Stuck trying to figure out why your oven door won’t close?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. I know how annoying it can be to have your oven door not close, especially when you’re about to cook dinner.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for answers.
If your oven door won’t close, you’ll need to check the oven lock and ensure you’re using the right racks for your appliance. You can also try cleaning the door seal, hinges, or springs. If all else fails, you’ll need to replace the door gasket.
7 Ways to Fix an Oven That Won’t Close
Nothing is more annoying than being unable to prepare a delicious meal because your oven door won’t close.
An oven door that won’t close can happen for many reasons, so I’ve prepared a list of the most important tips you should follow to fix the issue.
#1 Check Your Oven Door Lock
If your oven door won’t close, it could be due to a bad door lock.
You see, most modern ovens have an automatic locking system in place that keeps the door closed when you’re cooking something and can help you keep kids out of the oven when you are using it.
Given that the lock is electrical, sometimes it can lock when you don’t intend it to.
I often find that if you’re having a hard time getting your oven door to close, it might be because the latch has already been engaged. Trying to close your oven door when the latch is engaged is like trying to lock the door to your house when the deadbolt is sticking out.
You simply won’t be able to… at least not without breaking something.
To fix the issue, look at the lock and make sure it’s not engaged.
If you are having a difficult time getting the lock to disengage, you may want to clean it first. If you move dust and debris out of the way, you should be able to fix the lock again.
#2 Examine the Oven Racks
If your oven door won’t close, it could be due to the racks inside it not being properly positioned, so you’ll have to readjust them.
Provided you’ve readjusted the racks and your oven door still won’t close, I would advise changing them, as chances are you’re using the wrong racks.
#3 Clean the Door Frame
Another possible reason your oven door won’t close is that the frame needs urgent cleaning. As you cook meal after meal, gunk and grease build up little by little in the door frame until, eventually, you can start having door problems and even burning smells.
The good news is that you can easily fix the issue. You’ll just need to use warm water and vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution.
Keep in mind that there could also be some issues underneath the door seal. Ensure you clean the entire door frame to address the issue.
#4 Clean the Hinges of the Oven Door
The door frame isn’t the only part of your oven that can give you problems when dirty, as this also applies to the door hinges.
Look at the hinges and see if any grease is present. If so, take the cleaning solution mentioned above and polish the hinges.
Provided you’ve already cleaned the door frame and the hinges properly and your oven door still won’t close, then it’s also possible you may have to replace the hinges entirely.
Luckily, replacing the hinges is not a very challenging task. You can find replacement hinges at any home improvement store, and you might be able to order them online as well. If you’re unsure about the model number and type of hinges you need, my usual advice is to turn to your User Manual.
#5 Check the Seal of the Door
If you’ve tried all the fixes above, but the oven door won’t close, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace the seal of your oven door entirely
Similar to other parts of various machines, the seal on your oven door will wear out eventually. As time passes, the seal may begin to crack, bubble, or expand, preventing you from closing your oven door.
If you look at the seal of your oven door and spot cracks, it’s likely a sign that you need to replace it.
Since, in essence, the door seal is nothing more than a piece of rubber, replacing it shouldn’t be too challenging; however, you do need to make sure you get the right seal for your oven door.
When the new seal arrives, make sure it’s pressed firmly in place. Otherwise, your oven may start to leak heat into your kitchen, increasing your utility bills.
If you want to get any replacement part – or see how much one would cost – click to enter your model number in the search bar below. Our partners at AppliancePartsPros stock almost every part with free guides on how to install them.
#6 Consider the Springs of Your Oven Door
Another possible reason why your oven door won’t close is worn-out or dirty springs. Older oven models have springs that keep the door in place and provide enough resistance to open it smoothly.
If you find that you have a lot of dirt and grime on the springs of your door, you need to clean them thoroughly.
Once you’re certain you’ve cleaned the springs properly, test their elasticity by carefully moving the door from an open to a closed position several times. Should anything appear out of order, it’s a good idea to look into replacing the springs.
Keeping a close eye on components like the door springs frequently is a good practice that can help make your oven work better and last longer!
#7 The Oven Door Might Be Warped
If your oven door has become warped, it won’t close, and creating an airtight seal in the oven’s internal compartment won’t be possible.
While it doesn’t happen in all cases, it’s somewhat normal to have your oven door warp with heat over the years, and while you can certainly try to get a replacement door, the new part is typically very expensive. In my opinion, in cases of a warped door, it makes much more financial sense to buy a new oven instead.
Conclusion
That about covers it!
When your oven door won’t close, no matter what you do, it’s normal to feel worried about heat leaks and the cost of potential repairs.
Luckily, as I hope this piece has helped you better understand, addressing the most common causes behind an oven door that won’t close is easy and quick. More often than not, something as simple as cleaning the door frame and hinges will do the trick.
I hope you enjoyed this guide. If so, please consider checking out our other incredible resources below and subscribing to our newsletter.
Have a great week!
-Craig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my oven door have to close completely to cook my food?
Yes, you do need to make sure your oven door is completely closed before you start to cook your food. Most ovens are not going to turn on if the door is not completely locked.
And even if you can get your oven to turn on, I strongly advise against it, as it not only poses a health hazard, but will also skyrocket your utilities due to loss of heat.
How often do I need to clean my oven?
A lot of newer ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that will kick in after every meal. You may also need to clean the interior of your oven approximately once per month; however, the frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your oven, the type of oven you have, and the type of food you cook in your oven.
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