Depending on how long you’re had your refrigerator, general wear and tear can be expected. A damaged fridge lining can reduce the cooling effect, make food go bad, and drastically shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator. Luckily, there is an easy solution!
A refrigerator liner repair kit is the best tool for repairing small cracks and holes in your fridge. Follow the steps and you can have it fixed in no time. For broken shelves and larger issues, you may need to consult a professional.
Read on to find out more about how to identify a damaged polystyrene plastic liner and how to repair it.
Types of Damage
Before you can start taking steps to fix your broken refrigerator liner you need to identify the causes and magnitude of the damage. There are a few general reasons why your fridge may be acting up.
1. Broken Seal
The most common side effect of a damaged fridge lining is a broken seal. Ideally, the plastic lining should lie flat against the fridge door. This forms an airtight boundary that seals in the cold air. However, when the lining is cracked or warped it breaks this seal, allowing outside air into the fridge.
This type of disturbance reduces your refrigerator’s ability to moderate the internal temperature. So your food will spoil faster while your fridge will take up more energy to run efficiently. You’ll see a noticeable difference in your electric bills if that is the case.
Of course, the easiest way to identify a broken seal is by placing your hand at the edge of the fridge door. If the seal is vacuum-tight no air will pass. But if the lining is damaged you’ll notice a slight draft. Once you have identified the problem you can use your liner repair kit to repair a broken seal and block any openings in the lining.
2. Stuck Food Particles
The most common reason why your fridge lining starts cracking is because of debris and leftover food particles. Every time you stuff food into your fridge, especially when it’s uncovered, there is a chance that food particles will drop into the lining.
If you aren’t cleaning your fridge regularly this debris will collect over time, forming cracks in the lining. The longer you put it off the bigger the cavity will become, until simply removing the food isn’t enough to solve the problem. Luckily, your refrigerator liner repair kit comes will tape that can help cover the holes once the debris is removed.
3. Bent Linings
The most visible type of fridge damage is a bent or warped lining. Simply inspect the outline of the seal and pay attention to any sections that may be cracking or turned away from the metal casing. Also, be sure to check the many folds of the seal for tears or rips.
Since the rubber seal covers the plastic door liner the damage may be to the seal or the lining. The repair process will vary drastically depending on the part that is broken. Once you confirm that the issue is not simply with the seal you can take the suitable steps to repair the fridge lining.
What Is A Liner Repair Kit?
Generally, refrigerators are lined with a thin plastic that prevents food and drinks from spilling onto the thermal cabinet’s insulation. Without it, the fridge isn’t as efficient and requires more energy to maintain a certain cool temperature. All liners are not made equal. Some are thinner than others and hence, are easier to damage.
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Your liner repair kit will come with a few common parts such as food-grade silicone sealant, liner repair tape, and fiberglass cloth. You can use these to cover the cracks or holes in the plastic lining and bind the covering in place. These kits offer a makeshift temporary solution for people who want an immediate fix.
There may be additional tools depending on which kit you order. You can order a reliable kit that includes all the parts you need or order individual items separately. If your liner has a huge void or is extremely deformed then a liner repair kit may not be enough to fix the damage.
How To Repair Fridge Lining?
The lining repair process will vary depending on the severity and the type of damage. You need to isolate the root cause of faulty lining before you order your repair kit so you can make sure you get all the right parts.
Small Cracks In The Lining
Minor issues are easier and faster to solve. However, if you don’t take care of the repairs immediately the damage will only worsen. Start by collecting all the required materials.
What You Need
For small general repair and maintenance tasks you will need:
- Sandpaper
- Refrigerator liner repair kit
- Scissors
- Gloves
What To Do
Once you have these tools on hand you can start the repairs. The first step is always to turn off and empty your refrigerator. Working on an electric device while it’s running isn’t safe and you don’t want to risk debris falling into your food!
Next, use your sandpaper to smoothen over the damaged section of the fridge liner. After the concerned area has been treated you can start taking steps to cover it. So, pull on your gloves and carefully apply an even layer of silicone over the plastic liner.
Take the fiberglass cloth out of your liner repair kit and cut it according to the size of the hole or crack. Remember, you want the cut fabric to be slightly smaller than the cavity so you can stretch it over the void tightly. Now that the fiberglass piece is acting as a snug covering over the damaged portion of your refrigerator lining you can apply a sealant to lock it in place.
You may have to hold it in place while the adhesive bonds to the fabric and dries in place. Stretch out any wrinkles that may have formed in the process and apply a second, thinner layer of sealant.
Give it 10 to 15 minutes to dry before you restock your fridge. The entire process should take you around 30 to 40 minutes!
Large Gaps In The Lining
Serious repairs will require more time, materials, and expertise. However, will the proper tools and equipment you can fill in large gaps and get your refrigerator back in working order. Start by making sure you have all the required parts.
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What You Need
For large gaps or tears in the lining you will need:
- Refrigerator liner repair kit
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sandpaper
- Drill with 1/16 bit
- Towels or blankets
What To Do
Take your time collecting all the required tools before you start the repair process. The first step is to unplug your refrigerator and empty its contents. Then give the device 15 minutes to adjust to room temperature. You can use this time to put away and cover the food, so it doesn’t spoil.
Next, use your 1/16 inch drill bit and make two tiny holes on either side of the crack. Once you’re done, you’ll notice a slight roughness to the edges of the crack. You can smooth these over by using your sandpaper. Clean the area with a towel dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Then, carefully apply the silicone from your liner repair kit along the edges of the crack, and fill in the drilled holes. Make sure the silicone forms a smooth layer over the treated area. Now cover it with a piece of liner repair tape.
You may need to hold the tape so the adhesive has a chance to bond with it. However, silicone dries very quickly and the entire process shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes. Once your fridge liner is repaired, you can close the door with a dollar bill in between. When you pull it out, you will feel a slight tension. That means the barrier has been repaired!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to small cracks and holes, ordering a good-quality refrigerator liner repair kit gives you all the tools you need to fix the problem. Follow the right steps and your fridge will be up and running in no time!
For major repair and maintenance tasks, you may need to call in professional help. Remember, when you’re struggling with a damaged fridge liner, the quicker you get help, the more money you’ll save. Putting off essential repairs can worsen the problem and double your maintenance costs. Plus, the longer your fridge is functioning at a lower capacity, the higher your electricity and foods bills are going to be!
But don’t worry, there are plenty of expert technicians in Virginia. If you’re looking for amazing customer service, and solid discounts, there are a lot of great appliance repair companies in Stafford and Ashburn. So set up an appointment and get expert advice for all your home maintenance troubles!