Refrigerator has frost or moisture buildup around the door: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The door gasket creates an airtight seal around the appliance to contain cold air and exclude warm air. If the gasket becomes twisted or torn, gaps and leaks can occur, allowing warm air infiltration that prevents proper freezing. Examine the door gasket for damage, and replace it with a new one if needed to restore the tight seal and ensure the freezer cools properly. A damaged gasket should be replaced to maintain an intact barrier between freezer and ambient temperatures.

How to Replace a Refrigerator Door Gasket:

1. Remove the Old Gasket. Open the refrigerator door and locate the screws or retaining clips securing the gasket to the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws or carefully release the clips.

2. Peel Off the Old Gasket. Carefully peel the old gasket away from the refrigerator door. If the gasket is stuck, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the gasket and make removal easier.
3. Clean the Door Surface. Wipe down the area where the old gasket was attached with a mild cleaning solution. Ensure it's free from any debris or residue.
4. Install the New Gasket. Align the new gasket with the door's edges, starting at one corner. Press the gasket firmly into place, following the path of the original gasket.
5. Secure the Gasket. Reattach the screws or clips that hold the gasket in place, making sure the gasket is snugly fitted against the door. Be cautious not to overtighten screws, as this could damage the gasket.
6. Check for Proper Seal. Close the refrigerator door and inspect the gasket to ensure it creates a proper seal. You should not see any gaps or feel air escaping when the door is closed.

Repair Instructions:

Leaving the freezer or fridge door open for a long time can cause frost buildup inside. If a door was left ajar for over 4 hours, frost likely formed on the food, evaporator coil, and door opening. This frost is normal after prolonged open door periods. It occurs because humid air enters the cold interior. Shutting the door allows the sealed unit to go through defrost cycles and clear the frost.

Repair Instructions:

The mullion heater is a heating element located on the vertical center divider (called the mullion) between the refrigerator and freezer doors. Its purpose is to prevent condensation from forming in this area. When the mullion heater fails, the metal surface of the mullion can get cold enough for moisture in the air to condense on it, leading to frost or water droplets forming. This condensation can be worsened by frequent opening of the doors, which allows warmer, moister air to come into contact with the cold mullion surface. A failed or malfunctioning mullion heater allows condensation to continuously form and build up frost and moisture around the refrigerator door gaskets over time.

How to Replace Refrigerator Mullion Heater:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace.
   • Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect the power supply to prevent electrical hazards.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials:

   • Collect the tools required for the task, such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a replacement mullion heater compatible with your refrigerator model.

3. Remove Items from the Refrigerator Door:

   • Empty the contents of the refrigerator door to reduce weight and provide easier access to the mullion heater.

4. Locate the Old Mullion Heater:

   • Identify the mullion heater, which is typically found between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. It's a vertical strip that prevents condensation and helps maintain proper temperature.

5. Access the Mullion Heater:

   • In some cases, you may need to remove the outer door panel or insulation to access the mullion heater. This process can vary by refrigerator model, so consult your user manual for guidance.

6. Disconnect the Wiring:

   • Carefully disconnect the wiring that supplies power to the old mullion heater. You may need to use pliers to release any connectors or terminals.

7. Remove the Old Mullion Heater:

   • Typically, mullion heaters are held in place with screws or clips. Use a screwdriver or appropriate tool to remove these fasteners.
   • Gently detach the old mullion heater from its mounting location.

8. Install the New Mullion Heater:

   • Align the replacement mullion heater in the same position where the old one was removed.
   • Secure the new mullion heater in place using the screws or clips provided.

9. Reconnect the Wiring:

   • Reattach the wiring to the new mullion heater, ensuring a secure and proper connection.

10. Reassemble the Refrigerator Door:

    • If you had to remove the outer door panel or insulation, reassemble these components, making sure everything fits snugly.

11. Return Items to the Refrigerator Door:

    • Place the items back into the door shelves and compartments.

