How to Replace a Door Gasket

One of the easiest fixes operators can tackle themselves is replacing worn door gaskets on coolers and freezers. Take a look at the gasket around the edge of the closed door. If you have self-closing doors, open them and let them close. Do you see any obvious cracks or gaps? Even if you can’t see any, take a piece of paper and place it between the door and the cooler; when the door is closed, does the paper stay in place when you pull on it or does it slide out easily? Do this around the perimeter. If the paper isn’t held firmly in place at all points, it’s time to replace the gasket to ensure your refrigeration system works as efficiently as possible.

Use a tape measure to get the gasket’s dimensions while still installed in the door and order a new one accordingly. Because the new gasket will likely arrive folded for shipping, fill a sink or tank with warm water and soak the gasket for a few minutes until its “memory” comes back and it goes back to its original shape. Running it through your dishmachine’s 185°F final rinse kills any germs that might be on it. Now, remove the old gasket from the track, using a putty knife to get started if it doesn’t pull out on its own. Place the new gasket in position and then starting at the corners, work toward the center of each side using your thumbs to push it into place. If you find yourself with a little too much gasket in the center between corners, work backward toward the corners.