Your refrigerator door gasket is more important than you might think. This flexible rubber strip attached around the outer perimeter of your refrigerator and freezer is designed to form an airtight seal―keeping cold air inside and warm air out. The seal helps to regulate the internal temperature of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the gasket isn’t sealing properly, your refrigerator won’t cool properly, which can lead to a high energy bill, unwanted service call, or spoiled food. The first step to avoiding a damaged seal, is learning how to clean your refrigerator gasket.
Keeping your gasket in good condition is an important preventative maintenance step that can save you money and time down the road. We recommend cleaning your refrigerator gasket quarterly, or more frequently if you notice spills and/or mold growth. A sticky food spill on the gasket can damage its integrity by causing it to stick, pull, and possible tear.
2 Methods to Clean Your Fridge Gasket
Method #1: Vinegar and Water
Hard detergents such as bleach and ammonia can be harsh on the gasket if not used properly. A vinegar solution will aid in removing any mold or bacteria, but will not be too harsh on the gasket. Use a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water to clean the gasket.
- In a 2 cup measuring glass, measure ½ cup of vinegar.
- Slowly add water. Fill the measuring cup until it reaches the 1 ½ cups mark.
- Lightly stir the mixture.
- Use a wet sponge and tooth brush to remove any stuck on food.
- Lightly dry with a paper towel.
Method 2: Bleach and Water
If you can’t stand the idea of cleaning your refrigerator with a vinegar solution, try using a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water. Avoid putting concentrated bleach directly on the gasket.
- In a 2 cup measuring glass, measure ¼ cup of bleach.
- Slowly add water to the measuring cup; fill it until it reaches the 1 ¼ cups mark.
- Lightly stir the mixture.
- Use a wet sponge and tooth brush to remove any stuck on food.
- Lightly dry with a paper towel.
To keep the rubber supple, rub a small amount of lemon oil, mineral oil, or body lotion around the perimeter of the gasket. Add this simple chore to your calendar every 3-4 months for best results.