12. Restore Power:

    • Plug the refrigerator back in or turn on the power supply to the unit.

13. Test the New Mullion Heater:

    • Check that the mullion heater operates correctly by feeling for warmth and ensuring that it prevents condensation on the door.

By following these steps, you've successfully replaced the refrigerator mullion heater, helping to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels in your refrigerator.

Repair Instructions:

The refrigerator door support refers to the hinges, brackets, and other components that physically attach and allow the refrigerator door to open and close properly. Over time, these supports can become loose or fail, causing the refrigerator door to sag and no longer align flush with the refrigerator body when closed. This misalignment prevents the door gasket from sealing tightly against the cabinet, allowing air leaks around the perimeter of the door. Warm, humid air can then infiltrate the cabinet and come into contact with cold internal surfaces, leading to condensation and frost buildup. The poorly sealing door also allows cold air to escape from the refrigerator, further adding to the condensation issue.

How to Replace Refrigerator Door Support:

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials:

   • Ensure you have the necessary tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a replacement door support kit specific to your refrigerator model.
   • Safety first: unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power to the unit to prevent any electrical hazards.

2. Empty the Refrigerator Door:

   • Remove all items stored in the door shelves to reduce weight and make it easier to work on.

3. Identify the Hinge Locations:

   • Examine the top and bottom hinges that secure the refrigerator door. The door support is typically attached to one of these hinges.

4. Remove the Old Door Support:

   • Locate the screws or bolts holding the existing door support in place.
   • Use a screwdriver or appropriate tool to carefully remove these fasteners.
   • Gently detach the old door support from the hinge.

5. Install the New Door Support:

   • Align the new door support with the hinge. Ensure it fits securely and lines up with the holes for the screws or bolts.
   • Use your screwdriver or the recommended tool to attach the new door support to the hinge. Make sure it is firmly secured.

6. Reattach the Refrigerator Door:

   • Carefully lift the refrigerator door and line up the hinges with the corresponding slots or pins on the refrigerator body.
   • Slowly lower the door into place, ensuring that it sits flush and level.

7. Secure the Door:

   • Reinsert and tighten the screws or bolts on the hinges to firmly attach the door to the refrigerator. Double-check for stability.

8. Replace Door Shelves and Contents:

   • Place the items you removed from the door shelves back into their respective spots.

9. Power On the Refrigerator:

   • Plug the refrigerator back in or turn on the power to the unit to ensure it functions correctly.

10. Test the Door Support:

    • Open and close the refrigerator door to verify that the new support is holding it securely. It should move smoothly without any wobbling. 

Repair Instructions:

The refrigerator door guide is a component that ensures proper alignment and smooth movement of the refrigerator door as it opens and closes. It consists of rails or tracks on the bottom of the door that slide over corresponding brackets mounted to the refrigerator cabinet. Over time, the guide rails can become bent or misaligned from repeated opening and closing of the heavy door. This can cause the door to sag, twist, or rub against the cabinet improperly when closing. The resulting gap between the door gasket and cabinet allows humid air and moisture to leak into the refrigerator. The cold interior surfaces then cause the moisture to rapidly condense and freeze, leading to excessive frost and ice buildup, especially around the door seals.

How to Replace Refrigerator Door Guide

1. Open refrigerator door fully to expose the door guide location.

2. Locate retaining screws securing the guide to the door or cabinet frame.

3. Remove retaining screws using a screwdriver to detach the worn guide.

4. Withdraw old door guide once it is freed from all securing screws.

5. Clean mounting surfaces where the replacement part will contact the door and frame.

6. Position new door guide into place where the old one was removed.

7. Start retaining screws through holes in the fresh guide and tighten partially.

8. Adjust guide position as needed to align the door for smooth opening/closing.

9. Fully tighten retaining screws to fix the guide at the proper alignment.

10. Test door operation and make any minor adjustments to seating if needed.