Why is condensation forming on the outside of my refrigerator?

Start by recording what you see rather than assuming there is one cause. Exterior moisture can be associated with a door that does not close properly, a dirty or worn gasket, or high temperature or humidity in the installation environment, according to LG’s guidance. [S1] Those are possibilities to check—not a diagnosis of your refrigerator.

Look at the outside surfaces and note the exact location: for example, “small beads along the upper left edge of the door” or “dampness on the side panel.” Record whether the moisture is droplets, a thin film, or a wet patch, and whether it returns after you wipe it away. Check your model’s instructions before trying any model-specific adjustment. LG’s advice is not a substitute for guidance for another brand or model. [S1]

Write down the date and approximate time, the room’s temperature and humidity if you already have a way to measure them, and anything that changed nearby, such as room conditions or ventilation. If you do not know a measurement, write “not measured” rather than estimating. LG identifies the installation environment, including temperature and humidity, as relevant to exterior moisture, and recommends low humidity and ventilation in its guidance. [S1] The source does not establish a universal room-temperature or humidity target for every refrigerator.

Also note when you first saw the moisture and how long it stayed. Record recent door use in plain terms: for example, whether the door was opened repeatedly, left open longer than usual, or seemed not to close fully. These details help service understand the pattern; they do not prove what caused it.

Use a visual check and write down what you observe. LG recommends checking the gasket, door alignment, and installation area in its guidance. [S1] Look for visible dirt, damage, or a section that appears out of place, and note whether the door seems to sit unevenly or has an obvious obstruction. Avoid taking parts apart or forcing an adjustment; follow the instructions for your exact model, or ask service what checks are appropriate.

Here is an example log entry using hypothetical details:

“[Date/time]: Moisture appeared on the outside of the right door near the top edge. Fine droplets; noticed again about [time period] after wiping. Room conditions: [temperature, if measured]; humidity: not measured. Door use beforehand: opened several times while putting groceries away. Visual check: gasket looks [description]; door alignment: [observation]. No adjustments made. Photos taken: [yes/no].”

Replace the bracketed text with your observations. A dated photo can help show the location and amount, but keep the written description too.

Share the log, your refrigerator’s make and model if available, when the issue began, whether it comes and goes, and any visible door or gasket observations. Include photos if useful, plus the room information you actually measured. Say what you have not checked; that prevents an assumption from being mistaken for a finding.

Check your own model’s instructions for the recommended checks. LG says to seek service if moisture continues after its stated checks, but that is LG guidance and may not describe another model’s process. [S1] If you are unsure what is safe or appropriate for your refrigerator, ask the manufacturer or a qualified service professional rather than attempting an adjustment based on a general article. The source does not establish the cause of moisture on your particular appliance.