If you’ve ever experienced a warm fridge or find that your food is going bad before its sell-by date, it’s likely your fridge door seal isn’t sticking.
A broken seal can result in wasted food and increased energy bills. Therefore, you should fix it as soon as possible, especially since it’s usually quick and easy.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on checking and fixing your fridge door seal.
Contents
What is a Refrigerator Seal, and Why is it Important?
A refrigerator seal is a rubber gasket that lines your fridge door. It’s designed to keep the cold air inside and prevent warm air from entering the fridge.
Door seals help to maintain a consistent temperature inside your fridge, keeping your food fresh. Therefore, if the seal is damaged, your fridge will not be able to maintain the proper temperature, which can lead to spoiled food and increased energy bills.
How to Check Your Refrigerator Seal
Before you start fixing your fridge, you must know if the seal is indeed the problem. You can perform a few simple tests to determine if your seal is the problem.
The Dollar Bill Test
The first test is known as the dollar bill test.
To perform this test, simply close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If the bill slides out easily, then it’s likely that your seal isn’t sealing correctly.
How to Fix a Refrigerator Seal That’s Not Sticking
If you’ve determined that your seal is indeed the problem, there are a few steps you can take to get your fridge back in working order.
Cleaning the Seal
The first step in fixing your seal is to clean it. Dirt, debris, and food particles can accumulate on the seal, which makes contact with the door. This can cause it to lose its grip and not stick to your fridge correctly.
To resolve this problem, you’ll need to clean your seal. Simply wipe it down with warm soapy water, and dry it thoroughly.
Once you’ve cleaned the seal, attempt the dollar bill test again. If the dollar bill will still slides out easily, it’s likely this wasn’t the problem.
Replacing the Seal
If cleaning the seal does not solve the problem, you may need to replace it. This can be more complicated, but it’s still a relatively simple process that can be done with just a few tools.
Balancing the Feet
A refrigerator needs to be level to ensure that the door seals properly. The door may not close properly if the refrigerator is not level and on a slant.
To correct this issue, adjust the feet on the refrigerator until the unit is level. Refrigerator feet are often operated by screws, so it should be a case of simply screwing them in one direction.
However, adjusting the feet can be a difficult task, or if you’re unable to do so, you can also place a shim under them to level the unit.
Tightening The Door Hinges
Another possible cause of a failed refrigerator seal is loose door hinges. If the hinges are loose, the door may not seal properly.
To tighten the hinges, locate the screws that secure them to the door, usually at the top and bottom of the refrigerator door, and tighten them with a screwdriver. If the hinges are worn, replace them with new ones.
Conclusion
A refrigerator seal that’s not sticking can cause a number of problems, from higher electricity bills to food wastage, but thankfully it’s a problem that can be easily fixed.
Whether you need to clean or replace the seal, the steps are relatively simple and can be done using a few basic tools.
