Cleaning, Diagnosing and Changing Refrigerator / Freezer Gaskets
Friday, July 25th, 2008
refrigerator gaskets / freezer gaskets
Over time, refrigerator and freezer gaskets become warped, brittle, dried out, cracked and fail to keep things cold, while increasing energy costs. Replacing refrigerator and freezer gaskets will save you money on your energy bills, keep your food colder and increase the lifespan of your appliance.
1. Clean your old gaskets: If your old refrigerator and freezer gaskets are not too cracked or worn, try cleaning them first with vinegar.
2. The gasket test: Stick a piece of paper in the door of your refrigerator and freezer. If you can easily pull it out, it is time for new gaskets.
3. Order new gaskets: Search MidwestApplianceParts.com for new gaskets and if you are unsure about the exact one you need, give us a call: 1-800-621-1932, make sure you have your model number handy.
4. Prep new gasket and remove your old gasket: When you get your new gasket it will come in the box all twisted and bent up, so to make it install flush and easier to install, do one of 2 things, either soak it it warm water or throw it in the dryer for 10 minutes. While your new gasket is loosening up, start your prep work. First, roll back the gasket to expose the retainer bar, loosen each screw about 2 turns each… do not unscrew completely or you will have problems. Once you have all the screws loosened, pull outward until the gasket comes out from under the retainer bars.
5. Install your new gasket: Now that your old, worn out gasket is removed, take your freshly bathed or heated gasket and hold it in place working from one point, push the rounded bead in behind the raised lip of the brackets. As you work around the door snug down every 2nd or 3rd screw to keep the gasket in place. Sometimes it helps if you have a flatblade screw driver to push the bead in place, especially around the corners. Once your gasket is completely in place, swing the door to the closed position… if it appears to be warped, it probably is because the screws or only snug, so twist it around until it looks even. Open it and tighten each screw, keep checking to make sure it is even every couple screws or so. If the magnetic seal is not contacting the frame in a place or two, get a hair drier and heat the gasket on high until it expands to the frame. Once the gasket is completely installed, use duct tape to hold the door shut tight for a day or so and it will seat itself.
