Replace the door seal, warm it with a hair dryer (NO heat gun) to help it reshape, then set it in the correct position so it seals evenly. Keep the door closed for at least 2 hours after shaping.
Before You Start
- Safety: Turn the appliance off at the wall and unplug it.
- Check compatibility: Make sure the seal suits your exact model and door orientation (left/right), and whether it’s fridge or freezer. Compatibility – Make sure to check that this part is compatible with your model – check your model number label and compare it to the values in the description.
- Let the seal relax: Lay it flat at room temperature for 1–2 hours. For stubborn creases, place it in a warm room or near (not on) a warm surface.
Tools & Materials
- Hair dryer (LOW/MED setting) — do not use a heat gun
- Soft wooden/plastic stick (e.g., ice-block stick or spatula) to gently press the seal
- Clean cloth; mild soapy water for wiping channels
- Phillips screwdriver (if your model has retainer strips/screws)
- Spirit level (for final alignment)
Identify Your Seal Type
- Push-in (barbed/dart) seal: The inner rib pushes into a channel around the door.
- Screw-in/retainer type: A plastic retainer strip and screws clamp the seal flange.
- Adhesive type: Less common; the seal glues to the door frame (use OEM adhesive).
Removal (Old Seal)
- Open the door and support it so it doesn’t flex.
- For push-in: pull the inner rib out of the channel starting at a corner.
For screw-in: loosen (don’t fully remove) screws around the perimeter and slide the seal out.
For adhesive: gently peel away; remove old residue. - Wipe the channel/door edge clean and dry.
Install (New Seal)
- Start at the top corners: Seat the corners first so the seal is square.
- Push-in: press the rib fully into the channel—work evenly along each side.
Screw-in: position the flange under the retainer, lightly snug the screws all around, then go back and tighten evenly (do not overtighten).
Adhesive: follow adhesive instructions; apply thin, even beads, press firmly. - Check that the seal lip sits flat and untwisted all around.
Heat-Forming (Hair Dryer Only)
Important: Use a hair dryer on LOW/MED. Keep it moving, ~10–15 cm away. Do not use a heat gun — it can melt or warp the seal and cabinet.
- With the door open: Warm the inner side of the seal gently to relax it. Work from a top corner, around the perimeter.
- With the door closed: Starting from one corner, warm the outer face where it meets the cabinet. As you warm each section, use your wooden stick to gently press the seal towards the cabinet so the embedded magnet makes contact and the lip takes the cabinet’s shape.
- Go slowly; you are relaxing and reshaping, not overheating.
Set & Cure
- Once shaped, keep the door closed for at least 2 hours (longer is better—4–12 hours ideal).
- Avoid loading heavy items in the door while the seal is settling.
Level the Cabinet (Prevents Twisting)
- Use a spirit level on the cabinet (not the door).
- Adjust front feet so the front is 5–10 mm higher than the back. This helps the door self-close and improves sealing.
- Ensure side-to-side is level to remove cabinet twist.
Check Your Work
- Paper test: Close the door on a strip of paper at multiple points. You should feel light, even resistance all around.
- Visual gap check: Look for consistent contact—re-warm and press any gappy spots.
- 24-hour check: After a day of running, the seal should feel supple and seat uniformly.
Troubleshooting
- Gap at corners: Re-warm corner and adjacent sides; press the lip in while the door is closed.
- Door won’t self-close: Re-level the cabinet (front slightly higher); check hinges for play; re-warm latch-side seal.
- Seal looks twisted: Open door, warm inner face, untwist by hand, then close and re-form.
- Weak “magnetising” feel: Gently press the lip towards the cabinet while warming; ensure the correct seal version for fridge vs freezer and correct orientation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a heat gun (melts/warps seals and trims)
- Over-tightening retainer screws (causes waves and leaks)
- Installing the wrong variant (freezer vs fridge, left/right, model family)
- Skipping cabinet levelling
FAQs
Can I use a heat gun instead of a hair dryer?
No. Heat guns are too hot and will deform the gasket and surrounding plastics. Use a hair dryer on low/medium only.
How long before I can use the door?
Keep the door closed for at least 2 hours to “set” the seal. For best results, allow 4–12 hours before heavy door use.
Do I need glue?
Only if your model uses an adhesive-type gasket. Most modern seals are push-in or screw-in.
Why is there still a small gap?
Re-level the cabinet and re-warm that area with the door closed while gently pressing the lip towards the cabinet. Check hinges for sag on older doors.
If you’re unsure which seal your model uses, send us a photo of the rating label and we’ll confirm the correct part number, price, and ETA.