A door gasket that doesn't close tight lets warm air in, so the fridge runs and still doesn't get as cold as it should. Dirt on the gasket, a fridge that isn't level, or a damaged seal can all cause it. Samsung says frost or condensation near the seal can point to a sealing problem.
The dollar bill test takes a minute and tells you if the seal is worth worrying about.
Before you start
- Keep the doors closed as much as you can while you work.
- If you need to move the fridge, unplug it first and pull it out slowly. Fridges are heavy.
- If food seems warm, check it with FoodSafety.gov's storage chart before you eat it. Samsung suggests touching a metal or glass container instead of trusting the air temperature.
Steps
- Check the basics. The lights should be on. If they are off, check the outlet, and the breaker if it looks like power was lost. Make sure nothing blocks a door from closing all the way.
- Look at the gasket all the way around the door. Look for tears, gaps, warps, and frost or moisture near the seal.
- Do the dollar bill test. Close the door on a dollar bill, with the bill halfway in, then gently pull it out. You should feel slight resistance. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak at that spot. Try several spots around the door, including the corners.
- Clean the gasket with a damp cloth and dish soap in warm water, then dry it. Samsung says to do this about once a month.
- Do the dollar bill test again.
- If the fridge rocks, or the doors don't line up, level it. Samsung says a fridge that isn't aligned can fail the test, and that this is common with newly installed fridges. Your manual shows how to level your model.
- Leave room for air. Samsung says the vents need about 2 inches of clearance at the back, top and sides, and that food should stay about 2 inches from the vents inside.
- Give it time. Samsung says a fridge can take up to 28 hours to reach a new setting with the doors closed.
- If the bill still slides out after cleaning and leveling, the gasket may need replacing. Samsung says to request service when a seal is warped or damaged.
When to stop
Stop and call a repair service if any of these happen.
- The gasket is torn, warped or won't close after cleaning and leveling.
- Food keeps spoiling early after you have done these checks.
- You see heavy frost, ice that keeps coming back, or water on the floor.
- You see a damaged cord, sparks or a burning smell. Unplug the fridge and call a repair service.
Sources
Steps based on manufacturer support pages; your model's manual comes first.