A sharp increase in temperature in the refrigerator compartment or the formation of an ice crust on the walls often indicates a violation of the tightness of the circuit. Equipment owners Hotpoint Ariston face this problem regularly, especially if the equipment is several years old. The main culprit is worn or damaged sealing gum, which no longer fits tightly to the body. If the door does not close tightly, cold air comes out, and the compressor starts working without interruption, trying to compensate for heat loss.
Timely replacement of the seal allows you not only to restore normal temperature conditions, but also to significantly save on electricity. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious damage, such as failure of the motor-compressor or No Frost system. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, selecting and installing a new rubber band so that you can do the job efficiently and safely.
The replacement procedure does not require calling a technician or special technical knowledge if you act carefully and consistently. You will only need a minimal set of tools and some free time. The main thing is to choose the right compatible part and follow the installation technology to avoid door distortions in the future.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before you go to the store for a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the rubber, and not in the hinges or door distortion. A visual inspection is the first step. Carefully examine seal along the entire perimeter of the door. Look for visible cracks, cuts, creases, or areas where the rubber has become stiff and has lost its elasticity. The bottom part or corners are often damaged, as they experience the greatest load when opening.
The second test method is a test with a sheet of paper. Take a regular A4 sheet, open the refrigerator and press it with the door so that part of the sheet hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet. If it comes out easily, without noticeable resistance, it means that the seal in this place is broken. Carry out this check along the entire perimeter, moving the sheet every 10-15 centimeters.
⚠️ Attention: If the sheet of paper is pressed tightly, but the refrigerator still does not hold the cold well, the problem may be a frozen evaporator or a malfunction of the thermostat. Make sure that the door is not warped due to loose hinges.
The third sign is condensation and ice. If you notice water on the floor in front of the refrigerator or ice build-up inside the chamber, this is a sure sign that warm, humid air from the room is constantly getting inside. Hotpoint Ariston is sensitive to depressurization, and the moisture removal system may not cope with a large volume of condensate.
Choosing a suitable seal
Market spare parts offers many options, but for equipment Hotpoint Ariston it is critically important to choose a model with precise geometric parameters. Seals differ not only in length, but also in cross-sectional profile, method of fastening and material. Using a non-original, but high-quality compatible rubber band is an acceptable option if it is certified for your series of refrigerators.
When choosing, pay attention to the material. Modern seals are often coated with an antibacterial compound, which prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which love the damp environment of rubber. Elasticity is also important: cheap analogs can quickly become stiff in the cold or, conversely, spread from the heat of the compressor.
For an accurate selection, you will need the model of your refrigerator. It is indicated on a sticker located inside the camera (usually on the side wall or on the ceiling) or on the back wall of the case. Write down the full model index, for example Indesit BIA 18 F or Hotpoint Ariston RS 820.
| Mounting type | Description | Difficulty of replacement | Where found |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the groove (profile) | The elastic has a "tail" that is inserted into the groove of the door | Medium | Most modern models |
| On self-tapping screws | The seal is screwed on the inside perimeter | Low | Old models and some budget series |
| Adhesive connection | Rare option, requires special glue and degreasing | High | It is rare, mainly in industrial models |
Is it possible to use a universal rubber band?
Universal seals require cutting corners and often do not provide perfect tightness. It is better to look for a part by catalog number, even if it costs more. A savings of 200 rubles can backfire in a month.
Necessary tools and preparation
You do not need complex equipment to carry out the work successfully. It is enough to prepare a work table or a clean surface next to the refrigerator where you can lay out the parts. Make sure in advance that the new elastic has warmed up to room temperature - if it was in a cold car or warehouse, let it lie in a warm room for 2-3 hours.
The list of tools is minimal, but each element is important. The absence of the necessary tool can lead to damage to the plastic elements of the door or the rubber itself.
- 🔧 Screwdriver or screwdriver —you will need a cross-head socket (PH2) to remove decorative panels or unscrew fastening screws.
- 🧤 Gloves —preferably fabric or rubber, so as not to stain the new rubber and protect your hands from dust and old grease.
- 🧼 Cleaning agent —a mild detergent or alcohol to degrease the door surface before installation.
- 📏 Flat spatula —a plastic card or a special tool for removing the old seal from the groove without scratches.
Before starting work, be sure de-energize the refrigerator. Unplug the cord from the outlet. This is safety rule No. 1, since you will have to open the door for a long time, and the sensors may try to start the compressor, which is unsafe when the structural elements are removed.
☑️ Preparing for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber depends on the type of fastening installed in your model Hotpoint Ariston. Most modern refrigerators use a combined method: the rubber is inserted into the groove, and the plastic strip holding it is screwed with screws along the inner perimeter of the door.
First, carefully inspect the inner edge of the door. If you see a row of screws covered by a plastic cover, carefully pry the cover off with a flathead screwdriver or knife. Proceed with caution; the plastic on older refrigerators can be brittle. Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter. Do not lose them, as they may be needed to fix the new rubber band.
