[LazyPup]

Testing the door gasket is a very simple procedure and fortunately the tool required only costs $1.

Open the refrigerator door and hold a dollar bill in the doorway, then close the door. Now try to slide the dollar bill up or down. If it will slide easy the doorgasket is not fitting tight.

If it wont move, or is very hard to move that section of the gasket is okay, move to another section and repeat the test until you have gone completely around the door.

If you fnd a section of the gasket that seems loose, check the inner folds of the gasket. Often foodspills get into the folds and stick the folds together hindering the pleats ability to spring and hold the gasket tight against the door.

If you find a section of the gasket stuck, do not pull it apart, you could tear the vinyl. Wet the area with a mixture of water and dishwashing soap and let it stand a few minutes. The sections of the folds should then open up. Once you have it opened up you can continue cleaning it with an old toothbrush and the soapy water.

When you have completed checking the food compartment gasket, check the freezer gasket in the same manner.

If you find a large area not making contact most likely the door is out of alignment.

Most refrigerators have external door hinges on the top of the door to the top of the cabinet. The hinge is covered with a snap on plastic cover.

Snap the cover off and you will see two screws holding the hinge to the cabinet. One screw is in a round hole and the other screw is in a slotted hole.

Slightly loosen both screws they move the door slightly to adjust its position. The hinge will pivot on the screw in the round hole and the slotted hole will allow movement. Once you have the door re-aligned, tighten both screws and replace the plastic cover.

If you find a door gasket that is torn you will have to replace the gasket. Door gaskets can be ordered at any large Appliance parts store. You will need the make and model number off the refrigerator to order the new gasket.

Be very careful when inspecting the gaskets to insure you dont tear it. Some of the door gaskets are quite expensive.