During the operation of household appliances, owners are often faced with the need to maintain the sealing tape. Refrigerators of the brand Ariston, like many other models, are equipped with magnetic cuffs, which over time can become dirty or lose their properties. Understanding how to properly dismantle this element is the first step to quality cleaning or replacement of the part.
Many users mistakenly believe that the elastic is glued or requires a complex tool for removal. In fact, the design of most units involves a removable fastening mechanism. This is done for ease of maintenance, however, inept actions can lead to deformation of the seal itself or damage to the plastic door profile.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely disconnect the seal. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of fasteners and get answers to frequently asked questions that arise during independent repairs.
Design features of Ariston seals
Before taking active steps, you need to understand the structure of the doorway of your refrigerator. Sealing rubber in technology Ariston usually attached around the perimeter of the door. There are two main methods of fixation, on which further work tactics depend. Most modern models use a so-called “dovetail” or clamping profile, which is inserted into a groove in the metal or plastic door body.
Older models may have a screw fastening. In this case, the elastic band is pressed with a special strip, which is fixed with self-tapping screws. You can determine the type of fastening visually by examining the inner edge of the door. If you see a row of screws under the rubber, you will need a screwdriver. If the surface is smooth, then a clamp type is used and there are no screws.
It is important to understand that the material of the seal is porous rubber with a magnetic liner inside. Magnetic tape It ensures a tight fit, but it also makes the rubber heavy and prone to stretching if not handled carefully. When dismantling, do not pull at one corner, as this will disrupt the geometry of the product.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will prevent accidental activation of the compressor or lighting when opening the doors and will ensure your safety.
Why do seals fail?
The main reason is the loss of elasticity of the rubber and contamination of the folds with grease, which impairs the seal of the chamber.
Necessary tools and preparation
A complex professional tool is not required to successfully complete the task. However, having the right tools will greatly simplify the process and reduce the risk of equipment damage. A basic home craftsman's kit includes several essential items that can be found in every household.
You will need a flat-head screwdriver, but not a metal one, but preferably one with a dielectric coating or a plastic spatula. A metal tool can scratch the glossy surface of the door or tear the rubber itself. Also prepare a clean rag and a container with warm water for washing the removed part.
- 🧤 Gloves - to protect your hands from dust and old grease.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for better illumination of the fastening area.
- 🧼 Soap solution - for pre-treatment contaminants.
If you plan not just to clean, but to replace the seal, make sure that the new part fully matches the model of your refrigerator Ariston. Seals of different series may differ in profile, and even a slight difference in millimeters will lead to a loose fit.
Removing the screw fastening
If upon inspection you find that the sealing tape is pressed against a metal strip using screws, the removal procedure will look like this. First you need to find all the attachment points. They are usually located at the corners and in the middle of each side of the door leaf.
Use a suitable screwdriver (usually a Phillips or flathead screwdriver, depending on the screw head) to unscrew the fasteners. Keep screws in a separate container to prevent them from getting lost. After all the screws are unscrewed, carefully bend the metal strip and remove the edge of the rubber.
Next, you need to sequentially pull the seal out of the groove, moving around the perimeter. Do not make sudden jerks. If the rubber is stuck or very dirty, you can slightly warm it with a hairdryer to make it softer. Thermal effects makes it easier for the material to slide.
☑️ Check before removal
After complete removal, inspect the metal strip. If there are signs of corrosion or deformation on it, they must be eliminated before installing a new rubber band. Otherwise, the new seal will not hold securely.
Removing a clamp-type seal
The more common option in refrigerators Ariston is a clamping profile without screws. In this case, the edge of the rubber is simply inserted into a special groove at the end of the door. To dismantle, you need to pry the edge of the seal in the corner of the door. It is best to do this in the upper corner, as it is more convenient to start moving from there.
Gently pull the rubber apron towards you and to the side. You should feel the profile come out of the groove. After the corner is freed, grab the tape with your hand and smoothly pull it along the door, gradually releasing it from the channel. The movement should be continuous, but not too fast.
