Here’s how to clean your refrigerator’s waterproof seal in 5 minutes.

Cleaning your refrigerator’s door seal (gasket) is a simple way to help it stay clean and seal properly.

What you’ll need

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Soft toothbrush or cotton swabs (for grooves)
• Dry towel

Steps (about 5 minutes)

1. Open the refrigerator door.
2. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
3. Wipe the gasket with a soft cloth, gently pulling back the folds to clean inside the grooves.
4. Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt or crumbs trapped in creases.
5. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
6. Dry the gasket thoroughly with a towel to help prevent mold and mildew.

For stubborn mold or mildew

• Use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar on a cloth, then wipe clean and dry well.
• Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.

What to avoid

• Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which can damage the rubber.
• Harsh solvents that may cause the gasket to crack or deteriorate.
• Pulling or stretching the gasket excessively.

A clean, undamaged gasket helps the refrigerator maintain a good seal, improving energy efficiency and keeping food at a more consistent temperature. If the gasket is torn, brittle, or no longer seals tightly, it may need to be replaced rather than cleaned.