How to Replace a Refrigerator Door Seal/Gasket (DIY Guide)

A well-functioning refrigerator is the heart of any kitchen, keeping food fresh and drinks cold. Central to its efficiency is the often-overlooked refrigerator door gasket, also called a fridge seal. It’s a rubber or vinyl seal that goes around the perimeter of the door on the fridge and freezer. The gasket helps maintain the right temperature inside your refrigerator by creating an airtight seal when the doors are closed.

Over time, wear and tear from opening and closing the doors can lead to a compromised gasket, resulting in warm spots, increased energy usage, and potential food spoilage. Fortunately, you don’t need to call a repair service for this common issue. With a little DIY spirit and some guidance, you can reshape and install a new refrigerator door gasket yourself.

Importance of  a properly functioning seal

The refrigerator door gasket is a seemingly inconspicuous but indispensable part of your refrigerator. Here are some of the things it’s responsible for:

• Temperature regulation: The gasket plays a crucial role in maintaining the desired temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments by keeping the cold air in and warm air out.
• Energy efficiency: A well-sealed gasket keeps your refrigerator operating efficiently, which reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills.
• Food preservation: A properly functioning gasket prevents warm air from entering the refrigerator, which helps keep food fresher for longer and prevents spoilage.
• Condensation control: The gasket prevents moisture from entering the fridge and forming on its interior surfaces.

Signs of a damaged or worn-out gasket

• Warm spots: A damaged gasket may fail to create an airtight seal, resulting in warm spots inside the refrigerator or freezer.
• Excessive frost: If you notice a buildup of frost on the interior walls of your freezer, it may be due to a faulty gasket.
• Higher utility bills: A bad gasket can lead to higher energy consumption, reflected in increased utility bills.
• Visible damage: If you see cracks, tears, or other deformities in the gasket material, it’s time to replace it.
• Difficulty closing doors: If the fridge doors are difficult to close or require excessive force, the gasket may be preventing them from operating correctly.

READ MORE: How to Level a Refrigerator in 6 Easy Steps

How to install a new door seal

Gather tools and materials

Here’s a list of the tools and materials you may need to replace the gasket:

• Phillips-head or flathead screwdriver: Used to remove screws and disassemble parts if necessary.
• Utility knife or specialized gasket cutter: Use one with a sharp blade to trim the new gasket to size.
• A heat gun or high-temperature hair dryer: Useful for softening the new gasket, making it more pliable and easier to install.
• Ruler or measuring tape: To get precise measurements when cutting the new gasket.
• Cleaning supplies: Grab some warm, soapy water, a sponge or cloth, and a degreasing cleaner to clean the gasket area before installing the new one.
• Safety gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges and cleaning chemicals.
• The replacement gasket: Make sure you have the correct one that matches your refrigerator’s make and model number. You can also use a universal, cut-to-fit gasket if an OEM replacement is not available, such as this Universal Refrigeration Door Gasket Kit TJ90SU2004 / AP4503310
• Adhesive: Depending on the type of replacement gasket you have, you may need an adhesive to secure it to the door. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for adhesive recommendations. You can also try Adhesive W10841140 / AP5988848.
• Screws and/or fasteners: If your refrigerator door gasket is secured with screws or fasteners, make sure you have replacements on hand in case any are damaged during removal or installation.
• A pen or marker: Use this to mark the areas where you need to trim the new gasket for a proper fit.

Remove the old door gasket

Correctly removing the old gasket ensures that the new gasket can be fitted securely. Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove the old refrigerator door gasket:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance.
2. Examine the existing gasket to identify how it is secured to the refrigerator door. Common methods include screws, clips, or adhesives.
3. If the gasket is held in place with screws or clips, use the appropriate screwdriver or tool to carefully remove them. If they’re not damaged, keep the screws or clips for potential use with the new gasket.
4. Start at one corner of the gasket and gently peel it away from the refrigerator door. Work your way around the perimeter, taking care not to damage the door’s surface. If the gasket is glued, you may need to apply gentle pressure to release it. If the gasket is very old and worn, you may also need to scrape away any stubborn pieces that are adhered to the door’s surface.
5. Use warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth to clean the area where the old gasket was attached. Remove any dirt, residue, or adhesive that may be present. You may also use a degreasing cleaner if necessary.
6. Thoroughly dry the cleaned area before proceeding to install the new gasket.
7. Inspect the refrigerator door for any signs of damage or wear, especially along the edges where the gasket seals. Fix any issues that may affect the new gasket’s sealing ability.

Prepare the replacement seal

Before installing the new refrigerator door gasket, you’ll need to prepare it for a snug fit and the best seal. A pliable gasket will be easier to work with and will conform better to the refrigerator door’s contours.

