Sooner or later, every owner of household appliances is faced with the need to service equipment, and replacing the seal on an Ariston refrigerator is one of the most common DIY repair operations. Over time, the rubber edging loses elasticity, cracks or deforms, no longer providing the necessary tightness of the chamber. This leads to cold air escaping into the room, and the compressor begins to work without interruption, trying to compensate for the loss of temperature.
If you notice that frost has appeared on the walls of the chamber, food has begun to deteriorate faster, and electricity bills have increased, then it’s time to check the condition sealing rubber. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, selecting and installing a new seal so that your Ariston works like new again. Self-replacement will allow you to save a significant amount on the services of a service center.
The process does not require complex specialized tools, but requires accuracy and adherence to technology. An incorrectly installed seal will not give the desired effect, so it is important to carefully study the structure of the door of your unit. Before starting work, you need to prepare the workplace and make sure that you have all the necessary components.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
Before you run to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the wear of the rubber, and not in the misalignment of the door or a malfunction of the thermostat. A visual inspection is the first step to identify obvious defects such as deep cracks, tears or areas of mold. However, even if the rubber looks intact, it could simply “harden” and no longer adhere to the metal body.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness, known as the paper test. Take a regular piece of paper or a banknote and clamp it around the perimeter of the refrigerator door. If the paper falls out or is pulled out without noticeable resistance, it means magnetic tape inside the profile is weakened or the profile itself is deformed.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is simply dirty or slightly loose, you can try to restore it using hot water or a hairdryer, but if the material cracked, replacement is inevitable.
It is also worth paying attention to the nature of the compressor’s operation. If the motor hums almost constantly and turns on frequently, this is a sure sign of a violation of the thermal insulation of the circuit. In older models Ariston seals could be attached not only to magnets, but also to stick, which complicates diagnostics and requires a special approach when removing.
For a more accurate assessment of the condition, you can use a flashlight. Place the turned on flashlight inside the camera, close the door and turn off the lights in the room. If light shines through the gaps between the door and the body, the seal is broken. This method is especially good for finding local defects in corners or around hinges.
Choosing a suitable seal for Ariston
Buying the first rubber you come across is a mistake that can ruin all your efforts. Seals for refrigerators Ariston (often produced at Indesit factories) have a specific profile and dimensions, which may differ even within the same brand depending on the year of manufacture. Universal tapes often do not provide a proper fit and quickly fail.
The best way to find the right spare part is to find out the exact model of your refrigerator. Usually a sticker with technical data and serial number is located inside the chamber or on the back wall of the unit. Knowing the model, you can find the original part number or a high-quality analogue that fully matches the geometry of the door.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering the quality of the material. Original seals often have a special antibacterial coating and a more chemical-resistant surface. Cheap analogues may emit an unpleasant odor or lose elasticity too quickly in the cold.
Pay attention to the method of fastening. Modern models use a profile with a “claw” that is inserted into the groove of the door, while in older versions the rubber could be screwed or glued. It is critical to buy a seal with exactly the type of fastening that is provided for by the design of your door.
Necessary tools and preparation
Installing a seal on an Ariston refrigerator does not require a professional mechanic’s kit, but you need to prepare basic tools. You will need a flat and Phillips screwdriver, a hair dryer (construction or regular powerful), as well as a spatula made of plastic or wood, so as not to damage the surface of the door during installation work.
In addition to tools, stock up on auxiliary materials. To degrease the surface you will need alcohol or a special degreaser. If you plan to glue corners or fix individual areas, prepare glue suitable for rubber and plastic (for example, “Moment” or specialized compounds for refrigerators).
- 🔧 Screwdrivers of different sizes for dismantling fittings
- 🌡️ Hair dryer to soften rubber before installation
- 🧼 Degreaser and rags for cleaning the groove
- 📏 Tape measure or ruler for checking dimensions
Before starting work, the refrigerator must be defrosted and thoroughly washed. Working with warm plastic and rubber is easier, and the risk of accidentally breaking a shelf or damaging fragile internal elements is minimized. Disconnect the unit from the power supply for your safety.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the workplace. You will have to carefully monitor every millimeter of the door perimeter so that the seal lies evenly, without creases or bubbles. Clear the space around the refrigerator in advance to have access to the door from all sides.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on how it is secured. Most modern models Ariston use a system for inserting a “foot” into a groove. In this case, you need to carefully bend the edge of the rubber and, using a flat screwdriver or a plastic spatula, help yourself to pull the profile out of the channel along the entire perimeter.
If the seal is glued, the process will take longer. Heat the rubber with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive layer and carefully apply it strip by strip. Do not use sharp metal objects to avoid scratching the metal of the door or the plastic of the inner lining, as these damages can become sources of corrosion in the future.
