- The gasket is usually made of rubber and runs along the inner edge of your refrigerator door. It is vital to keeping food fresh since it seals the door closely shut, keeping cold air in and warmer air out. It also protects perishable foods from insects and rodents. A gasket in good condition maintains energy efficiency. It even helps determine how long your fridge's air compressor will last. A door with a poor sealing gasket causes the compressor to work harder and may stop it from working altogether.
- Cleaning and maintaining the door gasket is imperative. Pour a quarter cup of baking soda into a half-gallon of warm water. Use a small nylon scrub brush to clean the grooves around the outside of the door gasket thoroughly. Wipe the gasket with a warm, damp cloth and dry completely. Every two or three years, wipe the gasket with a soft cloth dipped in mineral oil inside the grooves and around the outer edge. Buff dry with another clean soft cloth. This will help the gasket stay supple.
- Test the door gasket regularly and make sure it is sealing properly. To test it, open the refrigerator door. Starting at the top of the door close to the hinged side, place a dollar bill on the doorjamb and close the door. Tug the bill lightly. Repeat this process at several points around the door. If the bill does not slide out anywhere, the gasket is in good condition. If it slides out at any point, see if the hinges need to be tightened. If that does not remedy the problem, you may need to replace the gasket.
- If you determine you need a replacement, ensure you find the correct type, as there are as many types of gaskets as there are refrigerator makes and models. Rather than ordering the gasket from the fridge manufacturer and paying the increased price, consider purchasing bulk gaskets that you fit to size. You can choose from several styles of simple rubber or foam gasket by the foot, or choose custom, higher-performance magnetic gaskets using the dimensions of your refrigerator door.
- Installing a new gasket is relatively simple. Soak the new gasket in warm water up to 24 hours to make it malleable. Remove the old gasket by removing any screws or fasteners and peeling it away. Clean the door with warm water and mild dish soap to remove adhesive and dirt residue and dry completely. Begin applying the new gasket at one end of the door, smoothing it down and applying adhesive if required. Make sure it is flush and lies flat, and then replace any fasteners.
