What are Gaskets and Why Do You Need to Clean Yours?

My fridge started acting up last week — think milk turning chunky way before the expiration date. I started panicking (“do we have enough money for a replacement”), and called my friend Sarah to complain. Right away, she asked if I'd checked the rubber seals. Turns out, those rubber seals (AKA gaskets) are the key for keeping the cold air trapped inside.

So, I looked at the seals on my fridge and was disgusted. They were covered in crumbs and spilled drinks. I grabbed a soapy cloth and gave them a good scrub. It was such a simple fix, but it made a world of difference. Now I know just how important those little rubber seals are for food freshness. When they get dirty, they create gaps that let warm air in, making the fridge work harder and causing food to go bad. I’ll take you through exactly how I cleaned mine, so you can do the same.

Why Clean Your Gaskets?

• Energy Efficiency: Clean gaskets create a tight seal, preventing cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. This reduces the workload on your refrigerator, saving energy and money.
• Food Preservation: A proper seal maintains consistent temperatures, crucial for keeping food fresh for longer.
• Hygiene: Gaskets can trap food particles, spills, and moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Regular cleaning prevents this from happening.
• Longevity: Cleaning and maintaining your gaskets can prevent them from becoming brittle, cracked, or damaged, extending their lifespan.

What You'll Need

• Warm water
• A HeySunday laundry detergent sheet
• White vinegar (optional)
• Soft cloths or sponges (The HappySinks MioEco reusable paper towels are perfect for the job)
• Old toothbrush or cotton swabs

The Cleaning Process

1. Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a laundry detergent sheet, and let it dissolve. If you're dealing with mold or mildew, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
2. Dip and wipe: Dip a cloth or sponge into your cleaning solution and wring out excess liquid. Gently wipe down the entire surface of the gasket, paying attention to folds and crevices.
3. Scrub gently: For stubborn dirt or grime, use an old toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution to gently scrub the affected areas.
4. Rinse and dry: Once you've wiped down the gaskets, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse off any remaining soap or cleaning solution. Then, thoroughly dry the gaskets with a clean, dry cloth. Moisture left on the gaskets can encourage mold growth.

Tips and Tricks

• Frequency: Aim to clean your gaskets at least once every three months, or more often if you notice spills or buildup.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia directly on the gaskets, as they can damage the rubber.
• Check for damage: While cleaning, inspect your gaskets for any signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or brittleness. If you find damage, it may be time to replace the gaskets.
• Petroleum jelly (optional): After cleaning and drying, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the gaskets to help keep them supple and prevent them from drying out.

A Small Effort, Big Impact

Cleaning your refrigerator and freezer gaskets is a quick and easy task that can have a significant impact on your appliance's performance, energy efficiency, and the freshness of your food. By incorporating this simple maintenance step into your routine, you can keep your fridge running smoothly and your food staying fresh for longer. So, grab your cleaning supplies and give your gaskets some love!

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