The appearance of condensation on the internal walls or on the floor around the refrigerator often signals that sealing rubber has ceased to perform its function. Owners of equipment Ariston (now produced under the Indesit brand, but retaining the design) are often faced with the need to replace this element, since over time the rubber profile loses its elasticity, cracks or deforms. Replacing the rubber yourself is a real opportunity to save on calling a technician, since the process does not require complex tools and special engineering skills.
Restoring the tightness of the chamber is not just aesthetics, it is a critical point for the energy efficiency of your device. If the door does not fit tightly, the compressor is forced to work in increased mode, trying to maintain the set temperature, which leads to excessive energy consumption and accelerated wear of the motor. In this article, we will look at how to choose the right part, dismantle the old seal and install a new one so that your refrigerator can work silently and efficiently again.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the rubber, and not in the skew of the door or contamination of the seat. Sometimes it is enough just to thoroughly wash the groove and the elastic itself to return it to its original shape, but if the material is cracked or “dull” over time, then replacing the seal is the only right solution. Video instructions often show a quick process, but we will pay attention to the nuances that will help avoid installation errors.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal and checking the tightness
The first step will be a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Run your hand along the entire perimeter of the door: the rubber should be smooth, without cracks, tears or sticky residue. If you find areas where the material has become hard or, conversely, too soft and stretched, this is a direct signal for replacement. Also pay attention to magnetic tape, which is built inside the profile: it should not be felt as separate pieces, but as a continuous line.
There is a simple and reliable way to check the tightness without the use of complex equipment, known as the test with a sheet of paper. Take a regular A4 sheet, place it across the doorway and slam the refrigerator door. Now try to pull out the sheet:
- 📄 If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, it means that the tightness in this place has been maintained.
- 📄 If the sheet falls out on its own or is pulled out with virtually no resistance, the seal does not fit tightly.
- 📄 If in some places the sheet holds, but in others it does not, this indicates local deformation of the rubber.
- 📄 Carry out a test every 10-15 centimeters around the entire perimeter, including corners.
Often the cause of a loose fit is not only the wear of the rubber itself, but also contamination of the landing channel where it is inserted. Grease, crumbs and sticky residue can prevent a good seal. Before purchasing a new part, try thoroughly washing the groove and the rubber itself with warm water and a mild detergent. If after drying the problem does not disappear, you will need dismantling the old seal.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Ariston is under warranty, independently removing seals or tampering with the design may lead to denial of the warranty service. Make sure that the warranty period has expired before starting work.
Choosing a suitable seal for Ariston models
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Ariston it is important to choose a profile that exactly matches the geometry of the door. Seals may differ in the method of fastening (insertion into a groove or screwing), cross-sectional shape and type of magnetic insert. An incorrectly selected part may not fit into the corner or, on the contrary, will be too long, forming folds.
For an accurate selection, you need to know the model of your refrigerator. The model number is usually located on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back of the unit. It is better to look for a spare part by the catalog number, which can be found in the documentation or on specialized websites of spare parts for household appliances. The main parameters that are worth paying attention to:
- 🔍 Type of fastening: most models Ariston have a seal that is inserted into a special groove ("herringbone"), but there are options with screw fastening along the inner perimeter.
- 🔍 Dimensions: the length of the sides of the door can vary, sometimes trimming corners is required during installation.
- 🔍 Material: it is preferable to choose seals made of microporous rubber with antibacterial impregnation, they are more durable and less susceptible to mold formation.
If you can’t find an original spare part; it is permissible to use universal analogues, but their installation will require more time and care. Universal elastic bands are often sold by the meter or in sets with extra length. In this case, it is critical to connect the corners correctly so as not to break the tightness.
Is it possible to use an elastic band from another brand?
Theoretically, if the cross-section profile and fastening method match, installation is possible. However, the geometry of the corners often differs from one manufacturer to another. If you decide to install an analogue, be prepared for the fact that you will have to carefully cut the corners at 45 degrees and use special glue for joining, which is more difficult than installing a standard part.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
Replacing the seal on the refrigerator Ariston with your own hands does not require a professional workbench or complex electrical work. Everything you need can be found in the DIYer's drawer. The main thing is to prepare the workplace: the refrigerator must be stable, and the door must be wide open in order to have access to all sides of the perimeter.