Sometimes the seal can fit very tightly. In such cases, you can use a plastic card or a special puller to slightly widen the groove and make it easier for the rubber to come out. The main thing is not to damage the internal plastic frame of the door, since its restoration will be difficult.
- 🔍 Inspect the groove for the presence of old rubber residues.
- 🧽 Wipe the channel with a damp cloth before installation.
- 🌡️ If there is a strong crease, use a hair dryer to softening.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, awls) to pry off the seal. There is a high risk of cutting through the rubber or leaving deep scratches on the body.
Cleaning and restoring the seal
Often, removing the rubber is required not for replacement, but for deep cleaning. Over time, mold, grease and food debris accumulate in the folds of the seal, which cannot be washed out while the tape is in place. After dismantling, soak the rubber part in a warm soapy solution for 15-20 minutes.
For cleaning, use a soft sponge or toothbrush. Carefully go through all the folds of the accordion. If you notice black spots of mold, treat these areas with a soda solution or a special antibacterial agent for household appliances. Aggressive chemistry can corrode rubber, so avoid using chlorine-containing bleaches in its pure form.
If the seal is deformed and lost its shape, you can try to restore it. To do this, place it in hot water (not boiling water, about 60-70 degrees) for a few minutes. Warm water will restore elasticity to the rubber. After this, straighten the tape and let it dry in the straightened state.
After complete cleaning and drying (the rubber must be completely dry before installation!), you can begin installation. Make sure that there is no moisture on the surface of the door and in the groove.
Installation and checking for tightness
Installation of the removed or new rubber band is carried out in the reverse order. If you have a screw fastening, insert one edge first, then straighten the tape around the perimeter and press with a bar. Tighten the screws evenly without fully tightening them all at once. Go around the entire perimeter, then finally tighten the fasteners.
For the clamping type, simply insert the edge of the rubber into the groove in the upper corner and begin to press the profile in the direction of movement. Use your thumb or a blunt object with a wide working surface to push the rubber firmly into the channel. Move in a circle until you reach the starting point.
After installation, you need to check the quality of work. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but not too tightly. To check for leaks, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door so that half hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet.
| Check parameter | Normal | Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Clamping force | The sheet is pulled out with force | The sheet falls out or stretches freely |
| Gaps | Absent around the entire perimeter | Gaps of light are visible |
| Closing tightness | Door itself is brought to a click | The door bounces back |
| Appearance | The rubber lies flat in the groove | There are swellings or waves |
If a sheet of paper can be removed easily, it means The seal is broken in this area. Perhaps the rubber did not fit into its groove or was deformed during installation. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, paying attention to the problem area.
Typical mistakes during dismantling
Beginners often make mistakes that lead to damage to the seal. The most common of them is an attempt to remove the rubber by pulling one corner with great force. This leads to stretching of the material, and after installation it will no longer fit tightly, forming cracks.
Another mistake is ignoring the temperature. If you remove the rubber in a cold room or the seal itself is cold, it becomes hard and brittle. Under such conditions, the risk of rupture increases significantly. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature before starting work.
Also, do not forget about cleanliness. Installing dirty or wet rubber in place will lead to the rapid growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Hygiene in this matter plays a key role for the durability of the part.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the door plastic into which the rubber is inserted is cracked, simply replacing the seal will not help. The door itself will need to be repaired or replaced, since it will not be possible to ensure tightness.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old rubber band if it torn?
Unfortunately, if the seal is torn or cut, it is almost impossible to glue it together efficiently. The glue will break the elasticity, and air will still pass through the gluing area. In such cases, a complete replacement of the part with a new one is required.
How often do you need to change the seal on an Ariston refrigerator?
The service life of the seal depends on operating conditions. On average, high-quality tires last 5-7 years. However, if you notice that the refrigerator begins to turn on more often or ice freezes, you should check the tightness annually.
Where can I find the original seal for my model?
Original spare parts can be ordered at authorized service centers Ariston or from official dealers. To order, you will need the exact model of the refrigerator indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after installation?
The new seal always has a tighter clamp and the magnet holds the metal stronger. This is fine. Within 2-3 days, the rubber will “develop” a little and take its final shape, after which the closing force will decrease.