The
lifespan of the average refrigerator is roughly 15 years, but it
would take a miracle for your gasket to last that long. The gasket is
the rubber seal around the door of your refrigerator that is
responsible for keeping cold air in and warm air out. A
properly-functioning gasket is essential in keeping your electricity
bill low, but it is usually the first component to need replacing.
Follow this procedure once every two months to keep yours clean and
effective for as long as possible:
-
Gently
scrub around the entire gasket with warm water and soap to remove
dirt and other grime. -
Completely
dry the area with a clean towel. -
Place
a small amount of Vaseline around the gasket to keep it lubricated
and prevent it from drying out and cracking.
If
there is mold or mildew present on your gasket after scrubbing with
soap and water, follow these steps to remove it:
there is mold or mildew present on your gasket after scrubbing with
soap and water, follow these steps to remove it:
-
Mix
one part bleach with two parts water in a spray bottle. -
Spray
black spots with the solution and allow to soak for ten minutes. -
Wipe
the affected areas and repeat until all visible signs of mold are
gone. Cotton swabs are good for cleaning small cracks and crevices. -
After
all stains are removed, wash again with soap and water to remove all
traces of the bleach. -
Apply
Vaseline on the gasket to prevent it from drying out and cracking.