If you have a Whirlpool freezer, you know how important it is to keep the door closed and sealed properly. A freezer door that won’t seal can cause several problems, such as:
- Frost build-up inside the freezer, which can reduce the efficiency and performance of the appliance
- Temperature fluctuation inside the freezer, which can affect the quality and safety of your food
- Door switch malfunction, which can prevent the freezer from turning on or off correctly
- Higher energy bills, as the freezer has to work harder to maintain the temperature
So, how can you close a Whirlpool freezer door that won’t seal and what should you check to fix it? In this post, we’ll give you some tips and tricks to help you solve this common issue.
The Whirlpool freezer door won’t seal because of one or more of these reasons: a malfunctioning door gasket seal, a dirty seal, a gasket that needs reattachment, a seal that needs replacement, food packages or bottles blocking the door, an unlevel freezer, or a folded mullion or vertical hinged seal.
How to close a Whirlpool freezer door that won’t seal
To close a Whirlpool freezer door that won’t seal, you’ll need to identify and address the root cause of the problem. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
- Malfunctioning door gasket seal – The door gasket seal is the rubber strip that runs along the edge of the door and creates an airtight seal when the door is closed. If the seal is damaged, torn, or cracked, it can prevent the door from sealing properly. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the seal with a new one. You can order a replacement part from Whirlpool or other online retailers. To replace the seal, you’ll need to remove the old one by pulling it out of the groove on the door. Then, insert the new one into the groove and press it firmly into place. Make sure there are no gaps or wrinkles in the seal.
- Dirty seal – The door gasket seal can also get dirty or sticky over time, which can affect its ability to create a tight seal. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the seal regularly with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap. Wipe down both sides of the seal and rinse with clean water. Dry with a towel and make sure there are no residues left on the seal.
- Gasket needs reattachment – Sometimes, the door gasket seal can come loose from its groove on the door, which can cause it to sag or bulge. To fix this, you’ll need to reattach the seal to its groove by pushing it back into place. You may need to use a hair dryer or a heat gun to soften the seal and make it more flexible. Be careful not to overheat or melt the seal.
- Seal needs replacement – If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to replace the door gasket seal altogether. The seal may be worn out or stretched beyond repair, which can affect its function and appearance. To replace the seal, follow the same steps as above for replacing a malfunctioning seal.
- Food packages or bottles blocking the door – Another common reason why the freezer door won’t seal is that there are food packages or bottles in the way. These items can prevent the door from closing fully and create gaps in the seal. To fix this, rearrange your food items so that they fit more tightly and take up less space. Make sure there are no items sticking out of the shelves or bins that may interfere with the door.
- Unlevel freezer – If your freezer is not level, it can also cause the door not to seal correctly. A level freezer will help with the proper alignment and operation of the door. To fix this, you’ll need to level your freezer from side to side and front to back using a level tool. You may need to adjust the leveling legs or rollers at the bottom of your freezer until it’s level. You may also need to tilt your freezer slightly to access the legs or rollers.
- Folded mullion or vertical hinged seal – On some Whirlpool models, there is a vertically-hinged seal on the left refrigerator door that forms a seal between both doors when they are closed. When you open the left-side door, this hinged seal should automatically fold inward so that it’s out of the way. However, sometimes this hinged seal can fold outward instead, which can prevent both doors from closing properly. To fix this, make sure to fold this hinged seal inward by hand before closing both doors.
FAQs about Whirlpool freezer doors
Here are some of the most common questions that people have about Whirlpool freezer doors:
- How do I know if my freezer door is sealing properly? To check if your freezer door is sealing properly, you can perform a simple test using a dollar bill. Place the bill halfway between the door and the freezer and close the door. Try to pull the bill out. If it slides out easily, the seal is not tight enough. If it’s hard to pull out, the seal is good. Repeat this test on different spots along the door to check for any gaps or leaks.
- How often should I replace my freezer door gasket seal? There is no definitive answer to how often you should replace your freezer door gasket seal, as it depends on how well you maintain it and how often you use it. However, a general rule of thumb is to replace it every five years or sooner if you notice any signs of damage or wear.
- How do I prevent frost build-up in my freezer? To prevent frost build-up in your freezer, you should make sure your freezer door is sealing properly and avoid opening and closing it too frequently. You should also keep your freezer at the recommended temperature setting, which is usually between 0°F and 5°F. You should also defrost your freezer regularly if it’s not a frost-free model. To defrost your freezer, you’ll need to unplug it, empty it of any food or items, and let the ice melt. You can use a scraper or a hair dryer to speed up the process. Once the ice is gone, wipe down the interior with a cloth and water, and dry with a towel. Plug in your freezer and let it cool down before putting your food back in.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool freezer door that won’t seal can cause many problems for your appliance and your food. To fix this issue, you’ll need to identify and address the root cause, which could be one or more of these reasons: a malfunctioning door gasket seal, a dirty seal, a gasket that needs reattachment, a seal that needs replacement, food packages or bottles blocking the door, an unlevel freezer, or a folded mullion or vertical hinged seal. By following these tips and tricks, you can close your Whirlpool freezer door that won’t seal and enjoy your frozen foods without any hassle.
