Q: How do fridge gaskets tear? How are they replaced?
 
A: Keep the gasket clean to stop it from sticking and tearing!

Fridge and freezer door gaskets rarely wear out. They may discolour or stick and tear on dirty or sticky surfaces. The main culprit is spilt sugary substances like soft drink. If cleaned off and dusted with powder, the gasket will survive.

There are four ways our gaskets are fitted. The first gaskets had screw holes in them. Then a rib held under steel trims. Next came foamed in gaskets and then lastly pushed in gaskets. To know how each are fitted, just lift the gasket and check.

To know what type fit your refrigerator, you must have a model number! The model number is usually on the left-hand wall of the food compartment. To fit the rib under trims type gasket, remove the old gasket by loosening the screws.

Tuck the new gasket in the top, then sides and bottom. Firm some screws up onto the gasket in even spacing. Close the door making sure the metal door skin is square.

Using your fingers under the door skin on the side of the door, gently open the door and tighten the screws. When you close the door it should be square. Make sure all screws are tight. If the door is warped loosen all screws and twist the skin square.

To fit the foamed in gasket, pull the old gasket out of the cavity. Look at the new gasket rib and clean out any foam that may prevent the gasket rib from being forced in. It is best to use a flat-bladed plastic ice scraper. It is made easier if you wedge the plastic liner open with a few small wooden wedges. Start from the top, push the rib in all the way around, being careful not to stretch the gasket.

To replace the push-in type in the later series, just pull out the old one, push in the new one once again trying not to stretch the gasket.

If there is a bulge in the gasket it has been stretched, remove it and start again.