How to Clean the Rubber Seal on Your Refrigerator Door, According to Pros

Next time you open your fridge, note the rubber seal around the outside edge of the interior door. This is called the gasket and it does the essential job of sealing your refrigerator, keeping cold air in and the outside air out. Like other components of your fridge, the gasket requires regular maintenance so that it stays airtight and your appliance can keep functioning properly. 

Ahead, we spoke with experts on the right way to clean your fridge door's gasket safely and tips for keeping it functioning reliably well into the future. 

Why Gasket Maintenance Is Essential

A dirty gasket leads to deterioration of the seal, which can cause temperature fluctuations, spoiled food, and bacterial growth. “Mold is one of the biggest risks for gaskets,” says cleaning professional Steve Evans. “Mold or mildew usually sticks to these humid areas and can grow for months without notice.” Without attention, this could affect your food and your health.

Not only that, but when the gasket is cracked or compromised due to neglect, your fridge’s compressor has to work much harder to keep the air at its desired temperature. This results in wasted energy and higher electricity bills.

How to Safely Clean Your Refrigerator Door Gasket

Regularly cleaning the gasket of your fridge will guarantee a longer life for your appliance. However, it must be handled carefully to avoid damage. First, consult the manual for any relevant safety precautions. Then follow cleaning expert Sofia Martinez’s steps below for best results.

Materials Needed

• Microfiber cloths or soft cleaning cloths
• A soft toothbrush or cotton swabs 
• Warm water
• Petroleum jelly
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

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Instructions

1. Optional: Five to 10 minutes before cleaning, mist the area with hydrogen peroxide to help prevent mold growth. Wipe away with a paper towel before proceeding.
2. Disconnect the power cord to the appliance. Swing the refrigerator door completely open.
3. Using a soft, damp cloth, wipe away all loose debris.
4. Create your cleaning solution: Either combine one quart warm water and one tablespoon baking soda in a spray bottle, or mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
5. Spray the mixture along the folds of the gasket, focusing on corners and creases where mold tends to grow.
6. Dip a soft toothbrush into the solution and use it to gently clean grooves, being careful not to bend, compress, or scratch the gasket.
7. Optional: In cases where there is stubborn buildup, mix baking soda, lemon juice, and water to form a paste. Apply it, allow it to sit for two minutes, and then gently scrub the area.
8. Rinse the rubber seal with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. Use another cloth to dry the area completely.
9. After cleaning, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the gasket to prevent the rubber from becoming brittle.

Tips for Maintaining Your Refrigerator Gasket

Fortunately, a door gasket should last roughly 5-10 years, according to Evans. However, you can help elongate its lifespan and prevent premature replacement by staying on top of its maintenance.

Clean the gasket every week with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and moisture before mold forms. If liquid drips onto the gasket, clean it immediately, says Evans. "With time, this will dry and stick to the gasket and you will need something more abrasive to remove it," he explains, "which could damage the gasket’s integrity."

Each month, perform the "dollar bill test" to check the seal’s condition: "Place a bill in the door and pull," says Martinez. "If the bill is removed easily, the gasket may need to be replaced. If the seal has become brittle, is cracked, is loose, or has developed a constant smell after cleaning, it should be replaced."