How to remove the rubber seal from the refrigerator: video + step-by-step instructions

Sealing rubber (or door seal) is a key element of the refrigerator, responsible for chamber tightness. Over time, it wears out: it loses elasticity, becomes moldy, or moves away from the body, allowing warm air to pass through. If you notice that the door does not close tightly and the motor is running non-stop, it’s time to replace or clean the seal. But how to remove it correctly without damaging the plastic or metal of the case?

In this article you will find detailed instructions with videoadapted for different types of fasteners (grooves, glue, screws), as well as tips on choosing a new rubber band. We will analyze the nuances for popular brands - from budget Biryusa and Stinol to premium Liebherr and Bosch. Plus, we’ll tell you how to avoid mistakes that cause the seal to become unusable within a month after installation.

If you need a visual guide, they are collected at the end of the article video instructions with a demonstration of the process on real refrigerators. And for those who prefer text format, we have prepared step-by-step photos with a description of each stage.

Why the seal needs to be removed carefully: risks and consequences

It seems that removing the elastic is a simple task: pry the edge and pull. But this approach is fraught serious problems:

• 🔹 Damage to the plastic case - if the seal is glued, a sharp tearing can tear off pieces of polyurethane foam or plastic along with the elastic band.
• 🔹 Deformation of the metal frame - on old refrigerators (for example, ZIL or Minsk) the seal is attached to a metal sheet that is easy to bend.
• 🔹 Breakage of fasteners —for models with a groove fastening (for example, Samsung RB), the elastic band is fixed with plastic "tongues" that break during careless dismantling.
• 🔹 Garbage getting into the drainage system —if parts of the seal or glue get into the drainage hole, this can cause blockage and leaks.

Another common mistake is use of sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry up the rubber band. This leads to cuts in the material, which will cause the new seal to leak air at the damaged areas. This is especially true for refrigerators with magnetic insert (for example, Liebherr or Gorenje), where the elastic has a complex multi-layer structure.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is under warranty, removing the seal yourself may void the warranty. Check this with the service center manufacturer before starting work.

Types of seal fastenings: how to determine yours

Before removing the rubber band, you need understand how it is fixed. The choice of tools and dismantling technique depends on this. There are 5 main types of fastenings:

To determine the type of fastening, carefully inspect the joint between the seal and the door:

• 🔍 If visible seam or gap it is most likely a groove fastening.
• 🔍 If the elastic is "stuck" to the body and does not come off when pulled - adhesive.
• 🔍 If visible on the inside of the door screw caps - screw.
• 🔍 If the door closes with a characteristic "click" - magnetic.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with display on the door (for example, Samsung Family Hub) the seal is often attached in a combined way. Do not try to remove it by force - first turn off the power and remove the decorative panel!

Preparation for dismantling: tools and safety measures

Before removing elastic band prepare the workplace and tools. This will speed up the process and help avoid damage.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for groove mounting) or phillips (for self-tapping screws).
• 🔪 Plastic spatula (so as not to scratch the body).
• 🧴 Building hair dryer (to soften the glue).
• 🧤 Rubber gloves (protection from glue and mold).
• 📏 Ruler or tape measure (to measure the new seal).
• 📝 Marker (for making notes when pruning).

Safety measures:

• ⚡ Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains 1-2 hours before work to avoid electric shock.
• 🧊 Defrost the refrigeratorif the seal is removed for replacement. This will prevent the formation of condensation on new parts.
• 👁️ Protect your eyes - when dismantling the old glue, small particles may fly off.
• 🚫 Do not use a knife To pry up the elastic - only plastic or wooden tools.

If the seal is removed for cleaning (for example, against mold), prepare:

• 🧼 Soap solution (warm water + dish soap).
• 🍋 Vinegar or citric acid (for disinfection).
• 🧻 Soft sponge (not abrasive!).

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the rubber band from the refrigerator

Let's sort it out universal algorithm, which is suitable for most models. If your refrigerator has a specific fastening (for example, magnetic), additionally study the section about dismantling features for your brand.

Step 1: Free access to the seal

Open the refrigerator door and remove all removable elements, that may interfere:

• 🧲 Magnetic holders (if any).
• 📄 Paper stickers or labels on the inside of the door.
• 🔌 Decorative plugs (on some models Bosch i Siemens).

Step 2: Determine the starting point for dismantling

Start with top corner of the door - it is easier to pry off the elastic there. If the seal is glued, warm the area with a hairdryer (temperature not above 60°Cso as not to melt the plastic). important: do not pull the elastic perpendicular to the door - this may tear the groove or tear off the adhesive base. Move along the seal, gradually freeing it from the fastening. plastic spatula and pull it towards you.

