacing the Refrigerator Door Gasket
Step 1. Remove the old gasket from the refrigerator door
Grasp the underside of the inside of the door, and pull the gasket out. You will be able to see the metal gasket holder behind it.
Step 2. Loosen the screws that secure the metal holder around the door, but don't let it loose completely
You'll need to use a hex screwdriver to do this. Lift the edge of the gasket to find the screw behind it that secures the plastic liner and door seal. Usually, these screws are attached to the plastic lining that secures the gasket to the refrigerator door leaf.
Step 3. Pull the gasket out of the door until it is released once the retaining screw is loosened
Do not do this step by force, because the plastic coating is quite fragile and can break if you are too rough.
Step 4. Take and install a new gasket
Position one corner at the top of the refrigerator door leaf. Push the new gasket lip against the metal holder, and slide it behind it and around the refrigerator door. It's a good idea to start at the top corner of the door, and work your way around the door.
Step 5. Use a hex screwdriver to tighten the gasket retaining screw
Do not screw too tight. You just need to make sure it's tight enough.
Step 6. Sprinkle powder
Use a little baby powder or talcum powder so it doesn't stick.
Step 7. Rub the powder around the hinge side of the door gasket and where the seal slides
This powder helps prevent the door gasket from twisting when it meets the metal in the refrigerator.
Step 8. If the powder doesn't prevent twisting, seal the seal with a screwdriver when closing the door, and leave it closed for an hour
Step 9. Close the refrigerator door, and open it several times to check the gasket
Look for bent areas on the refrigerator gasket. Repeat this process several times.
Step 10. Rub the petroleum jelly along the petroleum jelly if you see any gaps
Once the gasket looks good, tighten the screw even more. Otherwise, you can heat the door gasket with a hairdryer to fix the gap. This method softens the door seal and can be stretched.
Tips
- Refrigerator gaskets vary widely, so read the refrigerator user manual and the instructions on the refrigerator gasket package.
- Soak new gaskets in warm water before use to make them softer and easier to install.
- Always use precautions when handling electrical devices. Make sure you use the right safety gear. If in doubt, use the services of a professional.
