You probably don’t think much about oven door seals and gaskets — until you have a problem with them. In truth, seals are a critical component of your oven, and one that you should check regularly. Damaged or ineffective oven gaskets can lead to a number of health and safety problems, as well as wasted energy and improperly cooked food. Fortunately, regular cleaning and inspection can go a long way toward help prevent their failure.
How to Check Oven Gasket Seals
A handy dollar bill is a great way to check the health of your oven door seal. Visually inspect it first, and make note of any cracks, tears, holes or areas where it may have come loose from the door itself. Any of these conditions may indicate that the gasket needs to be replaced in the near future. Next, take your dollar bill and place it partway across the seal, then close the door. Leave enough of the bill showing in order to get a good grip on it for the test. Once the door has closed, gently pull on the dollar bill. You should feel a detectible resistance that prevents the bill from sliding out easily. If you don’t feel any resistance, you’ve found a weak spot. Repeat this around the entire perimeter of the door.
How to Clean Oven Seals
It can be tricky to clean the area surrounding the oven door, because damaging the seal is easy to do. Do not rub or move the oven door gasket, because it is essential to maintain a good seal. It is best to err on the side of caution if you need to clean it, so use a damp sponge to gently wipe the seal and gasket. Always try to wipe up spills as they happen, to avoid a baked-on mess that will defy your efforts later. Remember that your oven reaches high temperatures, so using cleaning products that leave a residue can give off fumes when the oven heats up. Be especially careful when cleaning the gasket if you use an oven cleaner or other harsh chemical. These products can harden the braid on the gasket, which can greatly shorten its lifespan.
In Case of Seal Failure
If you have determined that your oven seal needs to be replaced, this calls for a qualified professional. If you live in the Salt Lake City area, contact Complete Appliance Repair, the locally owned and operated leader in appliance sales, installation and repair. Their trained professionals can have you cooking again in no time, with a brand-new oven door seal.