Why Your Oven Door Won’t Close: Quick Fixes

Common Oven Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Luckily for our clients, oven door repairs are not something that we do often as most of the problems that cause the door not to close tightly are easily fixed with even little knowledge. An oven door that won't shut properly - whether simply misaligned or broken, is as frustrating as it could be dangerous and pose a safety risk.
There are a few common causes, which in most cases could be quickly fixed without the need of a professional oven repair engineer.

Common Reasons for Your Oven Door Not Closing

1. Obstructed or Dirty Door Seals

The rubber or silicone seal that lines the oven door can get greasy or deformed after a while. Food debris clogging the seal or it being twisted can prevent a proper closing.

Quick Fix:

• Wipe the seal well with warm, soapy water or a kitchen cleaner.
• Check for any visible damage or twists.
• If the seal is cracked or twisted, it may need replacing or realignment.

2. Damaged or Misaligned Hinges

Even if you take a good care and are gentle when opening and closing the oven door, it will still get worn out over time, especially the hinges.

Oven door hinges go through a lot of wear and tear, especially if the door is often slammed or held open with heavy items.

Quick Fix:

• Try tightening the screws with a screwdriver.
• Inspect both hinges to see if they might be bent, loose, or rusty.
• If the hinges are worn out or damaged, book an electric oven repair technician to replace them.

Be careful to not slam the door or place heavy items on it whilst open.

3. Faulty Door Latch

Many electric ovens have a latch or locking mechanism, especially the self-cleaning ones. When it gets stuck or is broken, the door won't close securely.

Quick Fix:

• Open and close the latch a few times to see if it's working.
• You can spray a small amount of lubricant to try and unblock it.
• If the latch is broken, it will need to be replaced by a qualified oven repair engineer.

4. Racks or Trays Blocking the Door

Sometimes the issue could be as simple as something - a protruding oven rack or tray blocking the door from closing.

Quick Fix:

• Remove all trays and racks and close the door to see if that was the problem.
• If the door now shuts properly, insert back the racks, making sure they are aligned correctly.

5. Faulty Oven Frame or Door Panel

This is not something that happens often, but it is possible that sometimes heat can deform the door. Or it could be a manufacturing fault.

Quick Fix:

• Unfortunately, this is not something that you can fix quickly- contact a professional oven repair technician to diagnose the problem, and replace parts or the door, if needed.

When Should I Call a Professional Oven Repair Engineer?

If the door still won't close after you've tried the above, it's time to bring in an expert. A professional oven repair engineer can:

• Diagnose the issue quickly and accurately
• Replace parts like hinges, seals, and latches safely
• Ensure your electric oven is safe to use again

Bear in mind that attempting complicated repairs without proper knowledge can make the issue worse, or even create a fire hazard. To stay on the safe side, let a trained electric oven repair technician handle the problem.

Some Additional Tips

• Avoid slamming the oven door—this will weaken or damage the hinges and will result in misalignment.
• Clean seals and hinges regularly. This will prevent grime build-up. Deep-cleaning the whole oven is also something that should be done at least monthly, or more often if you bake or roast every day.
• Schedule an annual servicing to catch problems early.