Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

A refrigerator door seal, plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and temperature of your fridge. Over time, door seals can wear out, leading to air leaks and increased energy consumption. Fortunately, fixing a refrigerator door seal is a quick and easy task that you can tackle on your own. In this guide, we will show you how to easily replace your fridge door seal. What does a fridge door seal do? A fridge door seal, also known as a gasket, is a flexible strip made of rubber or a similar material that is attached to the edge of a refrigerator door. Its main function is to create an airtight seal between the refrigerator compartment and the external environment when the door is closed. In addition, a fridge door seal: Prevents air leaks and maintains consistent temperatures, reducing energy consumption and lowering electricity bills. Controls condensation by stopping warm, humid air from entering the fridge. This in turn prevents moisture build-up and the growth of mould and mildew. Helps with noise reduction. A seal acts as a barrier, absorbing vibrations and reducing the noise generated by the refrigerator’s compressor and fan. Creates an airtight seal, keeping external contaminants and odours out, ensuring proper food storage conditions. Provides efficient cooling. With a good door seal, the refrigerator’s cooling system operates optimally, without the need to work harder due to air leaks, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient performance. How do you know when a fridge door seal needs replacing? There are a few signs that can indicate your fridge door seal may need replacing. Here’s what to look out for: Visible damage such as cracks or tears. Inspect the seal visually for any visible signs of wear and tear. If you notice significant damage, it’s likely time for a replacement. Cold air escaping from the sides or corners of the closed door. A faulty seal may allow warm, humid air to enter the refrigerator, resulting in moisture build-up or condensation inside. If you notice excessive condensation on the walls or shelves, or if you find water droplets inside the fridge, it could be an indication that the door seal is compromised. Difficulty in fully closing the refrigerator door or it pops open slightly. A deteriorating door seal can create an environment for mould or mildew growth. If you notice any signs of mould or mildew on or around the door seal, it could indicate that the seal is not properly sealing and should be replaced. A faulty door seal can lead to increased energy consumption. If you notice a sudden increase in your refrigerator’s energy usage or if your energy bills have been higher than usual, it’s worth checking the condition of the door seal. Replacing your fridge door seal You will need: Replacement refrigerator door seal. Check your refrigerator’s manual or look for a model number to ensure you buy the right seal for your fridge. Find yours here Screwdriver and pliers Soft cloth Mild detergent and sponge Safety first!  Before you get started, make sure you disconnect your refrigerator from the power source. Replacing your fridge door seal Step 1:  Remove the old door seal If your fridge seal is attached to the door with screws: Locate the screws holding the seal in place. They are typically found on the inner side of the door. Use your screwdriver to loosen and remove these screws. Slowly peel off the old seal from the refrigerator door. Take care not to damage the door surface or any other components. If your fridge door seal is held in place by adhesive: Gently peel it off from the door surface. Be careful not to damage the door or any surrounding parts. If there is any remaining adhesive residue, you can use a mild adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol to clean it off. If your fridge door seal clips into a channel around the door: Simply pull the seal away gently by hand. Step 2:  Clean the door surface Use a soft damp cloth and detergent to thoroughly clean the area where the old seal was attached. Ensure that the surface is free from any residue, dirt, or grease. Wipe it dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Step 3:  Prepare your new door seal Unpack the new door seal and lay it flat. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a while to help remove any creases or folds. Step 4:  Install the new door seal Starting from one corner, align the new seal along the edge of the refrigerator door. Press it firmly into place. Continue attaching the seal, carefully working your way around the door, making sure it is properly aligned and fully adhered. Step 5:  Secure the new door seal Once the seal is attached all the way around, reinsert the screws (if applicable) that were removed in Step 1. Tighten them securely but avoid overtightening, as it may damage the seal or the door. Step 6:  Lightly clean Wipe off any excess adhesive or residue with a soft damp cloth. Ensure the area around the seal is clean and dry. Step 7:  Reconnect the refrigerator Reconnect your refrigerator to the power supply. Step 8:  Test the door seal Close the refrigerator door and check for proper sealing. The door should close smoothly without any gaps or leaks. To test the seal, try sliding a sheet of paper or a dollar bill between the door and the refrigerator. If the paper can be easily pulled out, the seal may need adjustment or further tightening. That’s it! You’ve successfully replaced the door seal on your refrigerator. Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares Statewide Appliance Spares is your go-to destination for all your home appliance spares. The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping.  Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for to find tips for deep cleaning your refrigerator. You can also find our handy guide to easily replace your refrigerator light globe and troubleshooting tips for a refrigerator that is not cooling. Check out your YouTube channel Subscribe to our YouTube channel and keep up to date on all our latest videos. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!   Tags: appliancespares, fridge & freezers, fridge door seal, fridge maintenance, fridge repairs, fridge tip

Even the best dishwashers won’t deliver results if they are not loaded the right way. Overfilling your dishwasher, placing utensils and plates in the wrong spot or even using the incorrect amount of dishwashing powder can all contribute to a less than sparkling result. For the best cleaning results, follow our tips to load your dishwasher the right way. Should you pre-rinse? “There’s absolutely no need to pre-rinse” says Ashley Iredale from consumer advocacy group Choice. Scrape off food scraps before placing your plates, bowls and utensils in the dishwasher. Not only will you get a better result, you will save energy and avoid wasting water. If you don’t plan on running your dishwasher right away, you can run a pre-wash or rinse only cycle. The cycle uses very little water and power and helps prevent food residue from sticking to your dishes. Pick the right dishwasher detergent A good quality detergent will greatly improve cleaning performance. Our top pick is Aktivo Ultra Concentrate Dishwasher Powder. It contains enzymes for fast elimination of food grime and tough stains. 100% soluble and phosphate free means it is better for the environment too! Handy tips for loading your dishwasher Keep your utensils together For the best results, place forks and spoons handle-first, with the prongs and spoons facing upwards. To avoid any cuts or accidents, sharp knives should be placed downwards in the cutlery basket. Mix the utensils up in each section of the basket to avoid spoons and forks nesting. Place lighter items on the top basket Glasses, cups, wine glasses and small bowls should be placed on the top rack.  Load on an angle so that water can easily drain out. Dishwasher-safe plastics should go on the top rack as excessive heat can warp plastics. Large spatulas and long cooking utensils should lay flat on the top rack. Make sure they cannot slip through the rack. This could block the spray arms. Place heavy items on the bottom Place heavy items such as pots, pans, large bowls and dinner plates on the bottom rack. Scrape leftover food into the rubbish bin first, but do not pre-rinse your plates. Place dishes with their dirty sides facing the centre of the dishwasher. Don’t stack dishes too close together. If your dishwasher has removable plate racks, adjust or remove to fit your pots and pans as needed. Larger items such as platters, cutting boards should be placed towards the side and back and angled down to ensure better cleaning and drainage. Dishes and other large items should not obstruct rotating arms. Dishwashing do’s and don’ts Do: Use a quality dishwasher detergent (and the recommended amount!). Too much can leave a residue, too little can result in dirty dishes Use rinse aid with every wash. Not only will it help to remove excess water and prevent mineral build up, it will prevent stubborn water spots Make sure your unit is fully loaded (but not overcrowded) when you run it Check that your spray arms can spin easily are not obstructed by larger dishes Put the dirtiest and heaviest items on the bottom rack Give your dishwasher a thorough, monthly deep wash with a vinegar cycle. Wipe the interior of your dishwasher and the door seal with warm soapy water and a sponge. Add 2 cups white vinegar to your dishwasher. Finally run a full hot water cycle. Select the right cycle for your dishes and other items Don’t Place sharp knives in the dishwasher, as this will dull the blades Put wooden items (eg cutting boards) in the dishwasher – this can cause them to warp or crack Put non-dishwasher safe items in your dishwasher. This includes crystal, fine china, cast iron, items with fine metals and finishes, aluminum, flatware with bone or wood, sharp knives and non-stick pans Overload the dishwasher. Poorly stacked dishes and utensils that restrict the rotating motion of the spray arms can result in dirty dishes Unload the top rack first. Unload your bottom rack first so that when you are ready to unload the top rack, left over water won’t splash onto your clean dishes below If you find your dishwasher is still not cleaning properly, check out our simple DIY fixes. Solve common dishwasher problems easily (no repair person required!). Read our handy guide. Need dishwasher spare parts? We’ve got you covered! We ensure our most popular spare parts are always in stock – including hoses, cutlery baskets, rollers and spray arms. Trust the experts and find the spare part you need at Statewide Appliance Spares, with fast Australia wide delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed. Tags: dishwasher, dishwasher tips, tips

