03 Mold, Mildew, or Crumb Buildup on Rubber Door Gaskets
The flexible rubber gasket lining your refrigerator door creates an airtight seal that keeps cold air locked inside. Unfortunately, the accordion-style folds of these gaskets act as magnets for loose breadcrumbs, drips of milk, and condensation. When moisture meets trapped food particles in a dark environment, black mold and mildew flourish rapidly.
Inspect the rubber folds along all four sides of the door. A dirty gasket does more than look unappealing; sticky grime degrades the flexible rubber over time, causing it to crack and lose its seal. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), maintaining proper refrigeration temperatures is essential for preventing bacterial growth, and a compromised door seal forces your unit to run harder while warm air leaks into the cabinet.
