How to replace a foamed-in-place door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

This DIY repair guide and video shows you how to replace a foamed-in door gasket in a refrigerator. This gasket fits into the gap between the inner and outer panels around the edge of the door on a side-by-side refrigerator. The inner and outer door panels are joined with adhesive, insulating foam.

The door gasket, often called a door seal, seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Signs that the refrigerator gasket needs to be replaced include excessive frost buildup and reduced cooling. Replace the gasket if it’s worn, cracked or torn.

This repair procedure works for replacing refrigerator and freezer door gaskets in many Kenmore, Whirlpool, Crosley and Amana refrigerators.

If you have a different type of refrigerator, check out these repair guides and videos:

• How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator

• How to replace a door gasket in a French-door refrigerator

• How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

Instructions

1. Remove creases in the new door gasket

To smooth creases and folds in the gasket, soak it in warm water and dry with a towel. Or carefully warm it with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting.

Be careful not to melt the gasket.

Heating some door gaskets causes them to expand. Allow the gasket to cool before installation if it seems too big for the door after heating.

2. Remove the refrigerator door gasket

First, turn off or unplug the refrigerator, or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator.

Pull the gasket out from the gap between the inner and outer door panels. Starting at a spot halfway down the side of the door is usually easiest. You may need to tug the gasket firmly to get the removal process started.

3. Clean the outside edge of the refrigerator door

Using a wet cloth, wipe any spills from the outside edge of the outer door panel.

Slide the edge of a putty knife through the gap between inner and outer door panels to remove any foam residue that clings to gasket mounting surfaces.

Don't insert the putty knife more than 1 inch into the inner door panel to avoid damaging insulation inside the door.

4. Install the new gasket

Starting at the top of the door, work the new door gasket lip into the gap between the inner and outer door panels. Work your way down both sides of the door and across the bottom.

Check for loose spots and adjust the gasket as needed for a proper fit.

Spread a thin coat of petroleum jelly along the sealing surface of the door gasket to help the new gasket seal properly.

Close the door and check the fit. The door gasket should fit tightly against the cabinet and door with no gaps showing. Smooth out any creases that cause gaps between the gasket and cabinet.

Turn the refrigerator back on or restore power to the refrigerator.