How To Replace A Dishwasher Door Seal

Dishwasher saves life- it might be an overstatement. But if ‘comfort’ and ‘life’ go hand in hand for you, you may agree with our expression.

Nevertheless, this life-saving machine can sometimes add to your stress if its door malfunctions. It may result in a creek of water under the dishwasher, not to mention until you repair the machine, you’ll have to handwash the dishes.

If you decide to hire a mechanic to repair a faulty door seal (also known as a tub gasket), you may have to count a hefty amount of money. But do you know that you can easily do the task if you put your mind to it? Yes, you read it right.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of how to replace a dishwasher door seal. So, stay tuned with us.

How To Replace A Dishwasher Door Seal

• Open your dishwasher door. Unfasten the lower rack of your dishwasher. You’ll find the door gasket made of a soft rubber seal. It surrounds the dishwasher tub in a recessed channel from its both sides and the top.
• Hold an end of the seal. If you can’t have a strong grip using your fingers, you can use a couple of needle-nose pliers.
• Pull the old seal/gasket out of the channel and detach it. The orientation of your gasket is crucial. You have to install the new gasket in the same way with the same side. So, before pulling out the gasket, capture the orientation by heart.
• The dishwasher door and the channel have to be cleaned thoroughly. You can use a soft rag or towel for that. Make sure that there’s no residue of buildup.
• Now it’s time to put the new gasket in the same place where the old one was. The correct side of the gasket has to be facing out. 
• Clasp it in the middle and press it into the center of the channel. The alignment of the gasket has to be right in the middle. Start to attach the gasket from the topmost center of your dishwasher and then slowly proceed to a side of the tub.
• Push the gasket down the channel as far as you can. But don’t stretch the gasket while you’re at it.
• You have to fit the outer side of the gasket in the same method.
• Closely inspect each end of the gasket. Not more than 3-4 inches of any side should protrude from the channel. If it does, you’ll need to snip off the excess using a utility knife.
• Put the lower rack to its designated place inside the dishwasher. Shut the dishwasher door and don’t forget to lock it. Keep it this way for a minimum of three to four hours. It’ll allow the new gasket time to adhere to the door properly.
• When the time’s up, use the dishwasher to make sure that there’s no leakage.

Tips For When Replacing Dishwasher Door Seal

• You need to buy a seal that’s on par with your dishwasher model.
• If the new gasket doesn’t come with adhesive, you’ll have to purchase it separately.
• If the old seal can’t be removed with ease, you can warm it with a heat gun or dryer. But remember, you can’t use high heat.
• After cleaning the channel, wait until it’s completely dry before continuing with your work.

The dishwasher door may seem a bit rigid and you may find it relatively difficult to close it. But know that it’s completely normal and it’ll not feel the same after a few days.

Final Words

Replacing a dishwasher door seal isn’t a difficult task. You just have to be meticulous about each step and you should be good to go. Remember you need to buy a compatible seal for your dishwasher, otherwise, your money and effort will amount to nothing.

We hope this article helps you in learning how to replace a dishwasher door seal. Follow these simple tips and be your own savior.