How to Fix a Refrigerator Door Gasket

A faulty gasket can lead to wasted energy and a high electric bill.

A refrigerator door gasket is the molded trim along the inside of your refrigerator door designed to create a seal to keep your door closed. A faulty gasket is more than unseemly; the energy that is wasted due to a bad gasket can wreak havoc on your power bill. Since there is really no way to "repair" a refrigerator gasket, you must determine if it is faulty and, if so, replace it. Replacing it can prove a bit tricky, but with a steady hand and patience you can accomplish it without much effort.

Things You'll Need

• 1 dollar bill
• Refrigerator gasket
• Screwdriver
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. 

   A dollar bill can help determine if your refrigerator gasket requires replacement.

   Determine if the refrigerator gasket is faulty. Take a dollar bill, and close the refrigerator door on it with half of the bill sticking out. Gently tug on the bill. If the bill stays firm, chances are your gasket is just fine. If it pulls through the door easily, however, your gasket does not fit securely enough and requires replacement.

2. 

   Most any hardware or home improvement store carries replacement gaskets.

   Select a gasket that is an exact match for your refrigerator model. If you have any questions as to where to locate a replacement gasket, contact the manufacturer of your refrigerator for locations to purchase replacement parts; however, most home improvement stores carry them.

3. 

   Soaking the gasket in hot water first makes it more flexible.

   Soak the gasket in hot water in your kitchen sink or bath tub to make it more flexible.

4. 

   You need a screwdriver to remove the old gasket.

   Remove the old gasket. Begin at the top outside corner of the door, and fold the old gasket back as you partly loosen the screws with a screwdriver. Continue along the top and side of the refrigerator door until you have completely loosened it, and pull the old gasket out.

5. 

   Tighten the screws back in to ensure a snug fit.

   Install the replacement gasket. Attach each section with the new gasket by pushing it beneath the metal retainer and tightening the screws back with the screwdriver as you go.

6. 

   Success!

   Close the door to make sure there is a tight fit around the seal; there should be no gaps. The seal should lie straight and look smooth.

Tips & Warnings

• Another way to check if your refrigerator gap requires replacement is to put a flashlight in the freezer pointed toward the opening and close the door. Turn off the lights. If your gasket is sealing properly, you shouldn't see any light coming through.

• Make sure that your refrigerator is level before you begin to make your job much easier.

References

• Readers Digest: How to Replace a Refrigerator Gasket
• Appliance Journal: Refrigerator Door Gasket Replacement

Resources

• R Parts: Gaskets