Why does mould build up in fridge seals - and how can you stop it?

Mould build up on your fridge gaskets is not only unsightly, it can lead to contaminated food, odours and failed inspections. But how does it get there in the first place?

The answer is due to the reaction between warm and cold air. Every time you open your fridge door, warm and cold air mix together and this leads to the moisture in the warm air condensing on the seals.

Once you become aware of this, prevention becomes a simple task of wiping down the fridge seal every time you notice moisture. Combining this with regular soft brushing (to remove food particles) and a twice yearly wash with mild soap and water, and you will avoid mould build-up altogether.

That's OK for the future, but If your fridge door seal is mouldy now, what should you do? We have come up with four different tips for gasket mould removal depending on what products you have available in your kitchen.

Note: Some fridges fire up a heating coil as you open the door, to minimise condensation. However, these may not operate if you have activated your fridge's energy saving function.

How to remove mould from fridge seal method 1: PVC cleaner

A professional, fragrance-free PVC cleaner is an effective product for removing mould from fridge door seals. These usually come as sprays and you should follow the pack instructions for best results.

How to remove mould from fridge seal method 2: baking soda paste

A popular method for removing mould from fridge or freezer gaskets is to make a paste by mixing together baking soda, lemon juice and water. Leave to set for five minutes and lay a towel on the floor beneath the area you are cleaning.

Next, apply the paste to the mouldy gasket using a soft cloth. After two minutes, wipe away the mould using a cloth or, for stubborn spots, an old toothbrush. The reaction will form balls of paste which will fall on to the towel and dry.

How to remove mould from fridge seal method 3: vinegar solution

We have found that a vinegar solution is also effective for removing mould. Add one part of vinegar to two or three parts of water and either spray on to the gasket or apply using a soft cloth or damp sponge. Wait for 30 seconds and then wipe down the gasket.

Wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel and repeat if necessary. Never be tempted to use a knife or sharp implement to dislodge stubborn mould. Use an old toothbrush instead.

How to remove mould from fridge seal method 4: weak bleach solution

If you can use one of the first three methods to remove mould, we would suggest using these as they will be kinder to your fridge door seal. If you don't have the ingredients you need, a very weak dilution of bleach is OK to use. Add one part of bleach to at least seven parts of water, following all precautions on the product. Spray on to the seal or apply using a damp sponge or soft cloth. Wait for 30 seconds and then wipe down the seal.

Wipe dry with a paper towel or dry cloth and repeat if necessary. Use an old toothbrush to work free ingrained mould.

Never put your gaskets in the dishwasher and don't apply strong bleach or ammonia to your gasket as you could damage it.

Warning: Never mix bleach with vinegar as this will create toxic gases.

If your gasket is very mouldy, you may want to consider replacing it instead. Use our handy tool to search for the gasket you need, or call our helpful team.