Having a Samsung washing machine door seal ripped might lead to more serious problems such as your washer leaking later.
So it is important for you to act quickly before the rip gets worse and causes potentially damaging water leakage.
Now, replacing the seal is not always the economical solution considering that seals don’t come cheap.
However, this will depend on the size of the tear.
But overall, it’s often possible to fix the tear – you do not necessarily have to change out the door seal.
With that in mind, below is how you can DIY fix a ripped Samsung washer door seal- we shall additionally look at what might have caused the rip and how to prevent it in the future.
Samsung washing machine door seal ripped [How to repair the rubber seal]
Before look at the repair, let us take a moment and answer the question: why does this happen?
Well, for the most part, it is usually a manufacturing defect.
However, other minor causes might also be responsible including:
- Improper maintenance or cleaning of the seal.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Pets! – I have occasionally come across pets biting it off.
As I had mentioned earlier on, one potential consequence of a ripped door seal is water leaking through the door.
This might also result in a poor wash since a little amount of water will remain in the wash tub.
What you can do to fix a ripped Samsung washing machine door seal
Of course, if your washer is still under warranty and you suspect the rip is due to a manufacturing defect, you can contact Samsung for a free repair.
Another option is to hire a professional to come and assess the problem.
But before you do so, there are two other potential solutions that you can try if you want to save money (they are, in general, pretty easy).
So let’s see how to perform these professional-standard repairs…
Patch up the seal using an adhesive
If the damage is minor, then it is possible for you to patch the door seal using a water and heat-resistant adhesive/sealant.
The reason I am emphasizing on using a water and heat-resistant adhesive is because the adhesive will come into contact with water (at times even hot water) during the wash cycle.
As a result, it should be resistant to both heat and water when dry.
In addition, the seal you use should be flexible (can expand) when dry.
This will prevent even the slightest leak once you are done fixing the door seal.
So, what adhesive should you get for this DIY project?
Well, your best bet is a polyurethane sealant as it will bond with the rubber seal better than other sealants.
My favorite is a quality Loctite polyurethane sealant – it’s stretchy when dry hence it can even fill gaps along the seal not to mention that once it’s dry, it’s water and heat-resistant.
This is what I use for most of my customers and it leaves the seal tight and working as new.
However, if you do not have Loctite, there are several other adhesives that can also do the trick.
From my experience, RTV silicone sealants such as J-B Weld also do an excellent job.
Now, you might be tempted to use Sugru but I wouldn’t recommend it.
This is because Sugru generally does not bond strongly with silicone surfaces- the other heavy-duty adhesives beats it hands down.
After all, you do want a long-term fix to your door seal, right?
Below now is how to use an adhesive to patch up your torn Samsung washing machine door seal.
Pro tip: Before starting the repair process, first clean the seal and let it dry. Doing so provides for a strong adhesive hold.
The video below will show you what to do next…
Pro tip: If you do not have wax paper around, you can use a raft/inner bicycle tube repair patch.
Also, let the adhesive sit for at least 24 hours before you start using your washing machine.
This should give it enough time to dry.
Now, if you do it right, the patch should hold strongly for years to come.
Samsung washing machine rubber door seal replacement – try a dry replacement if it appears the seal cannot be repaired
The good news is that if your washer’s door seal has ripped beyond repair, you can still replace the seal yourself.
That said, start by ordering a replacement door seal that’s designed for your model.
Once you have the replacement seal in hand, all you need to do is remove the old seal from the washer.
I know that this can be a bit tricky as the seal is often held in place by a metal ring or clamp which requires you to use pliers or a screwdriver to remove it.
So to make it easy for you, I will share a simple-to-follow YouTube instructional video to help you do it right if you have chosen to replace the torn seal towards the end of this article (Be sure to clock through the link).
Maintenance tips – what you can do to prevent your Samsung washing machine door seal from being reaped
Here are a few things you can do to keep your washer’s door seal in good condition:
- Avoid overloading the washer as overloading it can put excess strain on the door seal causing it to tear over time.
- Regularly clean the seal with a mild detergent and water and be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards. That’s because dirt, grime, and detergent build-up can contribute to faster deterioration of the seal.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on the door seal (they can hurt it).
- When loading your washer with comforters, take care not to damage the rubber seal.
Samsung washing machine door seal ripped – final thoughts
Overall, fixing a ripped washing machine rubber door seal is pretty doable with a bit of patience.
And the best part of it is that you will save some money by doing the repair yourself instead of hiring a professional technician.
P.S: Here’s the door seal replacement instructional video I had promised you.
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