3 Reasons You Should Clean Your Refrigerator Gasket

When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? More specifically, your refrigerator's gasket? The gasket, also known as the seal, is the rubber strip that runs around your refrigerator door. This often-forgotten-about component is more important than most people realize, and cleaning it should be high on your priority list.

Here are three reasons why you should regularly clean your refrigerator gasket:

To prevent mold and bacteria.

Because nobody ever thinks to clean it, refrigerator gaskets are a common hiding spot for mold. This is one of the worst places for a mold infestation because it is in such close proximity to the food that you eat every day. Keep mold away by scrubbing your gasket with a non-abrasive sponge and a mild cleaning detergent every month.

To keep it from drying out.

The gasket is almost always one of the refrigerator's first components that needs replacing. When left neglected, the rubber seal tends to dry out and crack. This can have many negative effects, so it is recommended to replace them as soon as possible if you notice visible signs of wear-and-tear. Prevent this from happening to you by applying a thin layer of Vaseline on your gasket every two months.

To keep your refrigerator energy-efficient.

As mentioned in the last section, a broken gasket can have multiple negative effects on your refrigerator. First off, a crack in the seal means that your fridge will lose cold air, even when the door is closed. This increases the workload on your compressor, which can shorten the lifespan of your appliance and cause a spike in your energy bill.

If your gasket is broken, a DIY replacement can be a pain in the neck. Instead of worrying about finding one that fits properly and correctly installing it yourself, contact the refrigeration experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We guarantee one-hour service to New York City and Long Island, so give us a call at 866-782-9376.