☑️ Preparation for installation
After removing the rubber, you must thoroughly clean the channel in which it was installed. Fat, crumbs and old glue residues often accumulate there. Use a brush and degreaser to achieve a perfectly clean surface. Any dirt will prevent the new seal from fitting into place correctly.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, be careful with the plastic elements of the door. Old plastic can be fragile, and sudden movement can lead to breakage of fasteners or decorative trims.
If there are traces of rust on the door under the old seal, they must be cleaned and painted over, otherwise corrosion will spread under the new rubber. Also check the condition of the metal door frame itself - it should not be deformed.
Technology for installing a new seal
Before installation, it is recommended to warm up the new seal. Rubber, after being stored rolled up or in the cold, can be hard and have creases. Heating with a hairdryer will make the material elastic, and it will more easily take the desired shape. It is also useful to immerse the seal in warm water for a few minutes.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the profile “foot” into the groove and gradually, section by section, tuck the rubber around the perimeter. Move from top to bottom, then along the bottom and up the other side. Do not stretch the seal excessively, otherwise it will tend to shrink and move away from the door.
In the corners of the door, the profile must be laid especially carefully. Wrinkles often form here if the material is not straightened properly. Use a plastic putty knife to press the rubber firmly into the corner. If the profile has a complex shape, you may have to make a small cut or glue in the corner, but only if this is provided for by the design of a particular model.
What to do if the seal is longer than the perimeter?
If you bought a universal seal or made a mistake with the size and it turned out to be longer, you can carefully trim it in the lower corner from the inside. However, it is better to avoid cutting the original profiles, as this breaks the tightness of the corner. Ideally, exchange for the correct size.
After the entire perimeter has been passed, check the fit again. Run your hand along the entire seam line. There should be no gaps or areas where the rubber has fallen out. If the profile does not sit tightly somewhere, pry it up and tuck it deeper.
Adjusting the door and checking the result
After installing a new seal, the door may close tightly or, on the contrary, it does not fit tightly due to the changed thickness of the rubber. In this case, the door position may need to be adjusted. Loosen the hinges, move the door to the correct position and tighten the bolts again.
Allow the seal to “sit” and straighten for several hours. You can even put small weights inside the camera in the contact area so that the rubber is better pressed against the body. A day later, repeat the test with paper, which was mentioned at the beginning of the article.
The table below shows common problems after replacement and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | The seal is too thick or upside down | Check for correct installation, heat with a hairdryer |
| There are gaps in the corners | The corner is not straightened or deformed doors | Carefully straighten with a spatula, heat with a hairdryer |
| A whistle is heard when closing | The fit is too tight | Lubricate with silicone, wait for grinding in |
| The door is skewed | The adjustment of the hinges is broken | Adjust the door hinges |
If after all the manipulations the tightness is not restored, perhaps the problem is not in the seal, but in the geometry of the door itself or the refrigerator body. In rare cases, replacement of hinges or alignment of the body is required.
Sealant care and prevention
For a new seal to last a long time, it must be properly cared for. Regularly, at least once a month, wipe the rubber with a damp cloth, removing dirt and grease. Clean rubber is less susceptible to mold formation and retains elasticity longer.
Once every six months it is recommended to lubricate the seal with a special silicone grease. This will prevent the material from drying out, especially if the refrigerator is located near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Silicone also improves sliding and tight fit.
- 🚫 Do not use aggressive chemicals and solvents
- 🧽 Wash the rubber with a soft sponge without abrasives
- ❄️ Make sure that the products do not freeze to seal
⚠️ Attention: Never slam the refrigerator door. Sharp impacts loosen the hinges and lead to deformation of the seal, which negates all work on replacing it.
Make sure that the seal is not exposed to direct sunlight if the refrigerator is located near a window. Ultraviolet radiation destroys the rubber structure, making it brittle. You should also avoid contact of rubber with sharp edges of dishes when loading food.
Timely replacement and proper care of the refrigerator seal Ariston is the key to its long and economical operation. By spending a little time on maintenance, you will extend the life of the compressor and maintain the freshness of the food.
How often should you change the seal on the refrigerator?
On average, the service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, with intensive use or unfavorable conditions (high humidity, heat), replacement may be required sooner. Focus on the results of the paper test and the visual condition of the rubber.
Is it possible to glue the old seal?
Glue is a temporary measure. If the seal comes off in one place, you can glue it with special glue for rubber. But if the rubber has lost elasticity along its entire length, glue will not help - a complete replacement is needed.
Why does the new seal smell?
New rubber always has a specific smell. It should dissipate within a few days or weeks. If the smell is pungent and the chemical smell does not disappear for a long time, you may have come across a low-quality analogue made of toxic materials.
What should I do if I can’t find the original?
If the original seal for Ariston is not on sale, you can choose a universal magnetic seal of the appropriate size. It will have to be trimmed and possibly glued in the corners, which requires certain skills.