The situation when the refrigerator door Ariston stops closing tightly is familiar to many owners of this equipment. This immediately catches your eye: a puddle appears on the floor, food begins to spoil faster than usual, and the compressor works almost without interruption. It is sealing rubber responsible for the tightness of the chamber, keeping the cold inside and keeping heat out from the outside.
If you notice that the magnetic circuit has become deformed, cracked or simply lost its elasticity, do not put off solving the problem. Replacing this element is a procedure that can be done independently without calling a technician. In this article, we will analyze the process in detail, supporting the theory with visual examples, so that you can confidently cope with the task.
It is important to understand that timely replacement of the seal will not only save your products, but will also significantly reduce energy consumption. The engine will not work for wear, trying to compensate for the cold leak. Let's figure out how to correctly select and install a new part.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal and the need for replacement
Before running to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the rubber. Sometimes it looks like it's worn out, but in reality it just needs a simple adjustment or cleaning. First, conduct a visual inspection around the entire perimeter of the door. Look for visible tears, deep cracks, or areas where the material has become hard and brittle.
There is a simple and reliable method for checking leaks that service engineers often use. Take a regular A4 sheet of paper or a banknote. Pinch it with the refrigerator door so that part of the sheet hangs out. Now try to pull out the paper.
- 📄 If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, the seal is in order, the problem may be somewhere else.
- 📄 If the paper falls out on its own or is pulled out too easily, the tightness is broken.
- 📄 Check all areas accordingly the perimeter, especially in the corners and in the middle of the long sides.
Also pay attention to the formation of ice. If you see that in one specific place on the back wall or on the floor of the chamber a “coat” of ice is growing, this is a sure sign of warm air being sucked in in this particular area. Deformation of the seal Often occurs unevenly due to frequent opening of the door or mechanical damage.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is simply contaminated with grease or sticky food debris, it does not have to be changed immediately. Wash it thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent. Often, after cleaning and treatment with glycerin, the elasticity returns, and there is no need to purchase a new part.
In some cases, the elastic may come off due to loosening of fasteners or displacement of the door itself. Before purchasing a new part, make sure that the hinges are not sagging. If the door is skewed, even a new seal will not provide a perfect fit.
Choosing a suitable seal for Ariston models
Refrigerators Ariston (often produced at Indesit facilities) have various modifications, and there are no universal rubber bands. Buying a seal that is not suitable in size or profile will result in the door being difficult to close or, conversely, leaving a gap. First of all, you need to know the exact model of your unit.
The technical sticker is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the back of the unit. Write down the full model index. When ordering, pay attention to the fastening method, as it may differ even within the same brand.
- 🔧 Fastening with screws: The elastic is screwed on with screws around the entire perimeter. This is the most common option for modern models.
- 🔧 Mounting in a groove (by bend): The seal has a special protrusion that is inserted into the groove on the door. Often requires careful installation without the use of glue.
- 🔧 Combined type: It is less common, it combines elements of both previous types.
When choosing between an original spare part and a high-quality analogue, many lean towards the latter because of the price. However, the original seal Ariston guarantees a perfect match of the corner geometry. Analogues may be stiffer or have a slightly different profile of the magnetic insert, which will complicate installation.
Pay attention to the material. A good seal should be made of microporous rubber, which quickly restores its shape after compression. Cheap analogues can have a strong chemical smell and quickly harden in the cold.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Replacing the seal is not a difficult operation, but it requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. You shouldn’t start work “at once”; it’s better to prepare everything you need in advance so as not to be interrupted in the process. This will take no more than 5-10 minutes, but will save you nerves.
You will need a flat surface next to the refrigerator. Cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard as parts may fall. Also provide good lighting to see small fasteners and the profile of the groove.
☑️ Tools for replacement
Special attention should be paid to the hair dryer. It is needed not only to heat up the new rubber so that it sits evenly, but also to straighten creases that could have formed during transportation of the new part. Construction hair dryer You need to use it extremely carefully so as not to melt the plastic of the door, it is better to use a household one at medium temperature.
If your seal is attached to screws, make sure you have the correct bit. Sometimes the screws can be covered with factory varnish or rust, so it is worth having a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) on hand, although it is rarely used in refrigerators due to contact with food.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp knives or blades to trim the seal by eye. This will disrupt the fit geometry and lead to air whistling. If the elastic is longer, it needs to be placed correctly in the corners, and not cut off the excess.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on the type of fastening. In most cases with refrigerators Ariston you will come across a self-tapping option. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule for any repair of household appliances.
Open the door and carefully inspect the inside of the perimeter. You will see a row of screws hidden under the flap of the elastic. Carefully bend the seal to the side to gain access to the fastener caps.
Sequence of actions for dismantling:1. Bend the edge of the seal.
