Refrigerator suction

Question

Does anybody have any ideas on how to get fridge door suction better than it is? My fridge has loosing suction and before I replace fridge I'd like some ideas.

R.V.R. Farris · Answer

Probably just need to replace the gasket on the doors. Kits can be purchased and instructions found online.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

First thing to check is to see if the gaskets are faulty or if the door needs adjustment. Take a piece of notebook paper and place it along the edge of the door opening and close the door. If you can easily pull the paper out the door needs adjustment. Do this on all sides and corners of the door. If you can simply slide it out, its not the gasket that is causing the issue its the door adjustment. 
If the paper is difficult to pull out, examine the door gasket carefully, Is it broken, worn, cracked and damaged? If so a new gasket is in order. If you find that the gasket is worn to a point that raises the question of the ability for it to seal, you need to determine if replacement of the gasket is worth the effort. Fridges that are over 10 years old tend to use much more electrical power and energy overall then a new one. Add to that the difficulty you may have in finding a new door gasket and get it installed. This is not a simple job. The combined cost may make this project something not worth doing. 
Also do you know why the door has suction after you recently close it then try opening it? 
This is caused by the warm air that enters into the cabinet when you open and close the door. This warm air takes up more volume then the cold, When it enters into the fridge as warm air, the many items in the fridge cool this air down quickly creating a lower pressure within the box. The result is the door is harder to open. A little bit of science going on. If the door is left closed for a short while the pressure becomes equal again and the door easily opens again. The amount of sorted items along with humidity, and air temps both inside and out will determine just how much suction if any is created.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Each door is different depending on the manufacture. But there are screws that hold the hinges onto the box that when loosened allow for moving the door around a tiny bit. Normally enough to make the door fit better. Also if the fridge is not on a level surface it will cause the box to go out of square. Be sure to check that using a level on the top and both sides.

Jani · Answer

thanks @Woodbridge Environmental I will try that today when I come home from work!

918210 · Answer

There is no such thing as 'suction' on a refrigerator door seal. You have either an mechanical latch (very old) or magnetic embedded in the vinyl gasket. If the latter, make sure the gasket is absolutely clean. The door should be plumb with the face of the cabinet for an even seal. If it is damaged, the gasket must be replaced. If you find a gap, gently peel back around the gasket and loosen all the screws around the door (yes every one) A 1/4' nut driver is usually the tool needed. Do not take the screws all the way out! Now through trial and error you must twist the door to get it to line up evenly on the face of the cabinet. Gently open the door and snug a few random screws around the perimeter and repeat the process of testing the door for alignment being careful not to twist it out of plumb when you open and close it. Continue snugging a few screws at a time and checking the door for alignment until all screws have been snugged. If satisfied, go around the door and tighten all the screws but not too tight as to crack the door panel.

Bev Deardurff · Answer

My gasket ?, the rubber around the door, were cracked and moldly. I heard it was a difficult DIY job, so I called a repairman and had it replaced. Now, we get water at the bottom of the refrigrerater. I'm afraid that the draining tube is blocked and I can't reach it to find out. We can't afford another refrigerator.

Stacy · Answer

Your seal around door maybe getting dirty or hard from age. Clean it well! Never use bleach, will ruin it. Let dry well, then apply mineral oil or olive oil to help. I have to do this quite often now that's its aged. If door when closed is uneven, could be the washers which can be replaced. Also if seal isn't able to fixed any longer. Believe they can also be replaced.

Donnaleedesigns52 · Answer

Best tip for cleaning rubber gasket - use an old tooth brush and WHITE tooth paste to clean between the folds - works great. Wipe with damp cloth to remove toothpaste

Jani · Answer

I want to thank everyone for all the help with refrigerator door suction.. the last advice was for me to try Vaseline around the seal.. I thought I'd try that first since that was the simplest to do..and lo and behold... IT WORKED!!! yay!! thank God,!

Lucy Nunn · Answer

I'm glad you found a solution. Our door wouldn't seal for a couple of days and it kept beeping telling me about it. I called a repairman and learned, for the cost of a service call, that my ketchup bottle was blocking it. Talk about wasting money and feeling like a moron....geez!

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