DIY Network

Cleaning Fridge Gaskets From "DIY Weekend" episode DIYW-210

Dirt builds up in the gasket.

What's one of the most important things in your refrigerator besides the beer? It's the magnetic gasket around the door. It is one of those things we tend to take for granted, but if you neglect it for too long, your refrigerator could wear out prematurely. Fortunately, a few minutes of cleaning and maintenance can keep the gasket in shape.

Scrub out debris with soap and water.

To keep a nice, tight seal on your fridge, you need to keep the gasket clean. Dirt and debris can easily collect in the grooves of the gasket. Wash it out with a soft scrub brush and warm soapy water. Then rinse with a sponge.

Remove mold with bleach and water.

Mold can grow on the gasket as well. To remove it, use a solution of four tablespoons of bleach and a quart of hot water. Then just scrub with a sponge or an old toothbrush.

Apply lotion with lanolin to keep gasket soft.

After cleaning the gasket, apply a light coating of body lotion with a cloth. Make sure the lotion has lanolin in it. This will help keep the gasket soft and supple just like your skin.