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How to Fix a Refrigerator Door That Won’t Close Properly

How to Fix a Refrigerator Door That Won’t Close Properly

by | Jan 7, 2025 | Appliance Maintenance Tips, Common Appliance Problems, Refrigerator Repair

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How to Fix a Refrigerator Door That Won’t Close Properly

Is your refrigerator door refusing to close no matter how gently you push? A door that won’t close can let cold air escape, raise your energy bills, and spoil your food. In this guide, we will use simple steps to show you how to handle a refrigerator door won’t close problem. We will also talk about fix refrigerator door alignment, perform a refrigerator door seal repair, and more.

1. Why Your Fridge Door Won’t Close

You might wonder, “Why won’t my fridge door close?” The most common reasons include:

  1. Misaligned Hinges: Heavy items on the door can cause the hinges to sag.
  2. Dirty or Damaged Seal: Food crumbs or a torn seal can keep the door from shutting tightly.
  3. Overstuffed Refrigerator: Items sticking out from the shelves can hold the door open.
  4. Weak Door Gasket: The gasket (rubber strip) might be old or not sealing well.

2. Clean and Inspect the Door Seal

Before doing a bigger repair, try to troubleshoot fridge door issues by cleaning the seal:

  • Remove Items from the Door: Take out heavy bottles or cans so you can see the seal clearly.
  • Clean the Gasket: Use warm water and mild soap to wash off dirt or sticky spots.
  • Check for Tears: If the seal has cracks or is torn, you may need a refrigerator door seal repair or a new gasket.

3. Adjust the Door Hinges

If the door is still not closing, you might need to fix refrigerator door alignment. Properly aligned hinges help the door shut snugly:

  1. Locate the Hinge Bolts: These are often at the top or bottom of the door.
  2. Loosen the Bolts: Use a screwdriver to loosen them slightly.
  3. Align the Door: Gently move the door up or down until it lines up with the fridge.
  4. Tighten the Bolts: Once the door looks straight, tighten the bolts again.

4. Test for Proper Closure

Open and close the fridge door a few times. If the refrigerator door won’t stay shut or still feels off, repeat the hinge adjustment. Make sure there are no gaps where cold air can escape.

5. Replace Worn or Damaged Parts

Sometimes, cleaning and adjusting are not enough. In that case, check these parts:

  • Gasket: If it no longer seals, replace it. A worn gasket can waste energy.
  • Hinges: If they are bent or rusty, install new ones for a better fit.
  • Magnet or Latch: If the door relies on a magnet or latch, check that it is still strong and not broken.
A professional appliance repair technician in a blue uniform is working on a refrigerator in a modern kitchen. The image features text highlighting King Appliance Repair's services, including expert knowledge, fair prices, quick service, and customer-first focus.

6. When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all these steps and your door still refuses to close, it might be time to seek expert help. A repair technician can troubleshoot fridge door issues you might have missed. Visit our Fridge Repair Ottawa page to learn more about how we can help.

Conclusion

A fridge door that won’t close can be a big problem. By following these simple steps—cleaning the seal, fixing the hinges, and replacing broken parts—you can keep your food safe and your energy bills low. If the issue continues, do not hesitate to contact King Appliance Repair Company for expert help.

Looking for more appliance tips? Check out:

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Fix a Wobbling Washing Machine with Simple Adjustments

Fix a Wobbling Washing Machine with Simple Adjustments

by | Oct 3, 2024 | Appliance Maintenance Tips, Appliance Repair, Common Appliance Problems

Table of Contents

Common Causes of a Wobbling Washing Machine

Is your washing machine shaking during the spin cycle? A wobbling washing machine can be noisy and may cause damage. The good news is, you can often fix it yourself with a few easy steps. Let’s look at why your washer might be wobbling.

The most common reasons are:

  • Uneven Load: Clothes can bunch up on one side, causing the washer to shake.
  • Uneven Floor: If the floor under your washer is not level, the machine will wobble.
  • Loose or Worn Feet: The washer’s feet may not be tight or are worn out, making the machine unsteady.
  • Broken Suspension Springs or Shock Absorbers: These help keep the drum stable. If they break, the drum moves too much.
  • Shipping Bolts Still Attached: If shipping bolts weren’t removed when installed, they can cause imbalance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Wobbling Washing Machine

Follow these easy steps to stop your washing machine from wobbling. If you’re in Ottawa and need professional help, check out our Washer Repair Services in Ottawa.

1. Check for an Unbalanced Load

First, check the load inside your washer. Heavy items like towels can end up on one side of the drum. Spread the clothes evenly to balance the load. This quick fix might stop the wobbling right away.

2. Level Your Washing Machine

If the wobbling continues, your washer may not be level. Follow these steps to adjust it:

  • Step 1: Use a level tool to check if your washer is sitting evenly.
  • Step 2: Adjust the feet by turning them until the washer is stable.
  • Step 3: Once the washer is level, tighten the feet to keep them in place.

Leveling your washer is an important step to stop wobbling and shaking.

3. Inspect and Adjust the Floor Surface

Sometimes, the problem is the floor. If your washer is on an uneven surface, you can place a piece of plywood under it or use anti-vibration pads to steady it. A flat surface will help prevent wobbling. Looking to perform other home maintenance tasks? You can also learn Basic Refrigerator Maintenance.

4. Check the Suspension Springs and Shock Absorbers

If leveling doesn’t help, check the suspension springs and shock absorbers. These parts keep the drum steady. If they are worn or broken, the washer will shake. You might need to replace them. If you’re not comfortable with this, call a professional.

5. Remove Shipping Bolts

If your washer is new, check if the shipping bolts were removed. These bolts keep the drum from moving during shipping. Look in your manual to see how to remove them. If you’re looking for tips on other home appliance tasks, like installing a refrigerator, check out our guide on How to Install a Refrigerator.

When to Call a Professional for Washing Machine Repair

If you’ve tried these steps and your washer still wobbles, it might be time to call a professional. Some problems, like broken bearings or motor issues, require expert help.

A professional can diagnose and fix these issues quickly. Need to know more about laundry appliances? Read our comparison of Washer vs. Dryer Combo Units to help you choose the best option for your home.

Preventing Future Wobbling Issues

To stop your washer from wobbling again, follow these tips:

  • Balance your laundry load before every wash.
  • Don’t overload the washer.
  • Check the feet regularly to make sure they’re tight and level.
  • Inspect shock absorbers and suspension springs now and then, especially if your washer is old.

These small steps can help keep your washing machine running smoothly and prevent future wobbling. For more info about top ten dishwashers, check out our helpful article on Top 10 Dishwashers of 2024: Reviews and Ratings.

Conclusion

A wobbling washing machine can be annoying, but it’s often easy to fix. By balancing the load, levelling the washer, and checking parts, you can stop the wobbling. For more complex problems, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.

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