Rehabilitating a Fridge Gasket

[jledou]

I got an older fridge/freezer combo from a friend and the seals/gaskets are in a worn state to say the least. Does anyone have any suggestions on what may rehabilitate them back to a better shape? I had thoughts of using something like Armorall on them to see if that helps, but thought I would check first.

Thanks,

Jay

[RGD.]

They really are not that hard to replace - and your local appliance repair shop should have them or be able to get them.

But - if you really want to try and clean yours up - I would suggest removing them and soaking them in hot soapy water. This does two things: it makes them pliable and cleans them for the next step. Next take spray silicone and rub into them - lots and lots of it. Spray the hell out of them - let them soak in it and then rub them down real good.

And don't forget to clean the metal contact part of the fridge also so that the magnets get a better chance at sticking.

About all I can offer.


Ron

[jledou]

Thanks for the tips Ron.

This is an older fridge so I went online to find the gaskets. They each were over $100 so at $200+ I figured I would try to give these a little more life, the main reason is I could pick up a brand new fridge for $300-$400 the same size.

Can't complain too much though when the price was right on the fridge (free!)

[Smokin Gator]

I have had good luck with cleaning them well and then using Vaseline. I don't know how/why but it seems to work.

[jledou]

I could see where the petroleum based vasoline could help by soaking back into the gasket and make it more pliable similar to the silicone.

Thanks guys.

[skibumdc]

I thought petroleum products ate away rubber?

[leasingthisspace]

I thought petroleum products ate away rubber?

It eats away at latex.

[Volt]

It eats away at latex.

That's what my High School health class taught us :p

[jledou]

depends on the type of "rubber" that you actually have but yes some petroleum products can eat away the rubber.

[Volt]

I hope someone has a good answer.... I may have to change mine, we have light showing through the gasket and door