The list of tools is minimal, but every item is important for the quality of the task. It is recommended to place them at hand in advance so as not to interrupt the search process.
| Tool | Purpose | Features of use |
|---|---|---|
| Hair dryer (construction or household) | Heating rubber | Necessary for straightening the creases of the new rubber |
| Screwdriver (phillips/flat) | Removing the old elastic | For bending the edge of the groove or unscrewing the screws |
| Degreaser | Cleaning the surface | Alcohol or a special composition for plastic |
| Scissors or knife | Adjusting the length | For trimming excess in the corners |
Pay special attention to cleanliness. Before installing a new part, be sure to wipe the seat with a degreaser. Residues of grease or old glue may prevent the new profile from fitting tightly. If there are screws on the door that hold the seal, they must be carefully unscrewed, being careful not to damage the plastic.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber band depends on the type of fastening, installed on your model Ariston. Most modern models use a press-fit method, where the edge of the seal (the “tongue”) is inserted into a groove in the plastic base of the door. In older models or specific series, there may be fastening with screws or screws hidden under the internal shelf or decorative strip.
If you have the option with screws, the algorithm is simple: remove the internal shelf or decorative trim, unscrew the fasteners around the perimeter and carefully remove the rubber. Be careful not to drop the screws inside the door frame. If the seal is inserted into the groove, proceed as follows:
- Start from any upper corner of the door.
- Carefully pry the edge of the rubber with a flat screwdriver or just your fingers, trying to pull the “tongue” out of the groove.
- Move along the perimeter, gradually releasing the seal. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the plastic door profile.
- After complete removal, inspect the groove for any remaining adhesive, dirt or deformation of the plastic.
Sometimes old rubber sticks or sticks to the base. In such cases, you can use a hairdryer to slightly warm up the problem areas, making the material softer. However overheat the plastic of the door is not allowed, so as not to deform it. After dismantling, be sure to rinse and degrease the channel where the new part will be inserted.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, proceed carefully. The plastic on old refrigerators Ariston can be brittle. Excessive force with a screwdriver can lead to chips or cracks on the door body, which will then have to be masked.
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
The most critical stage is installation. A new rubber band often arrives curled or wrinkled, so it is recommended to straighten it before installation. Place the seal on a flat surface or hang it vertically. If there are creases, gently heat them with a hairdryer, but do not bring the nozzle too close so as not to melt the material.
Installation begins from the upper corner of the door. Insert one edge of the seal into the groove, making sure the “tab” is securely in place. Move along the top side, then lower down the vertical post. It is important to insert the rubber evenly, without strong tension, but also without sagging. Having reached the bottom corner, cut off the excess, if any, at an angle of 45 degrees for better joining.
After the entire perimeter is filled, you need to warm up the installed seal with a hairdryer. This will make the rubber elastic and help it take the correct shape, fitting tightly to the body. Warm up in small areas, immediately pressing them with your hand or a rag.
If your model provides screw fastening, first fix the corners, then the middle parts of the sides, and only then tighten the remaining screws, moving from the center to the edges. This will avoid distortions. After installation, close the door and let the refrigerator stand closed for several hours (preferably overnight) so that the rubber “settles.”
Checking the result and common mistakes
After installation and cooling (if you used a hair dryer), you need to re-diagnostics. Use the test again with a piece of paper all the way around. The door should close with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force. If you notice gaps, try warming up the problem area with a hairdryer again and pressing it.
Often beginners make mistakes that ruin all the work. One of the most common is insufficient cleaning of the groove before installation. Even small crumbs can create a gap of several millimeters through which the cold will escape. Another mistake is excessive stretching of the rubber during installation. Over time, it tends to return to its original state and simply jumps out of the groove.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of door skew. If you replace the rubber band and the refrigerator still does not keep cold, perhaps the problem is not in the seal, but in the hinges. Check if the door is level. If it is skewed, adjusting the hinges can solve the problem without additional costs.
⚠️ Attention: The design of refrigerators Ariston may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the technical documentation of your specific model if you encounter a non-standard fastening.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long does a new seal last?
The service life of a high-quality seal is on average 5-7 years with proper use. However, this period may be shortened if the refrigerator often overheats, is placed in direct sunlight, or if the rubber is regularly damaged by sharp objects.
Is it possible to glue an old rubber band if it has come off?
The use of glue (for example, "Moment" or special glue for rubber) is only permissible as a temporary measure. The glue makes the rubber hard, and the next time you open the door it may tear. It is better to replace the entire seal, as this guarantees tightness.
Why does new rubber smell?
The smell of new rubber is normal. It is due to the materials from which the seal is made. Over time (usually within 1-2 weeks) the smell disappears. To speed up the process, you can wipe the rubber with a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid.
Does the seal need to be lubricated?
Yes, to extend its service life, it is recommended to wipe the seal with a special silicone grease every 3-6 months. This prevents the rubber from drying out and maintains its elasticity. Do not use vegetable oil or petroleum jelly - they can destroy the structure of the rubber.
What to do if the door begins to close too tightly?
If after replacing the seal the door closes with difficulty, give the rubber time to “develop.” In the first days this is normal. If the problem persists for more than a week, the seal may be incorrectly selected (too thick) or installed askew. Check the installation of the hinges.