The hidden threat of dirty fridge gaskets

It is always a good idea to periodically wipe down your fridge door seals with a soft cloth, as this will stop mould and other organic contaminants from establishing a foothold, especially if there is any condensation within the folds. Regular gentle cleaning will also dislodge bits of food and other debris.

If you've glanced at your fridge seals and they're looking reasonably clean, don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. Even a modest amount of food build-up can interfere with your seal's ability to keep out warm air, leading to gradually increasing energy prices and the risk of contamination of whatever you're keeping cool.

There's another reason not to be complacent about cleaning your seals. Some contaminants can actually change the mechanical properties of your seals. For example, fats and oils can harden PVC, causing your seal to become less supple and even split.

If you are in the food industry, or any other sector that demands hygiene inspections, be aware that inspectors will carefully examine your fridge door seals, and they will spot any hidden dirt you might have missed!

If you haven't cleaned your fridge seals for a few months or there are signs of mould, dirt or grime, here are three ways you can clean them without causing them harm:

How to clean fridge rubber seals method 1: PVC cleaner

One of the best ways to clean your gaskets is by using a professional PVC cleaning solution (which usually comes as a spray). Just make sure that the product you buy is compatible with the type of seals you have and that you follow the pack instructions carefully.

Unless instructed otherwise, use a clean cloth or soft brush to work the solution into the seal and leave for at least 30 seconds before wiping clean with a soft, dry cloth.

How to clean fridge rubber seals method 2: vinegar solution

If you don't have the time to buy a PVC cleaner, or you're unsure as to the suitability of this method for your gaskets, try a vinegar solution instead. You can use two or three parts of water to one of vinegar for this method.

Either make up the solution in a spray bottle and spray onto the seal, or apply directly using a cloth or sponge. For ingrained food, use a soft toothbrush and gently scrub.

How to clean fridge rubber seals method 3: bleach solution
Be cautious with this method as bleach can cause injuries if handled without care. It can also damage your seal if you apply it neatly or in the wrong ratio.

The recommended dilution is one part bleach to seven parts water. As above, apply with a spray or directly using a cloth or sponge. Again, a toothbrush is useful for tough stains.

Removing stubborn mould from your fridge seals
If you've tried the above three methods and have been thwarted by mould, don't worry. Here's how to clean fridge rubber seals affected by stubborn mould.

For this task, make up a paste from lemon juice, baking soda and water. Place a towel under the fridge door, and apply the paste to the mould spots. Use a soft brush to work at the stains. The towel will catch the paste balls as they fall off.

Still having problems? Source your new fridge seals from Gasket Guy
If you've thoroughly cleaned your fridge door seal and are still experiencing problems, chances are you will need to replace it. Visit our home page and discover how easy it is to source your gaskets from Gasket Guy.

We also have plenty of resources on our blog about how to replace an old fridge gasket.