One of the most critical aspects of refrigerator maintenance is ensuring that the door seals are functioning properly. If the refrigerator door seal is damaged or worn out, it can cause cold air to escape from the fridge, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. This blog post will discuss how to maintain your refrigerator door seals so that they stay in good condition for as long as possible!
Why Do I Need to Maintain Refrigerator Gasket?
Keeping the refrigerator door gaskets well maintained helps your refrigerator run more efficiently and keeps food fresh. Maintaining the door seal prevents the need for repairs and saves electricity, which ultimately saves you money.
Keep Them Clean
The easiest and most important way to maintain your refrigerator door seal is always to check that there is nothing sticky on them. Often food will spill and get on the seals around the door. When the door is opened and shut, these gummy residues will tug on the gaskets, pulling them out of shape and eventually ripping them off the door. So any time you see anything stuck on the gaskets, clean it off with regular soap and water. The sooner these messes are cleaned up; the less damage is done.
Apply Petroleum Jelly
Fridge gaskets are made out of rubber which dries out like wood. If your fridge gasket dries out, it shrinks and becomes hard, preventing the door from sealing completely. Use petroleum jelly to keep your refrigerator door gasket moisturized and avoid drying out. Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the surface of the gasket seal. Petroleum Jelly will make your refrigerator seal better.
Test the Seal
To ensure that your refrigerator gasket fits right, shut the door on a piece of paper and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily, the gasket does not fit tightly, and warm air enters the fridge. To reshape the gasket, try warming it up with a blow dryer and carefully pull it into shape.
How to Remove Mold From a Refrigerator Door Seal
- Wipe away all dirt that you can with soap and water.
- Spray a cleaning agent and let it soak for several minutes.
- Use a cotton swab or a toothbrush to reach tight areas.
One of the best ways to maintain refrigerator gaskets is to keep them clean and free of mold. Several chemicals are available for removing mold, and they have pros and cons.
Bleach is a powerful tool for killing mold, but it can dry out and damage the refrigerator door gasket, so be careful. If you use bleach, mix it with an equal amount of water and wear gloves. Undiluted hydrogen peroxide is a less drastic option. Another cleaning agent that can be used is a solution of water and baking soda.
What Causes Mold on a Refrigerator Door Seal?
Moisture inside the refrigerator and warmth outside can attract mold and mildew. This has an odor and makes the gaskets brittle and cracked. Removing mold and preventing it from growing back will also help maintain your refrigerator door seal.
How Do You Prevent Mold in a Fridge Gasket?
Rub vinegar on the refrigerator door seal after cleaning it to prevent the mold from growing back.
A good seal around your refrigerator door will prevent a great deal of wear and tear on your appliance and enjoy a smaller electricity bill.
If the gasket does become cracked and worn beyond repair, you can always call Dave Smith Appliance Services to replace the gasket. We have expertly trained technicians who can give your refrigerator a perfectly fitting gasket guaranteed.