2. Unscrew all visible screws.
3. Remove the decorative strip (if any).
4. Remove the old seal from the groove.
If the seal is inserted into the groove without screws, the process looks different. You need to find the beginning of the fastener, usually in the top corner, and gently pull on the edge while using a flat-head screwdriver or plastic putty knife to free the profile from the groove. Movements should be smooth, without jerking, so as not to damage the plastic of the door.
After removing the old rubber band, thoroughly clean the surface of the door. Grease, mold, or old glue residue could have accumulated there. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Degreasing surfaces are a critical step for a good installation of a new element.
Check the condition of the groove itself or the screw holes. If the plastic is cracked, the new seal may not hold well. In places of cracks, you can carefully drop a little superglue (only into the plastic crack itself, not onto the rubber!) to strengthen the structure.
What to do if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
If you encounter oxidized threads, do not try to unscrew the screw by force - you may tear off the splines or break the plastic of the door. Place some sewing machine oil or penetrating lubricant directly onto the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Then try to gently heat the screw head with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic around it) and try to unscrew it again. If the head comes off, use pliers while holding the screw itself, or drill it out carefully.
Installing a new seal: installation and alignment
The most critical stage is installing a new part. New elastic is often stiff and may have creases from packaging. To make it easier to sit in place, it is recommended to preheat it. Immerse the new seal in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for 10-15 minutes or heat it with a hairdryer along the entire length.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. If you have a model with screws, insert the edge of the elastic into the corner and tighten the first screw, but do not tighten it all the way. Then move around the perimeter, fixing the elastic every 10-15 cm.
| Type of fastening | Start of installation | Tightening features | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| On self-tapping screws | Upper corner | First tighten everything, then tighten | Phillips screwdriver |
| Into the groove (by bending) | Upper loop | Press with a finger or a blunt object | Plastic spatula |
| Glue (rarely) | From the middle side | Requires fixation until drying | Clamps |
When installing in a groove, it is important not to stretch the rubber. Move from corner to corner, pressing the profile tightly. Corners are the most difficult place. There, the elastic must be carefully straightened, forming an even joint. If a wave forms, it means that, on the contrary, there is a lot of elastic, and you do not need to pull it, but perhaps trim the inner side a little (only experimentally and very carefully).
After the entire perimeter is secured, check the tension again. The door should close with a characteristic pop, but not require force that could damage the hinges. If the door begins to close too tightly, the seal may not fit into its groove or is twisted.
Checking the quality of work and eliminating defects
After installing the new seal, it is necessary to carry out a final check. Do not immediately load the refrigerator with food. Let the equipment run idle for at least a couple of hours to make sure it works correctly.
Repeat the test with a sheet of paper that we described at the beginning of the article. Walk around the entire perimeter. Now the sheet should be clamped evenly and with force. If the paper slips in some place, it means that a gap has formed there.
Frequent problems and their solutions:
- 🔍 The door does not close all the way: Most likely, the seal has become “humped” or twisted in the channel. We need to go through this area.
- 🔍 You can hear air whistling: There is a micro gap left somewhere. Try heating it locally with a hair dryer and pressing.
- 🔍 The door has become too heavy: Check whether the edge of the elastic band protrudes outward, interfering with closure. The profile may be too thick.
Pay attention to the magnetic tape inside the seal. It should fit snugly against the metal of the case along its entire length. If the magnet is weak or intermittent, tightness cannot be achieved.
⚠️ Attention: In the first days after replacement, the seal may emit a slight specific smell of new rubber. This is fine. Ventilate the room and the smell will disappear in 2-3 days. If the smell is pungent and chemical, the material may be of poor quality.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can it be restored old seal, if it has simply lost its shape?
Yes, if the rubber is not cracked or torn, you can try to revive it. Remove the seal, soak in hot water (not boiling water) for 15-20 minutes, then straighten it and put it back. Treatment with glycerin or silicone grease also helps, which restores elasticity.
How often do you need to change the seal on an Ariston refrigerator?
The service life of a high-quality seal is on average 5-7 years. However, with active use, frequent contamination with aggressive substances or mechanical damage, replacement may need to be made earlier - after 3-4 years.
Why does ice freeze in the lower part after replacing the seal?
This may indicate that the seal does not fit tightly at the bottom, or the outflow of water from the drainage hole, which is often located next to the area, is disrupted seals. Check whether the new rubber band has blocked the drainage hole, and make sure that the lower corner is sealed.
Where can you find the seal number if the sticker on the refrigerator has worn off?
If the sticker is unreadable, the model number is often duplicated in the technical data sheet of the device. You can also find the markings on the oldest seal (usually stamped on the inside of the rubber) or contact the service center, stating the approximate year of manufacture and dimensions of the refrigerator.