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Energy Saver: Refrigerator & Freezer Door Seal
(continued ...) shipping package. You want to remove any bends before starting. Fill your bathtub with about 4 inches (10 cm) of very warm water 130 F (54 C). Add about 0.5 ounce (15 ml) of common household liquid bleach to the water to sanitize the seal while it is straightening. Unfold and lay the seal into the water. Weight it down gently if you have to so that the entire seal is under water.
While that is working, remove the old seal. There are many methods of attachment. A common method is concealed screws. Gently pull the old seal fully out and check for a lip edge. Lift the lip and search for screws. Sometimes the screws are simply straight through the seal base which may have a metal strip or the screws may also hold in a door panel. Other attachment methods are a rail system, a track system or a groove system. With some close inspection, you should be able to identify the mounting method. Remove the old seal without damaging the mounting hardware or base.
Clean the refrigerator door frame and jamb with a 5% bleach solution. Rinse with clear water. Are there any stubborn stains? Use an old tooth brush to get into the grooves. Use abrasive pads gently and only if necessary. You want the mounting surface to be pristine, smooth, clean and even. Avoid removing the baked on painted surface.
By now, the new refrigerator door seal you left in the bath tub should be thoroughly warm and sanitized. Let the water out of the tub and rinse the new seal three times with fresh warm water. Carefully straighten any kinks and dry ...