When we talk about the fridge, it’s safe to say that it’s the most essential household appliance, and surviving without it seems impossible. That’s because the fridge helps store and preserve the food for a longer time period. For this purpose, the fridge cools up and the door needs to be closed. So, if you are struggling with “fridge door not closing automatically,” we have some solutions lined up in this article!
Fridge Door Not Closing Automatically
1) Dirty Gasket
The first solution is to check the gasket and to ensure that it’s cleaned up. The majority of fridge issues are related to the gasket (gasket is the rubber seal that runs across the exterior of the fridge doors). If the gasket is detached, warped, dirty, or hardened, it will keep the door from closing away. So, the first step is to clean the gasket because grit and grime can build up over time.
For this purpose, you can simply use a damp washcloth or a sponge to wipe clean the gasket. If the damp cloth doesn’t work, use the mixture of dish soap and white vinegar because it can clean away the residue and grease. On the other hand, if the gasket has hardened up, apply a thin layer of Vaseline and the door will start closing.
2) Reattaching The Gasket
The old gaskets in the fridge openings can become detached and twisted over time and will prevent complete door sealing. So, if twisting and detachment are the issues, you can simply repair them without investing in a new gasket. This is because all you’ve to do is reattach the gasket. However, keep in mind that the reattachment method for the gasket depends on the fridge’s model, so consult the manual because some fridges need adhesive tape or glue for reattaching the gasket.
3) Replacing The Seal
In case the gasket has been damaged or is old, you need to opt for a new seal or gasket (yes, replace the gasket). For this purpose, you need to buy the gasket according to the fridge’s model because every fridge has different measurements and dimensions. So, consult the manual for removing the old gasket and clean up the groove. After cleaning the groove, attach a new gasket and always test it before you close the fridge’s foot.
4) The Feet
If you don’t think seal or gasket is the issue but the fridge still won’t close automatically, there are chances of uneven placement. This is because the fridge is designed with feet and if the feet are even, the gasket won’t line up properly and the door won’t close. So, crunch down and see the level of feet on the floor. If there is unevenness, prop in something to even the floor level and feet level. When all the feet are at the same height, close the fridge and see if the door closes automatically.
5) Hinges
The fridge stores extensive weight and has multiple closings and openings with which the door can start sagging on the hinges. That being said, if the door doesn’t close automatically, it might be because the hinges have become loose. So, just switch off the fridge and tighten up the hinges (you should tighten the bottom as well as topmost hinges). Once the hinges are tightened, the fridge’s door will be balanced and it will start closing automatically.
In addition to tightening the hinges, the door won’t close even if the hinges are damaged. This is because the door won’t seal and align when the hinges are damaged. Keep in mind that hinges are damaged when the door is filled with heavy objects for a long time. So, if the hinges are rusting or bent, replace them and we are certain the sealing will be back in order.
6) Clear The Door
The fridge’s door is designed with various shelves to keep the items. However, if you have placed heavy objects in the doors, it might be the reason why the door won’t close automatically. That being said, clear the door and then close the door.
7) Shelves
The fridge’s shelves can be lowered or arranged according to your needs. If the fridge door is not closing automatically, there are chances that shelves have become an obstruction. So, rearrange the fridge’s shelves as you received them and the door will seal as nothing happened!