Fridge door seals play a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and food safety by ensuring an airtight seal that keeps cold air inside. Over time, dirt, mould, and wear can impact their performance, leading to higher energy bills and potential food spoilage. Warm air entering through a faulty seal can cause temperature fluctuations, making your fridge work harder.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean fridge door seals effectively, offer maintenance tips, and highlight signs that indicate it’s time to replace them.
Why Clean Fridge Door Seals?
Preventing Cold Air Loss and Energy Waste
Fridge seals keep cold air trapped inside, ensuring the fridge’s consistent cooling and efficiency. If they become dirty or damaged, the fridge has to work harder to maintain the right temperature, increasing energy costs.
Ensuring Food Safety and Hygiene
Mould and bacteria can build up on neglected fridge door seals, creating a risk of contamination. In commercial settings, maintaining clean seals is essential for meeting FSA and HACCP food safety standards.
Extending Fridge Seal Lifespan
Routine cleaning prevents premature wear and tear, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. For additional tips on keeping a sanitary fridge environment, see our healthy fridge maintenance guide.
How Often Should You Clean Fridge Door Seals?
To keep your fridge seals in top condition, clean them every 2–3 months. However, in high-use commercial environments, where fridges are opened more frequently, cleaning should be done more often, ideally every 1–4 weeks, to maintain top hygiene and efficiency.
Signs your seal needs cleaning:
- Visible dirt or mould
- Sticky residue buildup
- Unpleasant odours
It’s important to note that you don’t have to wait for these signs to clean your fridge seals; regular cleaning is an essential part of fridge maintenance, particularly in commercial settings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Fridge Door Seals
Step 1: Gather Your Seal Cleaning Supplies
- Soft cloth
- Mild soap and water
- Soft brush
- Baking soda (for stubborn stains)
- Warm water
Step 2: Wipe Down the Seal
Dip a soft cloth in mild soap and warm water, then gently wipe down the fridge seal, making sure to clean along the entire length. Pay special attention to the crevices and folds, as these areas tend to trap crumbs, grease, and moisture, which can lead to mould growth if left uncleaned.
In commercial kitchens, where high-risk foods like dairy, meat, and seafood are stored, maintaining hygiene is even more critical. Fridge seals should be sanitised regularly with food-safe disinfectants to eliminate bacteria, prevent cross-contamination, and comply with food safety standards. This is particularly important in environments where frequent opening and closing of fridge doors increase the risk of spills and debris accumulating in the seals.
Step 3: Remove Stubborn Dirt and Mould
Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away tougher stains. If stains persist, mix baking soda and warm water into a thick paste and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again—this natural abrasive helps lift dirt and mould without damaging the rubber seal.
Step 4: Dry the Seal Thoroughly
Use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly wipe away any remaining moisture, paying extra attention to the folds and crevices where water can collect. Even small amounts of leftover moisture can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, so make sure the seal is completely dry before closing the refrigerator door.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Fridge Seals
- Harsh chemicals – These can degrade rubber over time.
- Abrasive scrubbing – Using rough materials may cause wear and tear.
- Sharp objects – Knives or hard tools can damage the seal.
- Leaving moisture – Wet seals encourage mould growth.
Maintaining Fridge Seals for Long-Lasting Performance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your fridge door seals in top condition, ensuring they remain effective at sealing in cold air and preventing unnecessary strain on your appliance. Over time, seals can wear out due to constant opening and closing, exposure to moisture, and the buildup of dirt and grime. However, with a few simple maintenance steps, you can prolong their lifespan, reduce the need for frequent replacements, and keep your fridge running efficiently.
To extend the life of your fridge seals:
- Keep them dry – Excess moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth, which weakens the seal over time.
- Check for signs of wear and tear – Look out for cracks, stiffness, or gaps that could affect the seal’s performance.
- Avoid overloading your fridge – Too much weight on the door can put extra pressure on the seal, causing it to stretch or weaken.
- Clean them regularly – Dirt and food residue can degrade the rubber, making the seal less effective at keeping cold air inside.
- Ensure proper alignment – A misaligned door can prevent the seal from making full contact, reducing its efficiency.
By following these simple steps, you can reduce energy waste, improve food safety, and avoid costly repairs or overly frequent replacements.
When to Replace Your Fridge Door Seal
Despite proper maintenance, fridge seals do wear out over time. If you notice cracks, stiffness, or gaps, it may be time for a seal replacement. In commercial settings, we recommend replacing your fridge seals annually, whereas, for domestic fridges, this is more like 3-5 years unless you see any of the below signs. Learn more about why timely fridge seal replacements matter.
Common signs a seal needs replacing include:
- Visible cracks or stiffness
- The refrigerator door not sealing properly
- Cold air leaking
- Increased energy bills
Using high-quality replacement seals can significantly enhance fridge performance. We offer both bespoke fridge seals and branded seals from leading brands such as Williams and Foster, ensuring the best fit for your appliance.
To help identify the right seal for your fridge, watch our seal identification video.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your fridge door seals clean is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining your appliance’s performance. Regular cleaning prevents mould, bacteria, and grime buildup, ensuring a tight seal that helps maintain consistent cooling and reduces energy waste. A clean seal also extends its lifespan, preventing premature wear and the need for frequent replacements.
Alongside regular cleaning, it’s important to check your seals for signs of damage. If you notice cracks, stiffness, or gaps, it may be time for a replacement to avoid higher energy bills and potential food spoilage.
Explore our high-quality replacement fridge seals, or get in touch with our experts for help and advice.