Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I am writing to request your solution for cleaning the rubber that goes around the freezer and refrigerator sections. Mine is really black and ugly. Martha Andreychik, Moscow, Pa.

Sounds like the gasket is mildewed and the only thing that will kill mildew is bleach.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) really recommends replacing the gasket if it continues to “grow” mildew because it is probably worn. Cold air escapes and warm air gets in the fridge, which is not good.

Check the Yellow Pages in the phone book under “Appliances” for a dealer near you. Call around to check prices. The cost of a new gasket averages about $50, depending on the brand of refrigerator.

If you’d like to try cleaning it, use a weak solution of cup bleach to 1 gallon of water, rinse well and dry.

If that does the trick and the mildew disappears, clean the gasket as often as possible with a weak solution of hot water and mild dishwashing detergent, rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning. - Heloise