If there are no screws, then the seal is held in place only by the profile. In this case, start from the corner. Pry the edge of the elastic with a plastic spatula and slowly pull the “tail” out of the groove. Move around the perimeter, gradually releasing the seal. Do not pull sharply - if the rubber is stuck or dirty, it is better to clean the joint than to tear the material and damage the door.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, try not to scratch the inner plastic door trim. Any crack in the plastic can become a source of depressurization in the future. If the old rubber is glued, use a hair dryer to gently heat and soften the glue.
After removing the old tape, thoroughly clean the door groove. Grease, crumbs and mold accumulate there over the years. Use warm water with a mild detergent. To disinfect, you can wipe the surface with a weak solution of vinegar or alcohol. A clean surface is the key to ensuring that the new rubber will lie flat and will not rot from the inside.
Installing a new rubber band: step-by-step instructions
Installing a new seal is the most critical step. The main task is to avoid stretching the rubber, as this will lead to the appearance of cracks. If the elastic seems tight, this is normal, but do not use excessive force.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or attach it to the mounting location. If using a screw fastening, tighten the corner screws first, but do not tighten them all the way. Then gradually move down along the sides, carefully tucking the profile into the groove.
When installing on models with a plastic clamping bar, proceed sequentially: insert a section of rubber - screw the bar. Do not tighten the screws immediately. First, fix all sides, check the evenness, and only then finally tighten the fasteners.
Pay special attention to the corners. This is where gaps most often form. Make sure that the rubber in the corner is folded correctly, without wrinkles or voids. If the profile has a complex shape, you may need to heat the corner with a hairdryer (without overheating!) so that it takes the desired shape.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of seals may vary slightly in different batches. If you notice that the elastic is a little longer or shorter than the original, don't panic. When installing, it may require a tighter fit or, conversely, straightening. Check the instructions for the specific part, if available.
Finishing and checking for tightness
After the rubber is installed, do not rush to slam the door. New rubber may be stiff and hold a different shape than the door frame. In order for the seal to “sit” in place, the door must be closed, but first make sure that nothing interferes with a tight fit (shelves, products, packaging).
Close the door and press it with your hands along the entire perimeter, especially in the corners. Leave the refrigerator closed for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight. During this time, the rubber will warm up from the heat inside the chamber (if you turn on the refrigerator) or simply take shape under its own weight and pressure from the magnets.
After a day, repeat the test with a sheet of paper, described in the diagnostics section. Now the sheet should be removed with force along the entire perimeter. Also visually inspect the joint: the gap between the rubber and the body should be uniform and minimal.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it reach the temperature. During the first hours of operation, the compressor may work more actively than usual - this is normal, since the system restores the temperature regime after a long period of inactivity with the door open.
Frequent errors during replacement
Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes, and even more so for beginners. One of the most common problems is stretching the seal. If you pull the rubber too hard during installation, it will become thinner in the stretched areas and will no longer seal. Always move the rubber, do not pull it.
The second mistake is poor surface cleaning. Leftover grease or old glue will create uneven surfaces that will allow air to pass through. Thoroughly degrease the surface before installing a new part.
The third mistake is ignoring heat. Trying to install a cold, hard rubber often results in damage or incorrect installation. Give the material time to warm up and become elastic.
- ❌ Use of inappropriate chemicals —do not use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) for cleaning, they can destroy the structure of new rubber.
- ❌ Hurry —trying to complete the job in 10 minutes usually leads to the door being skewed.
- ❌ No level check —after replacing, make sure that the refrigerator is level, otherwise the door may open spontaneously or not close completely.
Care for the refrigerator seal
To get a new rubber band It has lasted a long time and needs to be looked after. Regular cleaning of the refrigerator should also include wiping the seal. Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Do not rub the rubber with abrasive sponges.
Once every six months it is recommended to lubricate the seal silicone grease or with a special rubber care product. This will maintain the elasticity of the material and prevent it from drying out and cracking. This is especially true for kitchens where the air is dry or, conversely, very humid.
Make sure that food does not get stuck between the door and the seal. A piece of packaging or crumbs that gets into the contact area can break the seal and leave a dent in the rubber, which will eventually turn into a crack.
What to do if the rubber has turned black?
Black plaque is mold. You can remove it with a toothbrush dipped in a solution of soda or hydrogen peroxide. If the mold has penetrated deep into the pores of the rubber, it will not be possible to remove it completely, and it is better to replace the seal so that spores do not get into the products.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore the old rubber if it has simply come off?
If the rubber is intact and has no cracks and just moved away from the body, it can be glued. Use special glue for rubber or PVC (for example, Moment or 88th glue). Pre-degrease the surfaces. However, if the rubber has lost its elasticity, gluing will only give a temporary effect.
How often do you need to change the seal on a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 7-10 years. However, with intensive use, frequent openings or aggressive cleaning with chemicals, it may require replacement after 3-5 years. Check its condition regularly.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after replacing the rubber?
This is normal for a new part. The magnetic tape in the new seal is working at full capacity, and the rubber has not yet been developed. After 1-2 weeks of active use, the rubber will take shape a little and the door will close easier. If the door does not close at all, check whether the profile is inserted correctly.
Where can I find the exact spare part number for my model?
The exact number (part number) can be found in spare parts catalogs for the refrigerator model (for example, on the websites of spare parts suppliers) or on an old rubber band, if the markings are still on it. Also, the number is often indicated in the service documentation.