What is actually happening
A freezer door that will not close causes the fault that then hides it: warm moist air gets in, freezes on the seal and the frame, and the ice itself holds the door open a little wider each time. Left alone this becomes a compartment full of frost and an appliance that never stops running, so it is worth catching early.
The usual causes
- Ice built up on the seal or the frame holding the door proud
- A drawer or a packet of food catching at the back
- A perished, twisted or torn door seal
- A dropped or loose hinge
- The appliance not level, so the door does not fall shut
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Defrost and dry the seal and frame thoroughly, then check the door falls shut on its own
- Take the drawers out and check nothing is fouling at the back
- Warm a hardened seal gently with a hairdryer on low to help it reseat
- Check the appliance is level and tilted very slightly back
Still door will not shut properly?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my freezer door will not shut properly?
The door springs back open, sits proud, or is frozen shut against the frame. A freezer door that will not close causes the fault that then hides it: warm moist air gets in, freezes on the seal and the frame, and the ice itself holds the door open a little wider each time. Left alone this becomes a compartment full of frost and an appliance that never stops running, so it is worth catching early.
Can I fix a freezer door will not shut properly myself?
Defrost and dry the seal and frame thoroughly, then check the door falls shut on its own. Take the drawers out and check nothing is fouling at the back. Warm a hardened seal gently with a hairdryer on low to help it reseat. Check the appliance is level and tilted very slightly back. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a freezer door will not shut properly?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.