A leak in the refrigeration chamber is one of the most common reasons why the compressor begins to wear out, and ice build-ups appear inside. If you notice that the door Hotpoint Ariston does not fit tightly, and the rubber edging has become hard or deformed, you cannot delay the repair. Timely replacement of the seal will return the unit's energy efficiency and extend its service life.
Owners often confuse wear on the sealing collar with a broken thermostat, although the symptoms may be similar. Sealing rubber takes on the role of a barrier that does not let warm air inside, where products must be stored at a strictly specified temperature. When this barrier is broken, moisture from the air condenses on the walls, forming frost, and the motor-compressor is forced to turn on every few minutes.
You can replace it yourself if you act carefully and prepare the necessary tools in advance. In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the malfunction, select the correct part and install it without damaging the plastic of the case. It is important to understand that different models of refrigerators Ariston may have design features for fastening that require an individual approach.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing gum
The first step should always be a thorough visual and tactile check. Approach the refrigerator in good lighting and carefully inspect the perimeter of the door. The rubber should not have visible cracks, tears or areas where the material has become porous and crumbles. Often problems begin in the corners, where the mechanical impact when the door slams is maximum.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness that does not require special instruments. Take a regular A4 sheet of paper or a banknote, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out easily, without noticeable resistance, it means tightness is broken it is in this place. Walk like this around the entire perimeter.
- 🔍 Visual inspection for cracks, yellowness and abrasions along the entire length of the contour.
- ✋ Tactile check: rubber should be elastic, not petrified or sticky.
- 📄 Test with a sheet of paper: it must be removed with force along the entire length of the clamp.
- 🌡️ Check for the formation of condensation or “fur coat” in the corners of the storage chamber.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that only a small area is deformed, and the rubber itself is still elastic, you can try to restore its shape using a hairdryer. However, if the material has lost its elasticity, heating will only have a temporary effect, and replacing the seal of the Ariston Hotpoint refrigerator will become inevitable.
Sometimes the cause of a loose fit is not the rubber itself, but the misalignment of the door or contamination of the seat. Before purchasing a new part, make sure that the hinges are not sagging, and that there are no remnants of old glue or dirt in the groove where the cuff is inserted. A clean surface is the key to successful installation.
Choosing a suitable seal for the Hotpoint model
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Indesit Company (manufacturer of the Ariston and Hotpoint brands) it is critically important to choose an original profile or a high-quality analogue with an exact match of geometry. Seals differ not only in the length of the sides, but also in the cross-sectional shape, type of fastening and magnetic insert.
The most reliable way to find the right part is to use the serial number of your refrigerator. It is usually located on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall of the unit. Knowing the exact model, for example Hotpoint Ariston RS 812 or Ariston MBAA 18 F, you can order a cuff that will fit “like a native” without the need for adjustment.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering several factors. Original parts are guaranteed to fit perfectly but may cost more and take longer to deliver. High-quality substitutes are often cheaper, but require careful study of reviews and checking dimensions before installation.
| Sealant type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | Perfect fit, maintaining warranty | High price, long delivery | 5-7 years |
| Universal magnetic | Low cost, availability | Requires adjustment, possible leakage | 2-3 years |
| Quality analogue | Balance of price and quality | You need to accurately select the model | 4-5 years |
Pay attention to the material: modern seals often have an antibacterial coating that prevents the growth of mold. This is especially important for families with children. Also check the presence of magnetic tape inside the profile - it should be solid, without breaks.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Replacing the seal on an Ariston Hotpoint refrigerator does not require complex professional equipment, but having the right set of tools will greatly simplify the task. Preparation takes no more than 10 minutes, but saves hours of nerves during the installation process.
You will need a hair dryer, preferably a construction hair dryer, but a powerful household hair dryer will do. It is necessary to soften the rubber so that it becomes flexible and fits easily into the groove. Also prepare a flat screwdriver or a special mounting spatula for dismantling the old tape.
- 🛠️ A construction or household hair dryer for heating the rubber.
- 🔧 A flat screwdriver or a plastic spatula for removing the old cuff.
- 🧼 Degreaser (alcohol or white spirit) and rags for cleaning the groove.
- 🔨 Hammer (sometimes needed for gentle tapping during installation).
The work area should be well lit. Clear some space in front of the refrigerator so you can access the door from all sides. If possible, remove the door from its hinges and place it on a flat horizontal surface - this is the best option for high-quality installation.
Don't forget about personal protective equipment. When working with old sealant, dust or an unpleasant odor may be released, and the use of chemical degreasers requires ventilation of the room. Protect your eyes from possible pieces of old rubber flying off.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, chisels) to pick the plastic groove of the door. Damage to the plastic will lead to the fact that the new seal will not hold, and you will have to change the entire door or use glue, which is less reliable.
