A tear in the fridge door seal is the obvious sign that it needs replacing. There are other clues, especially condensation in the fridge during humid weather or frost in the freezer, especially near the door.
To order the right seal, look for the fridge’s make and model, typically on a sticker on the interior bottom left. Appliance parts stores (either online or bricks and mortar) or Amazon are good sources for replacements. Check that you’ve ordered the right one by laying the new seal against the old.
You can replace the seal with the door in place, but it’s easier if you remove the door and lay it flat on a table or on sawhorses.
Freshen up your fridge with these cleaning tricks
Use your fingers to pull off the old seal, beginning at the corners. Many seals interlock with a groove in the door and simply pull away. If yours is glued down, slide a putty knife under the seal to break the adhesive bond. (You don’t need to reglue the new one.) Some seals are secured with metal strips that you’ll need to unscrew.
Clean the surface, then lay the new seal in place. If it was anchored with strips and screws, re-install them now. Secure both glued or non-glued seals at the corners first and a few inches on either side. Continue snapping the rest of the seal, being careful not to stretch it or you’ll end up with a bump of extra seal in the middle.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2024 issue of Cottage Life.
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