Breaking the seal of the fridge compartment is a problem that cannot be ignored. If you notice that a icehas formed on the walls inside, and the motor runs almost without interruption, it means that air penetrates freely inside. Most often, the culprit is worn out seal. In models Ariston, as in most modern refrigerators, the elastic band is glued or inserted into a special groove, and over time it loses its elasticity.
Timely replacement of the seal will restore normal temperature conditions and reduce electricity consumption. If the seal is simply dirty or slightly deformed, you can try to wash it and straighten it, but if there are cracks and creases, only a complete replacement will help. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step replacement process so that you can do the job yourself and efficiently.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the seal, and not in the incorrect installation of the refrigerator itself or a malfunction of the thermostat. Visual inspection is the first stage of diagnosis. Carefully examine rubber contour along the entire perimeter of the door. Look for visible damage: cracks, tears, areas where the rubber has become hard and crumbling.
Deformation can often be seen with the naked eye, but there is a simple and effective method for checking the tightness of the seal using a sheet of paper. Take a regular A4 sheet or even a banknote. Clamp it between the door and the body of the refrigerator in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out easily, without resistance, it means that the tightness at this point is broken.
It is also worth paying attention to the external condition of the door. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may warp, causing one side of the seal to fit tightly and the other to move away. Therefore, before purchasing a new part, make sure that hinges are in working order, and that the unit itself is installed strictly vertically. If a visual inspection has confirmed wear, it is necessary to select a suitable replacement.
Choosing a suitable seal for Ariston
The spare parts market offers many options, but for refrigerators Ariston (which are often rebranded models Indesit or are produced in common factories) it is important to find an exact match. Universal rubbers that need to be trimmed are not always suitable and may not provide adequate tightness in the corners. It is best to look for an original article or a high-quality analogue, designed specifically for your series.
You can find the spare part number in the technical documentation or on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment. Manufacturers often use a single coding system for different models. If you cannot find the original, you can consider magnetic seals that are attached to the groove, but their installation requires more care. When ordering, pay attention to the cross-section profile - it can be different even for refrigerators of the same brand.
| Type of seal | Mode of fastening | Difficulty of installation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (insert) | Into the groove (groove) | Medium | Perfect fit, long service life |
| Universal (glued) | On glue/adhesive tape | Low | Requires careful surface preparation |
| Magnetic profile | In a groove or glued | High | Suitable for older models without a groove |
| Restored | Depends on the base | Low | Temporary solution, risk of re-deformation |
Can I use a seal from another brand?
Yes, if the profile sections and lengths are the same. Often rubber bands from Indesit fit Ariston, since these are products of the same concern. However, it is better to double-check the length of the sides before purchasing.
Necessary tools and preparation
Replacing the seal is a process that does not require complex power tools, but does require accuracy and the availability of certain devices. You don't need to disassemble the entire refrigerator, just remove the door or gain access to the end. For work, prepare a flat-head screwdriver, a hair dryer (construction or household), a screwdriver (if you need to remove the door) and rags.
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the surface. Old grease, dust and adhesive residue can prevent the new seal from sitting in place. Also stock up on degreaser or alcohol. If you plan to remove the door, call an assistant - refrigerator doors are heavy and bulky, they are easy to drop or damage the floor.
☑️ Preparing for replacement
It is important to ensure good lighting of the workplace. You will have to watch carefully how the rubber fits into the groove, and in poor light you may miss the area where the seal has popped out of the groove. Warm up the new rubber band in advance if it has been stored in the cold - this will restore its elasticity and make installation easier.
Removing the old sealing rubber band
The process of removing the old seal depends on the type of its fastening. Most models Ariston use the method of insertion into a groove (groove) or fastening through a plastic insert, which, in turn, is screwed with self-tapping screws around the perimeter of the door. In the first case, the task is simplified, in the second it takes more time.
If the seal is inserted into the groove, start from one of the upper corners. Carefully bend the edge of the rubber and, using a flat-head screwdriver to help you (be careful not to scratch the plastic or metal), pull the seal out of the groove. Move gradually, 10-15 centimeters at a time, without jerking sharply, so as not to stretch the rubber and deform the door itself.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is glued or attached with rivets, do not try to tear it off by force. In the case of rivets, they will have to be carefully drilled or cut off, maintaining the integrity of the door.
After removing the rubber, thoroughly clean the groove or surface of the door. Use an old toothbrush and soapy water to scrub out any dirt from the corners. Then wipe the surface with alcohol or degreaser. This is a critically important stage: any grain of sand remaining in the groove will cause the new seal to lie unevenly and allow air to pass through.
Technology for installing a new seal
Installing a new seal is the most critical stage. It is best to start from the top corner of the door. If your model has Ariston the seal is inserted into the groove, insert the corner first, then distribute the rubber evenly on the sides. Do not pull it too tightly; it should fit into the groove loosely but tightly.
When moving around the perimeter, use a blunt object with a wide working surface (for example, a screwdriver handle wrapped in fabric, or a special assembly spatula) to push the side of the seal deep into the groove. Move in small sections, constantly checking whether the already installed part has not jumped out.
If the seal is attached with self-tapping screws through a plastic insert, first fix the corners, then the middle parts of the sides, and only then tighten the remaining fasteners. Even distribution of tension will prevent distortions. After installation, walk around the entire perimeter again, checking the tightness of the profile.
Finishing and checking for tightness
After the new seal is installed, it may look a little unnatural or have wrinkles from the packaging. Use a hair dryer to straighten the rubber. Heat the problem areas with warm (not hot!) air and immediately press them with your fingers, giving them the desired shape. This will help the rubber “remember” the correct position.
Close the refrigerator door and let the seal sit closed for at least 2-3 hours, or better yet, leave it overnight. During this time, the rubber will finally straighten out and take its working position. After this, repeat the test with the sheet of paper that was used for diagnosis.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that after installing the seal, the door closes until the magnets click without excessive force. If the door begins to close tightly, the seal may not fit correctly or the profile chosen is too thick.
Check the operation of the refrigerator during the first 24 hours. The motor should turn on less often, and excess moisture should not appear on the walls. If you followed all the steps correctly, the seal will be completely restored, and your Ariston will work efficiently again.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after replacement?
Try to slightly loosen the seal in the problem area or warm this area again with a hairdryer and press. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the door hinges.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to change the seal on the refrigerator?
The service life of the seal is on average 5-7 years, but this depends on operating conditions. If you often open the door, use aggressive cleaning chemicals, or keep the refrigerator in a high-temperature kitchen, the rubber may dry out and crack earlier. Check its condition regularly.
Is it possible to restore the old seal instead of replacing it?
Temporary restoration is possible if the rubber is intact, but deformed. It can be removed, soaked in hot water to soften, and then put back, straightening out the creases. However, if there are cracks or the rubber has become hard (“oaky”), replacement is inevitable, since the tightness cannot be restored.
Why did the smell of rubber appear after replacement?
The new seal may have a specific smell of technical rubber, which is especially noticeable in the first days of operation. This is fine. It is recommended to wash the new rubber thoroughly with warm water and soap before installation and to ventilate the kitchen more often. The smell should disappear within 3-5 days.
Is it necessary to lubricate the new seal?
It is not recommended to lubricate the inside of the groove or the rubber itself with oil or grease, as this can lead to slippage and loss of tightness. However, to extend the service life and maintain elasticity, you can periodically (every six months) wipe the rubber band with a special silicone grease or glycerin.