Critical: Do not pull the elastic perpendicular to the door - this may tear the groove or tear off the adhesive backing. Move along the seal, gradually freeing it from its fastening.

Step 3: Dismantling along the perimeter

After you have freed the first section (10-15 cm), continue moving clockwise, gradually pulling the elastic out of the groove or separating it from the glue. For models with self-tapping screws:

1. Unscrew all the screws (usually they are hidden under the decorative trim).
2. Remove the seal by pulling it on yourself.
3. If the gum is "stuck" - carefully pry it off with a spatula.

Step 4: Cleaning the surface

After removing the seal clean the groove or mounting area from glue residues, dust and mold. Use:

• 🧽 A damp cloth to remove dirt.
• 🧴 Acetone or white spirit (only for metal surfaces!).
• 🧼 Soda solution (1 tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water) for disinfection.

For refrigerators with magnetic seal (for example, Liebherr) after cleaning, check the integrity magnetic tape. If it is damaged, the new seal may not fit tightly.

What to do if the rubber breaks during removal?

If the seal is torn, do not try to glue it - this is a temporary solution. by measuring the old one (length along the perimeter + width of the groove). For models with a magnetic insert (for example, Gorenje), select an elastic band with a similar force of attraction (indicated in the characteristics).

Dismantling features for popular brands of refrigerators

Each manufacturer uses its own design solutions for fastening the seal. Let's consider the nuances for the most common brands.

Atlant and Turkish (grooved + adhesive fastening)

These models often have a seal inserted into the groove and additionally glued. To remove it:

1. Heat the joint of the elastic band and the body with a hair dryer (temperature 50–60°C).
2. Carefully pry the seal with a plastic spatula in the upper corner.
3. Pull the elastic band parallel to the doorand not towards yourself so as not to tear groove.

After dismantling, clean the groove from residual glue white spirit (do not use acetone - it corrodes the plastic!).

Samsung i LG (groove fastening with clamps)

In Korean refrigerators, the seal is attached to a groove with plastic clips ("tongues"). If dismantled carelessly, they break and the rubber band will hang loose. Tip:

• 🔧 Use a blunt screwdriverto carefully bend the clips.
• 📏 Measure the distance between fasteners - when installing a new seal, they must match.

Indesit i Ariston (adhesive fastening)

For these models seal glued with double-sided tape or glue. To remove it without damage:

1. Heat a section of the elastic with a hairdryer (no higher 60°C).
2. Pull the seal parallel to the doorperpendicular.
3. Remove the remaining glue solvent 646 (do not use sandpaper!).

Liebherr i Gorenje (magnetic fastening)

For premium models, the seal has built-in magnetic tapeWhen dismantling:

• 🧲 Carefully separate the rubber band from the body, starting from the top corner.
• 🔍 Check the integrity of the magnetic insert - if it is damaged, the new seal will not be sealed.
• 📏 When installing a new rubber band, make sure that the magnetic tape is positioned strictly in the center groove.

⚠️ Attention: For refrigerators Samsung Bespoke (modular) the seal is attached using a combined method (groove + glue + magnet). For dismantling, a special tool is required - plastic puller, which is included in the kit. with spare parts.

Video instructions: how to remove the rubber band from the refrigerator

For clarity, we selected video demonstrating the process on different models of refrigerators. Pay attention to the nuances of working with a specific type of fastening.

1. Groove fastening (using the example of Atlant):

This video shows the step-by-step dismantling of a seal with a groove fastening. The author focuses on correct prying angle rubber bands so as not to damage the plastic:

[Insert video from YouTube: "How to remove the rubber seal from the Atlant refrigerator"]

2. Adhesive fastening (using the example of Indesit):

The video demonstrates how separate the glued seal no glue residue on the body. Particular attention is paid use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive base:

[Insert video from YouTube:"Replacement sealing gum on the Indesit refrigerator]

3. Self-tapping screws (for example Biryusa):

This video shows how unscrew the sealwithout damaging the threads in plastic. The author uses a Phillips screwdriver with a magnetic tipin order not to lose the screws:

[Insert video from YouTube: "Replacing the rubber band on the Biryusa refrigerator with your own hands"]

4. Magnetic fastening (using an example Liebherr):

The video reveals the nuances of working with magnetic seals. It shows how to check the integrity of the magnetic tape and correctly install a new rubber band:

[Insert video from YouTube: "Replacing the door seal of a Liebherr refrigerator"]

If your model is not in the list, look for the video on request: "how to remove an elastic band from a refrigerator [your brand]"Pay attention to year of manufacture - the design of the seals may differ even for one. brand.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with careful dismantling, you can make mistakes that will lead to damage to the seal or bodyLet's consider the most common of them.