Here’s how to get the new one ready:

1. Carefully unbox the replacement gasket, ensuring that you don’t damage or crease it during the process.
2. The new gasket may arrive packaged in a coil or folded, which can cause it to retain its shape. To make it more pliable and easier to work with, you can use a heat gun or a high-temperature hair dryer on a low to medium heat setting. You can also soak the gasket in warm water long enough to make it pliable and lay it out flat to dry in the shape it should take.
3. If you’re using heat, hold the heat source several inches (around 8) away from the gasket and move it back and forth over the gasket’s surface. Don’t hold it in one spot for too long, since excessive heat can damage the gasket. Continue to heat the gasket until it becomes more flexible and easier to shape. Be cautious not to overheat it, as this can cause it to warp.

Align and trim

Once the gasket is softened, it can be aligned and trimmed to fit the refrigerator door.  Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay the softened gasket flat on a clean and dry surface.
2. Align it with the refrigerator door, starting at one corner. Make sure the gasket lines up with the door’s perimeter.
3. Use a ruler or measuring tape to confirm that the gasket is aligned evenly around the door’s edge.
4. If the gasket is universal cut-to-fit and too long for the fridge door, use a utility knife or a specialized gasket cutter to trim the excess material. Make clean, straight cuts, and take your time to get an accurate fit.

Install the new door gasket

Now that you’ve prepared the new refrigerator door gasket, it’s time to install it onto the refrigerator door. Take your time to make sure the gasket is securely attached and avoid gaps or wrinkles that could compromise its effectiveness.

1. Begin at one corner of the refrigerator door and line up the gasket’s edge with the door’s edge. Make sure the gasket fits snugly against the door’s surface.
2. Using your fingers, firmly press the gasket onto the door. Work your way along the door’s perimeter, pressing the gasket down as you go. Apply even pressure for a consistent seal.
3. For areas where the gasket may be more resistant to adhering, you can gently tap it into place using a rubber mallet or a soft hammer. Be careful not to use excessive force, since this can damage the gasket or the door.
4. Watch out for any wrinkles, bubbles, or uneven sections in the gasket. Smooth these out with your fingers to create a uniform seal.
5. Continue attaching the gasket around the entire perimeter of the refrigerator door, following its contours closely. Take your time to ensure the gasket fits snugly and adheres well.
6. Depending on the type of replacement gasket you have, there may be specific instructions regarding how to secure it. Some gaskets come with pre-installed adhesive, while others require additional fasteners.
7. If adhesive is required, apply it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This usually involves applying a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the gasket and then pressing it onto the door.
8. Close the refrigerator door and then open it again. Check that the gasket seals when the door is closed. You should feel resistance when pulling the door open, which indicates a good seal.
9. Carefully look over the entire perimeter of the door to make sure there are no gaps or areas where the gasket isn’t making contact with the door. If you find any gaps, gently adjust the gasket’s position to eliminate them.

Test and adjust as needed

After installing the new refrigerator door gasket, you need to determine if it’s providing an effective seal. How to test and make adjustments:

• When you close the refrigerator door, you should feel a noticeable resistance as the gasket compresses against the door frame. If there is no resistance or the door easily swings open, it’s a sign that the gasket is not sealing effectively.
• Dollar bill test
  1. Place a dollar bill or a sheet of paper between the closed refrigerator door and the gasket.
  2. Close the door onto the paper or bill, making sure it’s positioned along the entire perimeter.
  3. Try to pull the paper or bill out from between the door and the gasket. If you can remove it with little to no resistance, the gasket may not be sealing properly.

If the dollar bill test indicates a weak seal in specific areas, or if you notice gaps when inspecting the gasket, you may need to reposition it for better alignment:

1. Carefully peel back the gasket in the problem area.
2. Realign the gasket with the door frame, ensuring it fits snugly.
3. Press the gasket firmly back into place, paying extra attention to the problem area.
4. Repeat the test to check for improvement.

If your gasket is secured with screws or clips and it’s not sealing properly, you may need to adjust the fasteners:

1. Loosen the screws or clips slightly.
2. Gently adjust the gasket’s position to get a tighter seal.
3. Retighten the screws or secure the clips without over-tightening.
4. If the adhesive used to secure the gasket doesn’t hold well or if the gasket begins to peel away, you may need to apply additional adhesive.

READ MORE: Tips for Buying a Used Refrigerator: Quality On A Budget

How to take care of your door gasket

Maintaining your refrigerator door gasket helps it continue to provide an effective seal and smooth operation of your refrigerator. You can also save money on energy bills and prevent food spoilage due to temperature fluctuations. Here are some tips to help prolong its life:

• Regularly clean the gasket with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Remove any dirt, debris, or spills that may accumulate on its surface. A clean gasket stays flexible and keeps its sealing ability. Additionally, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the gasket, focusing on where it touches the fridge doorway, to improve sealing and prevent drying.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the gasket, as they can damage the material. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents.
• Avoid overloading the refrigerator door, since that can put extra strain on the gasket. When the door is tightly packed, it may not seal as effectively.
• Always make sure the refrigerator door is completely closed. Slamming the door can damage the gasket and the door frame over time. Closing the door gently keeps a proper seal for a longer amount of time.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you reshape and install a new door gasket on your refrigerator.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find other resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.

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