Reversing the Door on Your Whirlpool Refrigerator: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whirlpool refrigerators have become an integral part of our daily lives, keeping our food fresh and drinks chilled. However, sometimes the placement of the refrigerator door might not be the most convenient for our kitchen layout. Luckily, Whirlpool has designed their refrigerators with a reversible door option, allowing you to change the direction in which it opens. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of reversing the door on your Whirlpool refrigerator, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all.
Gathering Materials
Before embarking on the door reversal process, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. This will help streamline the procedure and prevent any unnecessary interruptions. Here’s a list of items you will need:
1. Flathead screwdriver
2. Phillips head screwdriver
3. 5/16-inch socket or nut driver
4. Pliers
5. Level
6. Masking tape
7. Blank paper and a pencil to mark screw locations
8. Help from a friend or family member (optional, but recommended)
Preparing for Door Removal
Once you have assembled all the required materials, it’s time to prepare your refrigerator for door removal. Follow these steps:
1. Empty the Contents
Start by removing all the food items and shelves from the refrigerator door. Place them in a cool location or a portable cooler to ensure freshness.
2. Unplug the Refrigerator
For safety reasons, it is crucial to unplug your Whirlpool refrigerator from the power source. This will prevent any potential accidents during the door reversal process.
3. Protect the Floor
To avoid any scratches or damages, place a soft blanket or protective material on the floor in front of your refrigerator. This will act as a cushion and provide a safe area for the door removal.
4. Remove the Top Hinge Cover
Using a flathead screwdriver or your fingers, carefully pry off the top hinge cover. Set it aside as you will need it later.
5. Remove the Top Hinge Plate
Once the top hinge cover is off, you will find a series of screws securing the top hinge plate. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or a 5/16-inch socket to remove them. Keep these screws separate from others as they will be used to reattach the plate later.
6. Lift and Remove the Door
With the top hinge plate removed, you can gently lift the refrigerator door off its bottom hinge. Enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed, as refrigerator doors can be heavy.
7. Remove the Bottom Hinge Plate
After the door is removed, you will see the bottom hinge plate attached to the refrigerator. Unscrew and remove it using the appropriate screwdriver or socket.
8. Move the Door Stop
To ensure proper sealing and alignment after the door reversal, you will need to move the door stop to the opposite side. Use pliers to remove the door stop from the current location on the door and reattach it on the opposite side.
Reversing the Door
Now that we have successfully removed the refrigerator door and made the necessary adjustments, it’s time to reverse the door and reinstall it on the opposite side. Follow these steps:
1. Reattach the Bottom Hinge Plate
Take the bottom hinge plate that you previously removed and reattach it to the opposite side of the refrigerator. Use the same screws to secure it in place, ensuring a tight fit.
2. Align and Insert the Door
Carefully align the door with the bottom hinge and insert it onto the hinge pin. Ensure that the door is level and lines up properly with the refrigerator body.
3. Reattach the Top Hinge Plate
Retrieve the top hinge plate and reattach it to the opposite side of the refrigerator. Use the screws that were previously removed, tightening them securely.
4. Reattach the Top Hinge Cover
Finally, snap the top hinge cover back into place to provide a clean and finished appearance. Ensure that it fits snugly and is aligned with the rest of the refrigerator.
5. Test the Door
Before celebrating your successful door reversal, it is important to test the door’s functionality. Open and close it several times to verify that it seals properly and operates smoothly.
Conclusion
Reversing the door on your Whirlpool refrigerator may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be accomplished easily. By following this step-by-step guide, you can now adapt your refrigerator’s door to suit your kitchen space perfectly. Remember to take your time and exercise caution throughout the process to avoid any mishaps. Enjoy the hassle-free convenience of your newly reversed Whirlpool refrigerator door!