Error 1: Using sharp objects

Many try to pry the elastic band with a knife or metal screwdriverThis leads to:

• 🔪 Cuts. seal (even if you plan to replace it, a new one may be damaged during installation).
• 🛠️ Scratches on the plastic or metal of the door.
• 🧲 Damage to the magnetic tape (for models Liebherr, Gorenje).

How to avoid: Use only plastic spatulas or special pullers for seals.

Error 2: Overheating with a hairdryer

When softening the glue with a hairdryer, it is easy melt plastic to damage the decorative coating. Particularly relevant for refrigerators with metalized finish (for example, Samsung Bespoke).

How to avoid:

• 🌡️ Keep the hairdryer at a distance 10–15 cm from the surface.
• ⏱️ Do not heat one area longer 20 seconds.
• 🔥 Use minimum temperature (to 60°C).

Error 3: Improper storage of the old seal

If you remove the rubber band cleaning or temporary replacement, do not place it on a dirty surface or rolled up. This will lead to:

• 🦠 Development of mold (if the seal is wet).
• 📏 Deformation (if the elastic is folded like an accordion).
• 🧲 Loss magnetic properties (for models with a magnetic insert).

How to avoid: Wash the seal with soapy water, dry and store straightened form on a clean surface.

Error 4: Ignoring checking the new seal

When buying a replacement, many do not check:

• 📏 Length around the perimeter (must match the old seal ±2 cm).
• 🔍 Type of fastening (groove, glue, screws).
• 🧲 Presence of magnetic insert (for models Liebherr, Electrolux).

How to avoid: Take the old seal with you to the store or make one photo with dimensions.

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerators with NoFrost system (for example, Samsung, LG) often have a seal additional layer of thermal insulationWhen replacing, make sure that it is new. the seal is also equipped with it, otherwise condensation will form on the door.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to clean the seal without removing it?

Yes, but the quality of cleaning will be worse. For surface cleaning, use:

• 🧽 Soap solution + soft a brush (for example, a toothbrush).
• 🍋 Vinegar solution (1:1 with water) to remove mold.

However, if mold has penetrated deep into the material or the rubber band has become deformed, it is better to remove it and clean it separately (or replace it).

What glue should I use to install a new seal?

The choice of glue depends on the door material:

• 🧴 For plastic:"Moment Crystal" or double-sided tape 3M (does not leave marks).
• 🛠️ For metal: Glue "88-N" or epoxy resin.
• 🚫 Do not use: Superglue (corrodes plastic), silicone sealant (does not hold its shape).

Before gluing degrease the surface alcohol or acetone (except plastic!).

How much does it cost to replace the seal at a service center?

The cost depends on:

• 🏷️ Refrigerator brand (for example, for Liebherr the price is higher than for Atlant).
• 📏 Type of seal (magnetic ones are more expensive than groove ones).
• 🔧 Difficulties of work (dismantling + installation + door adjustment).

Average prices (2026):

• 💰 Budget models (Biryusa, Atlant): 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• 💰 Middle segment (Samsung, LG): 2 500–4 000 ₽.
• 💰 Premium (Liebherr, Bosch): 4 000–7 000 ₽.

Independent replacement will cost 300–1 500 ₽ (seal price).

What to do if the door closes after replacing the seal loose?

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Incorrect installation: Check that the seal is evenly inserted into the groove. If necessary, repeat installation.
• 🧲 Weak magnetic attraction: Make sure that the magnetic tape is intact and located in the center groove.
• 🚪 Door misalignment: Adjust the hinges (instructions are in the refrigerator manual).
• 📏 Inappropriate seal size: If the elastic is too long or short, it will not fit tightly. Replace with a suitable one.

If the problem remains, contact the service center to diagnostics of the door geometry.

Is it possible to restore the old seal if it has lost elasticity?

Yes, but this is temporary solutionRecovery methods:

• 🔥 Hot water: Immerse the elastic band in water (60–70°C) for 10-15 minutes, then stretch and let it dry. for 1–2 months.
• 🧴 Silicone grease: Apply to the seal food grade silicone (for example, for kitchen appliances). This will prevent cracking.
• 🧲 Magnetic reinforcement: If the problem is weak attraction, you can paste additional magnetic tape (sold in hardware stores).

However, if the seal Cracked or deformed, it is better to replace it - restoration will not give a long-term effect.