Do you really need to fix your rubber seal?

While we would recommend you source your rubber seals from Gasket Guy, we don't want you to spend money on a new one if you don't need to.

In some cases, it is a problem with the alignment of the fridge or door hinges or even too much weight in the door that is the culprit for a fridge seal that just won't catch. Make sure your appliance is level and empty the door of any heavy items. Does that make a difference?

If the door still won't close tightly, a good clean can occasionally solve the problem. If your rubber seal looks dirty, remove it, following the instructions below, give it a good clean, using warm water with a drop of washing up liquid, dry thoroughly and reseat.

If this doesn't solve the problem, or you see visible cracks, tears or significant warping, you will need to replace it.

The trickiest step in learning how to fix the rubber seal on fridge doors is sourcing the correct gasket profile.

Sourcing the correct seal for your fridge or freezer

If you are lucky, your fridge model number will be clearly visible on a panel inside your fridge, the fridge manufacturer will still be making the gaskets you need and you will have contact details for their parts department.

In reality you will probably find that you can't locate the model number anywhere, the fridge (and therefore its gaskets) is obsolete or the manufacturer is now part of a multi-national chain and you simply can't find anyone who can help you.

To save you from this sourcing nightmare, Gasket Guy can locate almost any gasket that has ever been made. Failing this, we can manufacture a bespoke gasket to fit the profile you need.

To order the door seal you need, follow the steps below:

1. If you don't know the model number of your appliance, cut a section from the gasket you need to replace.

2. Go to our website and select the 'Seals By Brand' menu option.

3. Locate the brand of your fridge, and click the panel corresponding to that brand.

4. Compare the cross-section of your fridge seal with the diagrams displayed (some brands will have more than others to choose from). Click the fridge seal diagram that matches.

5. Fill in the specification fields and complete your order.

If you prefer, you can use the 'Seals by Profile' menu and locate the correct gasket that way. If you are unable to cut out a piece of fridge seal, or there is another reason preventing you from following the process above, the 'Identify a Profile' menu includes a variety of ways we can help you.

Rather than deliver a new seal for you to fit, we can come to you and install the gasket (or gaskets, for multiple orders) in a single day. As experts on how to fix the rubber seal on fridge doors, we can take care of the entire process for you.

While we are there, we can create an asset register for your business, so the next time you do need a new door seal, you can simply pick up the phone to us.

Otherwise, you can wait for your order to arrive and follow the steps below to install your new gasket.

Removing and installing your fridge door seal

Now we're into the nitty gritty of how to fix the rubber seal on fridge doors. Fortunately, this is usually a straightforward procedure.

The majority of fridge seals are simply pushed into a groove that runs around the fridge, although some will be held in place beneath a metal plate. In the first case, you should be able to pull the gasket out and, starting from a corner, work it free of the groove.

If there is a metal plate holding the gasket down, you will need to loosen the screws first. This is usually easy enough but a bit more time consuming. Some types of fridge, particularly older ones, will have additional screws or fixings to remove. If you do come across these exceptions, feel free to contact us for advice.

While you are removing your old fridge seal, have someone unpack and straighten out the new one. You can use a hairdryer, on medium heat, to gently straighten out any kinks that have occurred during transport.

Clean the groove and surrounding area with a weak, soapy solution before following the reverse procedure to fit the new seal. Most people find it easier to insert the corners first and then work the seal along the edges. Keep the hairdryer handy for any stubborn portions.

We hope you found this article on how to fix the rubber seal on fridge doors useful. Please visit our website to start your search for a new seal, or to book a Gasket Guy engineer.