Removing the old seal and cleaning the groove
The process of removing the old cuff depends on the type of its fastening. In modern models Hotpoint Ariston the seal is most often inserted into a special plastic profile (“dovetail”) or screwed with self-tapping screws along the inner perimeter of the door.
If you find mounting screws, carefully unscrew them, trying not to damage the plastic. If there are no screws, then the seal is held in place by a tight fit in the groove. Start removing it from the corner, prying it up with a screwdriver. Act smoothly, without jerking, so as not to break the plastic side of the door.
After removing the rubber, the groove in which it was attached will open. This area requires thorough cleaning._years_ grease, dust and old adhesive residue can prevent the new seal from sitting tightly. Use a degreaser and a stiff brush or rag.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Pay special attention to the corners. This is where dirt most often accumulates and where it is most difficult to achieve perfect cleanliness. If the groove is dirty, the magnetic tape of the new seal will not be able to provide the required clamping, and the work will be done in vain.
Technology for installing a new seal
The most critical stage is installation. New tires are often hard and curled up during transportation. It is recommended to straighten and warm it up before installation. Immerse the seal in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for 10-15 minutes or thoroughly heat the entire length with a hairdryer.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove and make sure it sits correctly. Then, moving around the perimeter, gradually tuck the rubber inside. Use a plastic putty knife or the blunt side of a screwdriver covered with a cloth to avoid damaging the material.
Move from corner to corner without stretching the rubber too much. If the seal is longer than the groove, it can be slightly trimmed in an inconspicuous place (usually in the lower corner), but it is better to try to avoid trimming by evenly distributing the material.
What to do if the seal does not fit into the groove?
If the profile of the seal is wider than the groove, try heating it with a hairdryer again. Sometimes lightly tapping with a hammer on a piece of wood helps. As a last resort, you can carefully trim the inner protrusion of the profile (“comb”) with a stationery knife, but this must be done very carefully so as not to break the seal.
After the entire perimeter has been passed, warm up the installed rubber again with a hairdryer. This will help it finally straighten out and take the shape of the door. Let the refrigerator stand with the door closed for several hours so that the material “rests.”
Checking the quality and adjusting the pressure
Immediately after installation, do not load the refrigerator with food. Give the seal time to adapt. After 2-3 hours, repeat the test with a sheet of paper. Now it should clamp tightly around the entire perimeter.
If the pressure is still weak in some places, try adjusting the position of the door. In some models Ariston you can adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator, which changes the angle of inclination and improves the self-closing of the door.
- 👁️ Visually inspect the contour for waves and creases.
- 📄 Repeat the test with paper in problem areas.
- 🚪 Check the ease of opening and closing the door.
- 🔊 Listen: when closing there should be a characteristic “sticking” sound.
Sometimes it takes several days of operation of the refrigerator in normal mode to completely seal. The magnetic tape will finally be “magnetized” to the body, and the rubber will take its final shape. During this period, try not to open the door unless absolutely necessary.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Beginners often make mistakes that negate everything effort. One of the most common is installing cold, unheated tires. A rigid seal is difficult to insert evenly into the groove, which leads to wrinkles and leaks.
Another mistake is the use of glue. In 99% of cases, for factory seals Hotpoint Ariston glue is not needed and is even harmful. It interferes with normal air circulation inside the profile and makes future replacement impossible. Glue is needed only for universal seals that do not have a profile for insertion.
Also, do not ignore the cleanliness of the groove. Even small crumbs can create a gap of several millimeters through which the cold will escape. Careful preparation is 80% of the success of the repair.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals (acetone, chlorine-containing products) to clean the new seal. This can destroy the rubber structure or wash away the antibacterial layer. Use only mild detergents or alcohol.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often should you change the seal on a refrigerator?
On average, the service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, if you notice a loss of elasticity, the appearance of cracks or a loss of tightness, replacement must be carried out immediately, regardless of the service life.
Is it possible to restore the old seal without replacement?
You can temporarily restore elasticity using boiling water or a hair dryer, as well as by lubricating it with silicone grease. But this is a temporary measure. If the rubber has cracked or lost its shape, completely replacing the seal of the Ariston Hotpoint refrigerator is the only right solution.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after the replacement?
This is normal for a new part. A fresh seal has maximum resistance. Within 1-2 weeks it will develop and the door will close easier. If the door does not close at all, check that it is installed correctly and that there are no distortions.
Where can I find the exact model of my Ariston refrigerator?
The technical sticker (nameplate) is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall, on the back wall of the unit or on the base below. It contains the full model code required for selecting spare parts.
Does the new seal need to be lubricated?
It is not necessary to lubricate the new seal with special means, but you can wipe it with a weak solution of vinegar or silicone grease for better glide during the first closures. This will also extend the life of the rubber.