Freezer Door Won’t Close Properly? Here’s How To Fix It

Is your freezer door not closing properly?

You’re not alone! Being unable to close your freezer’s door can be super frustrating, especially when your food is starting to thaw.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to fix the issue.

If your freezer door won’t close properly, ensure food or other items aren’t blocking it, clean and inspect the gasket, and check the hinge system. Replace any components if necessary.

Read on to fix your freezer door!

Freezer Door Won’t Stay Closed? Try These 5 Fixes

In this section, I’ll guide you through the different reasons that can explain why your freezer door won’t close and provide various solutions to help you fix the issue today.

#1 Organize Your Freezer

When I see a freezer door that won’t close, I always ensure nothing is blocking it.

You see, storing too many items can prevent the door from closing, resulting in temperature issues and a beeping alarm.

So, please reorganize your fridge and double-check that items aren’t pushing against the door. Ensuring the shelves are properly aligned and transferring foods from bulky packages into more space-efficient containers is also important.

At least once a week, open the door to check for any potential obstructions.

#2 Clean the Door Seal

I tend to find that when a freezer door is not closing properly, it’s typically due to a dirty gasket.

To check the door gasket (or seal), you first need to transfer your food to a cooler or refrigerator to keep it from thawing. Then, put some towels underneath the freezer to prevent water from spilling onto your floor while inspecting the seal.

Now, it is time to take a closer look at the door seal. If it’s dirty, you’ll need to clean it. To do so, take a warm washcloth, dip it in warm water, and add detergent. A standard kitchen cleaner should be enough to clean the door seal.

As you work on the gasket, ensure you get the edges and the center. You never know where a bunch of dust and dirt will collect. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to go over the same area multiple times, especially if the door seal has dried.

After cleaning the gasket, let it dry and try closing the door again. If you get a firm seal between the door seal and the door frame, you have solved the problem.

But if you still have difficulty closing the door completely, please replace the door seal. Read on to learn how to do it. 

#3 Replace the Door Seal If Necessary

If your freezer is still not closing properly, I recommend inspecting the door seal. If it’s broken or damaged, please replace it.

Remove the old seal and clean any gunk between the gasket and the door. If you don’t clean it, the new door seal will have difficulty forming a strong connection.

Then, remove the new seal from its wrapper, stick it to the frame’s edge, and ensure you have a strong connection. Then, test the door by closing it. You should get a pretty firm fit, but if you don’t, that’s ok; it can be fixed.

Sometimes, gaskets can be misshapen due to sitting in the box for too long. To get them back to normal, you can use heat. Place the gasket under warm water on the sink and let it sit there for a few minutes. You can also place it in the dryer and let it tumble in a heat setting. After using heat, the gasket should be more malleable and easier to put on the door.

Please look at the manual to see what type of door seal you need to order the right model.

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#4 Check the Rails

You’ll need to check the rails if you have a French-door refrigerator and the freezer compartment is not closing.

In my experience, rails can get frozen and prevent the door from sealing properly. Ice buildup can also result in rusted rails, which can hinder the smooth movement of the freezer drawer.

So please inspect the rails. If you notice ice buildup, try using a hairdryer to melt it and help the drawer glide smoother. However, please avoid overheating or directing the hairdryer to plastic components.

If you notice the rails are severely rusted or damaged, you must replace them. Just keep in mind that they are expensive, as they can cost over $300!

#5 The Door Isn’t Aligned

If you’ve tried the fixes above, but your freezer door is still not closing, you must ensure it’s aligned.

When the door isn’t perfectly flush with the unit, you need to check the hinges and the closing cam.

The hinges allow the door to swing open and closed. Unfortunately, sometimes the door’s weight can cause the hinge to bend, especially if it’s made of cheaper materials.

I find that a proper hinge should be at a 90-degree angle. If it’s bent, it’s compromised. In such cases, replacing the hinge is best, as the metal has already been weakened.

A faulty closing cam can also explain why your freezer door won’t close all the way.

The closing cam is a plastic component that ensures the door returns to its home position. Unfortunately, the closing cam can wear out and break over time and with repeated use, resulting in alignment issues.

Replacing the closing cam requires moving the freezer door, which typically involves removing the top hinge. The replacement process is a bit complex and unsuitable for everyone, so it’s best to call a professional.

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Wrapping Up: Ensuring a Perfectly Closed Freezer Door

Hopefully, now you know how to fix your freezer door issues.

Remember that if your freezer door won’t stay closed, you’ll need to reorganize your food, clean and inspect the door seal, and check the rails. Don’t forget to inspect the hinges and closing cam if the door is misaligned.

Thank you so much for reading! Please check out our other posts below if you found this article helpful.

Good luck.