Is mould growth on my gaskets a serious problem?

Although some forms of mould are harmless to most humans, many are toxic and can lead to food poisoning. Mould spreads through both direct contact and through the air, so any unwrapped food within a fridge or freezer is at risk of cross-contamination from mouldy seals.

In addition, mould spores can make respiratory conditions worse and some people are allergic to them. So if you see mould growth on your gaskets, you must act to remove it and then investigate why it was allowed to grow in the first place.

Removing mould from your fridge and freezer seals

We have written several detailed articles on removing mould from your fridge and freezer gaskets, but here is a summary:

• Never use harsh chemical or sharp implements on your gaskets, as this may damage them. For the same reason, never put your gaskets into the dishwasher.
• For surface mould, apply warm water and mild soap detergent using a cloth or sponge. Dry with paper towels (or allow to air dry if you have emptied and turned off your appliance).
• For more established mould, try one of our alternative methods for cleaning your gaskets using lemon juice and baking powder or a vinegar solution.
• For stubborn stains, gently scrub with an old toothbrush.

Don't rush this job. Thoroughly clean and inspect every inch of your seal including the parts of the gasket that are normally hidden from view (at the bottom of the door, deep within the folds, etc.)

Prevention: what causes mould on fridge and freezer seals?

Mould needs three main ingredients to grow: nutrients, moisture and time. Mould will also grow more quickly if the inside of your fridge or freezer is warmer than it should be.

Gaskets can collect food particles, grease and liquids. These will provide the nutrients that mould needs to grow. Ineffective cleaning can leave an invisible 'biofilm' which is sufficient for mould to thrive.

A working fridge or freezer is like a cold desert. There should be very limited moisture inside, making it tough for mould to become established. However, there are several reasons why the interior of your fridge or freezer might be more humid than it should be:

• If your fridge door is constantly being opened and closed, warm air can easily enter and condense before it is removed through the refrigeration process.
• If you use your fridge or freezer to cool hot or warm food, this will introduce excess moisture into your fridge.
• Blocking air circulation, either around or within your appliance, can lead to inefficient moisture removal.
• Damaged, worn or dirty gaskets can fail to seal correctly, allowing warm, moist air to enter your fridge or freezer. This then condenses onto cool surfaces, including the gasket itself, giving mould the opportunity to grow.

Even with nutrients and water, mould needs time to grow, especially in the cold temperatures of a fridge or freezer. Thoroughly cleaning your fridge and freezer gaskets regularly (at least twice a year), and mopping up food or liquid spillages immediately will enable you to keep on top of the problem.

Replacing a mouldy gasket

If your gasket is damaged or so mouldy that you are unable to clean it, consider replacing it with a new one. If you don't know the make and model of your appliance, visit our gasket profile identification page for guidance on how to source the gasket you need.