How to Check a Refrigerator Door Seal

Refrigerator doors that do not seal properly can have unpleasant consequences. The thermostat will struggle to keep a constant temperature because the cool air will leak out. This will increase your electric usage, thereby increasing your monthly electric bill. Perishables may deteriorate faster because the air is not being kept at the proper temperature and the outside air is invading the closed refrigerator. Checking your seal requires items you may already have in your home.

Things You'll Need

• 4 oz. baking soda
• Hot water
• Small bowl
• 2 clean rags
• Rubber gloves
• Large non-reactive bowl
• Ammonia
• Masking tape
• Piece of paper

Instructions

1. Empty the refrigerator, including removable shelves and drawers. Leave one shelf in the middle level of the refrigerator.

2. Mix 4 oz. baking soda with 2 cups hot, not scalding, water in small bowl. Submerge a clean rag in the baking soda solution, then wring out. Use the rag to scrub all surfaces of the refrigerator, inside and out, re-submerging and wringing out as necessary. Dry the refrigerator with a second, clean rag.

3. Put on rubber gloves. Pour ammonia into large bowl to a depth of about two inches. Place on middle shelf in refrigerator. Shut the door and leave closed for 30 minutes.

4. Stand with your nose close to the closed refrigerator. Starting at the top of the door, move your face around the perimeter of the door, inhaling through your nose to detect any ammonia odor. Mark areas of the door with small pieces of masking tape where odor seems to be seeping out.

5. Open the door and place a piece of paper between it and the refrigerator at the masking tape markings. Close the door, leaving a portion of the paper sticking out. Try to pull the paper out. The areas where the odor is strong and the paper slips without much resistance indicate where the seal may be leaking.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have breathing difficulties, substitute a strongly scented, liquid potpourri instead of ammonia.

• People with breathing difficulties, such as asthma or emphysema, should not work with ammonia.

• Ammonia is very abrasive and may cause skin irritation.

References

• Ammonia