Refrigerators Ariston i Hotpoint are deservedly considered reliable equipment that can work for years without failures. However, even the highest quality units are subject to natural wear and tear of parts, and one of the first to fail is the rubber seal. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, and condensation or ice has appeared on the walls of the chamber, then you cannot ignore these signs.
The loss of the tightness of the circuit leads to the fact that the compressor is forced to work in increased mode, trying to maintain the set temperature. This not only increases energy bills, but also reduces engine life. Replacing the seal on the refrigerator Ariston Hotpoint is a procedure that can be done independently if you have the necessary tools and a clear action plan at hand.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, choosing the appropriate tape model and its installation. You will learn how to properly prepare the surface, what nuances exist when installing on different types of fasteners, and how to avoid common mistakes. Restoring the seal will return your refrigerator to factory efficiency and extend its service life.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing tape
Before you go to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the seal. Users often confuse rubber wear with a skewed door or faulty hinges. Visual inspection is the first stage of diagnosis, which allows you to identify obvious defects: cracks, tears, abrasions or areas where the rubber has become hard and brittle.
Particular attention should be paid to the corners of the door, since this is where deformation of the material most often occurs. If the rubber feels “oaky” to the touch and does not spring back when pressed, it means that it has lost its elastic properties. In this state, it cannot fit tightly to the metal body, allowing warm air to pass inside the chamber.
For a more accurate leak test, you can use a simple but effective method with a sheet of paper. Take a regular A4 sheet, open the door slightly and place the paper between the seal and the body of the refrigerator so that part of the sheet hangs out. Close the door and try to pull out the sheet.
If the paper is removed with noticeable force and friction is felt along the entire length of the contact, then the seal in this area is working properly. If the sheet slides freely or falls out on its own, then the fit is broken. Carry out this test along the entire perimeter of the door, moving in 10-15 centimeter increments to find all problem areas.
⚠️ Attention: If leaks are found in only one place (for example, at the bottom or top), the problem may not be in the rubber itself, but in the misalignment of the door. In this case, first try adjusting the position of the door using the screws on the hinges before changing the seal.
Choosing the appropriate seal model
The correct selection of components is the key to a successful repair. Seals for refrigerators Ariston and Hotpoint may differ in size, cross-sectional profile and method of fastening. Using the wrong tape will result in the door being difficult to close or, conversely, remaining leaky. The main parameter is compatibility with a specific series of refrigerator.
You can find the exact model using the technical data sheet of the device or by markings on the nameplate, which is usually located inside the chamber or on the back wall. It is also important to pay attention to the profile of the magnetic insert: it should be strong enough to hold the door, but not too rigid so as to interfere with opening.
Modern seals are often made from environmentally friendly materials that do not contain harmful phthalates. When choosing between an original spare part and a high-quality analogue, the original is worth it, since its geometry ideally matches factory standards. However, proven analogues from well-known manufacturers of rubber products can also be an excellent solution.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the main characteristics of seals for various series:
| Refrigerator series | Mounting type | Profile features | Recommended material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston E series | In the groove (dovetail profile) | Single chamber, soft | Thermoplastic rubber |
| Hotpoint-Ariston QS | On self-tapping screws (internal collar) | Double-chamber, reinforced magnet | Siliconized rubber |
| Models with No Frost | Combined | Special bend for airflow | Frost-resistant rubber |
| Built-in models | In the groove | Reduced profile height | EPDM rubber |
Required tools and preparation
To carry out a high-quality replacement of the rubber seal, you will need a minimum set of tools. Prepare them in advance so as not to interrupt the work process. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the types of screws may differ.
You will also need a hair dryer (it is not recommended to use a construction hair dryer, so as not to melt the plastic), a microfiber cloth and a degreaser. If you plan to install the seal with glue (which is rare, but possible when repairing older models), you will need a tube of special sealant.
☑️ Tools for replacing the rubber band
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. You will have to carefully inspect the corners and joints where remnants of old glue or rust may be hiding. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to have free access to the doors from all sides.
