If your fridge won’t stay shut, this simple trick will fix it

Although we often test amazing refrigerators in our labs here at Reviewed, we don’t usually get to see them as they age.

Your older fridge may not cool as well as it did when you first bought it. This drop in performance might not mean the end is nigh for your fridge. It might be a simple problem with the door.

Over time your refrigerator or freezer door gaskets can get dirty and lose flexibility. When this happens, cool air can leak out.

Here’s our simple guide to fixing this common problem.

How to fix a fridge gasket

Replacing a refrigerator door gasket could cost more than an older fridge is worth. Luckily there’s a more economical solution.

The first major issue is dirt on the gasket. This is usually worse at the tops of the doors, where dust can settle. Cleaning gaskets is straightforward and doesn’t need any fancy equipment.

1. Wipe the seal with warm water and detergent (dish soap will work well) and dry it. A microfiber cloth would do a good job, but if you only have paper towels handy, use them.

Make sure that you clean inside the gasket folds and on all of the surfaces to ensure the best possible seal.

The second problem is that older gaskets can lose flexibility. Stiffer gaskets don’t do a good job of filling the gaps around the doors.

You can easily treat your gaskets to give back some of their lost flexibility. As with cleaning, you don’t need a specialist product; all you need is a little petroleum jelly, AKA Vaseline. $5 at Amazon

2. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, and rub it into the seal. As with the cleaning, be careful to give a light coating to all the surfaces and get into gasket folds.

3. Close the door. Check your work to make sure that the gasket is sealing.

If warm air is still getting in, the door may not be correctly lined up. Over time, door hinges can loosen, and fridge or freezer doors can drop out of the right position.

How to fix a fridge door that has dropped

First, check to see what you’re storing in the door. Overloading can place extra strain on the hinges. Adjusting fridge door hinges is easier than you might think.

1. Empty the door compartments. Once the doors are empty, look closely to check if they line up properly, and gently lift them to see if they feel loose.

If the doors don’t align with the top of the fridge, you may be able to adjust them. If the hinges are already loose, the hinge bolts may just need tightening up a little.

2. Adjust the hinges. The top hinges might be covered with a plastic cap. Remove this to expose the hinge bolts.

If the door isn’t already loose, loosen the bolts with a wrench or socket set.

3. Straighten up the door. If the door is sagging, lift it so it lines up properly with the top of the fridge.

You may need someone else to hold the door in the right place while you retighten the hinge bolts.

One other thing to check: is the fridge level? If it's not level, you might be able to fix it if you can get a strong friend to help you tilt the refrigerator back. Turn the feet like screws to adjust the height. Once you do, your fridge may be able to close normally.

Regardless of what you do, you will likely have to replace the door seal eventually, but the Vaseline trick should help you prolong its life.