When your refrigerator gasket becomes worn, the refrigerator will not close properly.

If your refrigerator is an older model and the gasket is ready to fall off from being torn and has mildew, here is a simple way to fix it. You can do this yourself very easily.

A leaking door gasket will cause frost to collect on the evaporator plate, and extend refrigerator running time. On refrigerator doors that latch, test the gasket by placing a dollar bill between the gasket and the doorjamb and pulling on it. On refrigerator doors that latch magnetically, look at the gasket to be sure it touches the doorjamb at all points around the door.

If a leak is apparent, first check the door for warping. If the door is warped, it is probably causing the leak. If there is no warp, replace the gasket.

When installing a new gasket, push the gasket bead under the gasket retainer with your fingers. Refrigerator doors tend to warp when the gasket retainer screws are loosened. To correct this, realign the door by hand after installing the new gasket. To straighten a warped door, pull at the bottom and push at the top, or pushing at the bottom and pulling at the top should fix this problem. Close the door to check the alignment. Repeat as often as necessary, then tighten the gasket screws.

To remove the gasket, loosen all retainer screws and pull it out from behind the gasket retainer. Do not remove all the screws. If the new gasket is crimped from being packaged, place it in warm water until it regains it's original shape. It should lie flat around the door when applied and tightened. If it doesn't, remove the gasket and start over. Gaskets are inexpensive and it's a good idea to check your refrigerator gasket after several years of ownership. If it is cracked, gets mildew constantly, replace it.