Do not forget to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting work. Although replacing rubber bands does not require access to electrical components, safety when working with appliances should be a priority. Give the unit a little time to warm up if it has just been working so that the plastic becomes more pliable.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber band depends on the type of fastening installed on your model Ariston or Hotpoint. In most modern models, the seal is inserted into a special groove on the plastic door panel. Start from one of the top corners: carefully bend the edge of the elastic and pull it towards you.
If the seal is held on by self-tapping screws that are hidden under the inner edge, you will need to remove the decorative panel or carefully bend the rubber bead. Be careful not to damage the door plastic. Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter, remembering their location, since the length of the fasteners may differ in different areas.
After releasing the fasteners, evenly pull the tape out of the groove. Do not pull sharply so as not to tear the rubber and leave fragments of old material inside the channel. If the seal is stuck or dirty, use a plastic spatula to carefully pry it off.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the seal, be careful about the wires if they go to the door (for example, for a display or lamp). Although they are not usually associated with rubber, careless movement can damage communications.
Cleaning and preparing the seat
After dismantling the old tape, traces of glue, dirt, grease or metal oxides often remain at the installation site. The quality of fit of the new seal directly depends on the cleanliness of the surface. Thoroughly wipe the entire channel or collar with a damp cloth, removing all visible dirt.
For degreasing, use a weak alcohol solution or a special product for cleaning refrigerators. Avoid harsh solvents such as acetone or gasoline, as they may damage the door's plastic coating or paint. Allow the surface to dry completely before installing the new part.
Inspect the channel itself for damage. If the plastic is cracked or warped, the new seal may not hold up. In such cases, additional repairs to the plastic panel or the use of adhesive-sealant to fix the tape in problem areas may be required.
Installing a new seal
Installing a new rubber band is the most critical step. Before installation, it is recommended to warm up the new seal with a hairdryer at moderate temperature. This will make the material more elastic and allow it to expand more easily into the correct shape. This is especially true if the tape has been lying rolled up for a long time.
Start installation from the top corner. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or apply it to the collar and press it evenly around the perimeter. Move from the corner to the center, then to the bottom corner, and so on in a circle. It is important not to stretch the rubber, but to lay it loosely, otherwise folds will form in the corners.
If the model provides for fastening with self-tapping screws, screw them in immediately after installing the section of the tape, but do not tighten it all the way until you go through the entire perimeter. Make sure that the magnetic insert lies flat and is not turned inside out.
What to do if the seal does not fit into the groove?
If the profile does not match, try slightly cutting the inner corner of the rubber with scissors at an angle of 45 degrees. This will make it easier to insert the tape into the channel. You can also use a blunt object (such as the handle of a screwdriver) to push the rubber deeper, but do this carefully so as not to damage the material.
After complete installation, check for uniform fit around the entire perimeter. Run your hand along the joint - there should be no bumps, gaps or sudden changes in height. If you used glue, let it dry completely according to the instructions on the tube before turning on the refrigerator.
Final check and adjustment
After installing the new seal, you need to check the quality of the work done. Again use the paper sheet method described at the beginning of the article. Now the sheet should be pulled out with the same force along the entire perimeter of the door.
Visually inspect the joint of the closed door: the gap should be minimal and uniform. Light from the room should not penetrate into the refrigerator compartment if you turn off the light and open the door to the minimum gap.
Turn on the refrigerator and leave it to work for several hours without loading food. This will allow you to check how tightly the temperature is maintained and whether excess condensation is forming. If everything is in order, you can safely return the products to the shelves.
How often do you need to change the seal on the refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, with intensive use, frequent door openings or exposure to direct sunlight, replacement may be required sooner. Carry out leak testing regularly.
Is it possible to glue the old seal if it has come off?
If the rubber is intact and elastic, but has simply come off in one place, you can try gluing it with special glue for rubber or using superglue with caution. However, this is a temporary measure: over time, the glue will lose its properties and the tape will come off again. It is better to replace the entire part.
Why does the new seal smell?
The smell of new rubber is normal. It is determined by the materials from which the tape is made. Usually the smell disappears within 2-3 days after installation. To speed up the process, you can wipe the seal with a solution of citric acid or soda.
Do you need to lubricate the new seal?
Lubricating the new seal with silicone grease is not necessary, but it is useful. This will extend its service life, maintain elasticity and prevent drying out. Lubricate the rubber 1-2 times a year.