The lifespan of the average refrigerator is roughly 15 years, but it would take a miracle for your gasket to last that long. The gasket is the rubber seal around the door of your refrigerator that is responsible for keeping cold air in and warm air out. A properly-functioning gasket is essential in keeping your electricity bill low, but it is usually the first component to need replacing. Follow this procedure once every two months to keep yours clean and effective for as long as possible:
- Gently scrub around the entire gasket with warm water and soap to remove dirt and other grime.
- Completely dry the area with a clean towel.
- Place a small amount of Vaseline around the gasket to keep it lubricated and prevent it from drying out and cracking.
If
there is mold or mildew present on your gasket after scrubbing with
soap and water, follow these steps to remove it:
- Mix one part bleach with two parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray black spots with the solution and allow to soak for ten minutes.
- Wipe the affected areas and repeat until all visible signs of mold are gone. Cotton swabs are good for cleaning small cracks and crevices.
- After all stains are removed, wash again with soap and water to remove all traces of the bleach.
- Apply Vaseline on the gasket to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
For
more tips you can use around the kitchen, like us on Facebook or
follow us on Twitter.