This month marks a special occasion for the Statewide Appliance Spares team as we celebrate 35 years in business. Founded in 1985, Statewide Appliance Spares has grown to be a leading national spare parts distributor, with the biggest range of appliance spares in Australia. Statewide Appliance Spares opened its doors in Adelaide, South Australia, initially supplying white goods spare parts to trade customers. We then went on to expand our product range to meet the demands of both retail and trade customers. Statewide now provides Australia’s biggest range of spare parts for most leading brands of home appliances. In 2002, Statewide Appliance Distributors launched into the market, offering complete solutions for commercial laundry and floor care, including repairs, service and spare parts. The move to our new premises in 2016 saw us expand even further. Statewide are now conveniently located five minutes from the Adelaide CBD and airport, as well as being on major transport routes, to reach customers right across Australia. The building was extensively re-modelled to our own specifications. You will find a spacious shop and showroom as well as state-of-the-art warehousing to support the continued growth of the business. Winning team General Manager, David Stretton attributes the Statewide Appliance Spares customer service team to being an integral part of its success. The team’s in-depth knowledge and industry expertise allows them to offer complete solutions to their customers.  “Our success and 35 year milestone is testament to our winning team and their can-do attitude which is recognised by our customers.” Customers are the heartbeat of our business, who provide feedback to us daily. They let us know when we are doing our job right and also give us valuable insights on areas we can further develop and improve. “Staff are so happy and really go the extra mile to help. Well done Statewide Appliance staff. You are the best” Rhonda R, Google Reviews Trends and trade Statewide has seen trends towards updating appliances as soon as something goes wrong shifting. Customers are now seeking eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, choosing to repair their appliances in the first instance. DIY appliance repairs are often easily handled by customers.  David has seen this trend first hand “Customers are conscious of creating landfill and in the main, it is often cheaper to repair than replace.” Paul Haysman, Owner and Director, notes the changes in how customers choose to buy spare parts, “The selling of parts for larger appliances is now more likely to be online or via telephone, rather than driving down to the local repair shop.” As more and more trade customers broaden the type of appliances they repair, such as air conditioning and refrigeration, we are able to offer an extensive range of parts and services to support them in their business. Our extensive national freight network enables us to quickly ship parts to our customers all across Australia. We have added a dedicated trade free call number and priority trade customer service team. This will manage their specific needs and requirements. Whilst Statewide continues to serve local customers at the Hilton store, there has been significant development in the online space. Statewide have introduced a new, improved website that features better functionality and ease of use. The customer service centre has also grown, with more staff to service the needs of our customers. Extensive resourcing and training ensures we can efficiently service the market nationwide. Looking ahead Statewide is a national distributor for most brand, with more brands and products added to the range. In addition, we are improving our enormous database of technical information, so that we can assist customers to find what they are looking for. As the team continues to expand, there will be an even greater focus on customer communication. We will offer customers more ways to buy and communicate with us. Paul Haysman adds, “We will continue to invest in our people and the latest technology to continue making the buying of spare parts easier for our ever-growing customer base”. As we celebrate our 35th year in business, we continue to adapt to changes in the industry and emerging trends. This ensures we continue to deliver a seamless and positive customer experience. Our team takes great pride in the legacy which we have built. We look forward to serving our customers throughout Australia and make buying spare parts easier for many years to come. Shop with us Statewide Appliance Spares offer national service. Reach us on free call 1800 005 220 and speak to a member of our dedicated customer service team. Shop online 24/7 with our brand-new website, offering Australia’s biggest range of spare parts. You will quickly and easily find the part you need. Local customers can also visit our store, conveniently located at 105 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton.