Keep your fridge and freezer gaskets clean

If commercial fridge and freezer owners could see the effect dirty and greasy gaskets have on their electricity bills, they would almost certainly prioritise keeping them clean.

Regularly wiping down gaskets with a weak solution of mild detergent is all that is generally needed to keep them free of grease and debris such as crumbs. Failing to add this simple step to your cleaning schedule is a slippery slope towards gasket breakdown.

The buildup of dirt and grime not only provides a physical obstruction to a perfect seal, it enables micro-organisms to gain a foothold in your previously hygienic fridge or freezer. As the seal starts to fail, warm air enters the fridge, providing the ideal conditions for bacteria and mould. Be warned: environmental officers will check the state of your seals when inspecting your appliances.

Sticky residues on your door seals can even lead to them being pulled out of shape.

If your gaskets need a good clean, you can visit our information page for some kind but tough gasket cleaning methods.

Apply petroleum jelly

Most fridge and freezer door seals are made out of PVC or rubber, and if you really want to extend their lifespan, applying a thin layer petroleum jelly is highly recommended.

Even a regularly wiped down seal will gradually lose its sealing efficiency over time. As it loses moisture, some areas contract faster than others, reducing the surface area that is in contact with the fridge frame. Old PVC can also be susceptible to absorbing animal fats which will provide a food source for unwelcome microbes.

Applying petroleum jelly, using your fingers or a paper towel, not only moisturises the gasket, it covers some of the gaps, creating an additional seal. Your gasket will also take longer to dry out because petroleum jelly locks the moisture within.

Make sure your gasket and the fridge frame is completely dry beforehand, and apply the jelly to the gasket rather than the frame. This will maximise the contact area.

Carefully check seals for cracks and warping

Even the most cared for fridge gasket is subject to accidental damage, and it will eventually need replacing due to natural ageing. The sooner you notice damage or distortion of your seal, the less money you will lose on inefficient refrigeration. That's why we recommend setting aside some time to carefully inspect your gaskets for cracks, tears and warping.

If possible, keep your gaskets in situ while checking them, systematically exploring the surfaces and within the folds. Inspect the entire length of each gasket, but prioritise the surface where it contacts the frame.

Twisted gaskets do not always need replacing, especially if you have been keeping them supple with petroleum jelly. Using a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting, you may be able to mould a warped gasket back into shape. If your gasket is torn, split or misshapen beyond repair, we recommend replacing it as soon as you can.

These three quick, low cost and simple measures are deceptively effective. They will minimise energy consumption, keeping your bills lower while extending the life of your seals and your fridge/freezers.

We have more detailed information on cleaning your gaskets on our information page, and you can also search for a replacement gasket should yours be no longer fit for purpose.