What You’ll Need
To successfully reverse your refrigerator doors, gather the following tools before you begin:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Masking tape
- Plastic putty knife
Step 1: Preparation
Start by emptying your refrigerator completely. This will allow you to work on the doors without any obstructions and prevent any accidental damage to your food items. It’s also a good idea to unplug the refrigerator to ensure your safety during the process.
Step 2: Remove Contents on the Doors
Next, remove any shelves or bins attached to the doors. Place them aside carefully to avoid any damage. Use masking tape to label each item and its respective location to ease reinstallation later.
Step 3: Door Removal
Using your Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the top hinge from the refrigerator door. Carefully lift the door off the bottom hinge and place it on a soft surface to prevent any scratches. Remember to keep the screws in a safe place as you’ll need them later.
Step 4: Top Hinge Reinstallation
Now it’s time to reconfigure the top hinge to the opposite side. Unscrew it from the current position and then reattach it to the other side of the refrigerator, using the screws you set aside. Make sure it’s tightly secured to support the weight of the door.
Step 5: Freezer Door Disassembly
If you have a refrigerator with a freezer, move on to removing the handle from the freezer door. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws or using a hex key, depending on the model. Set the handle aside for later use.
Step 6: Freezer Door Rotation
Carefully lift the freezer door off the bottom hinge and rotate it 180 degrees. This is done to ensure that the handle can be properly reattached on the opposite side. Gently place the door on a soft surface to avoid any scratches.
Step 7: Handle Reinstallation
With the freezer door rotated, it’s time to reattach the handle on the opposite side. Secure it using the screws or hex key, depending on your refrigerator model. Ensure it is tightly fastened.
Step 8: Door Alignment
Before reinstalling the doors, double-check that the top hinge is securely fastened and the handles are properly aligned. Use a tape measure to ensure both doors are at the same height and level. Adjust as necessary.
Step 9: Door Reinstallation
Take the fresh food door and align it with the bottom hinge. Carefully slide the door onto the hinge, making sure it’s securely attached. Then, screw the top hinge back onto the refrigerator, ensuring everything is tight and secure.
Step 10: Reinstall Door Contents
Finally, reattach the shelves and bins to their respective locations on the doors. Remove the masking tape labels and organize your refrigerated items back into the appliance.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have successfully reversed the doors on your refrigerator. Remember to refer to your refrigerator model’s specific instructions, as steps may vary slightly. Now you can enjoy a properly configured refrigerator that suits your needs!