How To Get Dents Out Of A Stainless Steel Refrigerator

If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, you know how sleek and shiny it looks in your kitchen. But what if you accidentally dent it? Does that mean you have to live with an unsightly blemish on your appliance? Not necessarily. There are some easy and effective ways to remove dents from a stainless steel refrigerator without damaging the surface or calling a professional. In this post, we’ll show you how to get dents out of stainless steel refrigerator using common household items or tools.

The best way to get dents out of stainless steel refrigerator is to use heat and cold or suction tools to pop the dent out. You can use a hair dryer, dry ice, compressed air, or a suction cup dent remover to fix the dent yourself.

Why Do Stainless Steel Refrigerators Dent Easily?

Stainless steel is a durable and corrosion-resistant material, but it is not immune to dents. Stainless steel refrigerators have a thin layer of metal over a plastic or foam core, which makes them lighter and more energy-efficient than solid metal appliances. However, this also means that they are more prone to dents from impacts or pressure.

Dents can occur from various causes, such as moving the refrigerator, bumping into it with furniture or other objects, closing the door too hard, or having kids or pets around. Dents can also vary in size and depth, depending on the force and angle of the impact.

How To Use Heat And Cold To Remove Dents From Stainless Steel Refrigerator

One of the most popular methods to remove dents from a stainless steel refrigerator is to use heat and cold to make the metal expand and contract. This can help the dent pop out by itself or make it easier to pull out with a suction tool. There are three ways to use heat and cold for this purpose: using a hair dryer and dry ice, using a hair dryer and compressed air, or using a heat gun and dry ice.

Using A Hair Dryer And Dry Ice

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that has a very low temperature of -109°F (-78°C). When applied to a heated dent, it can cause the metal to contract rapidly and pop out. Here are the steps to use dry ice for dent removal:

• Clean the dent with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grease.
• Heat the dent with a hair dryer on high for about a minute or until the metal is warm.
• Put on protective gloves and wrap a piece of dry ice in a soft cloth.
• Apply the dry ice to the dent while heating the area with the hair dryer.
• Hold the dry ice for about a minute or until you hear a popping sound or see the dent disappear.
• Repeat the process if needed until the dent is gone.

Note: Be careful not to touch the dry ice with your bare skin, as it can cause frostbite. Also, do not use dry ice in an enclosed space, as it can release carbon dioxide gas that can be harmful if inhaled.

Using A Hair Dryer And Compressed Air

Compressed air is air that is stored in pressurized cans and used for cleaning electronics or dusting keyboards. When sprayed upside down, it can release a cold condensation that can have a similar effect as dry ice on a heated dent. Here are the steps to use compressed air for dent removal:

• Clean the dent with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grease.
• Heat the dent with a hair dryer on high for about 30 seconds or until the metal is warm.
• Hold the can of compressed air upside down and spray it on the dent from about an inch away.
• Wait for the condensation to form and melt on the dent.
• Repeat the process if needed until the dent pops out or disappears.

Note: Be careful not to spray the compressed air on your skin, as it can cause burns. Also, do not inhale the gas from the can, as it can be harmful.

Using A Heat Gun And Dry Ice

A heat gun is a tool that produces hot air at high temperatures and speeds. It is usually used for stripping paint, shrinking plastic, or soldering wires. It can also be used to heat up dents more effectively than a hair dryer. However, it can also damage the surface of your refrigerator if not used carefully. Here are the steps to use a heat gun and dry ice for dent removal:

• Clean the dent with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grease.
• Heat the dent with a heat gun on low for about 15 seconds or until the metal is hot.
• Put on protective gloves and wrap a piece of dry ice in a soft cloth.
• Apply the dry ice to the dent while heating the area with the heat gun.
• Hold the dry ice for about 15 seconds or until you hear a popping sound or see the dent disappear.
• Repeat the process if needed until the dent is gone.

Note: Be careful not to overheat the metal, as it can cause discoloration or warping. Also, do not touch the heat gun or the dry ice with your bare skin, as they can cause burns or frostbite.

How To Use Suction Tools To Remove Dents From Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Another method to remove dents from a stainless steel refrigerator is to use suction tools to pull the dent out. Suction tools create a vacuum that can lift the metal and restore its shape. There are two types of suction tools that you can use for this purpose: a toilet plunger or a suction cup dent remover.

Using A Toilet Plunger

A toilet plunger is a common household item that can also be used to remove dents from a stainless steel refrigerator. It has a rubber cup that can create suction when pressed against a flat surface. Here are the steps to use a toilet plunger for dent removal:

• Clean the dent and the plunger with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grease.
• Wet the rim of the plunger with water to improve the suction.
• Place the plunger over the dent and press it firmly against the refrigerator door.
• Pull or plunge the plunger until the dent pops out or disappears.
• Repeat the process if needed until the dent is gone.

Note: Make sure to use a clean and new plunger for this method, as you don’t want to transfer any germs or bacteria from your toilet to your refrigerator.

Using A Suction Cup Dent Remover

A suction cup dent remover is a tool that is specially designed for removing dents from cars or other metal surfaces. It has a suction cup that can be attached to the dent with glue or screws and a handle that can be pulled or twisted to create suction. You can buy one online, at big box stores, or auto parts stores. Here are the steps to use a suction cup dent remover for dent removal:

• Clean the dent and the suction cup with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grease.
• Apply a dab of hot glue or screw on the suction cup over the dent.
• Pull or twist the handle until the dent pops out or disappears.
• Remove the suction cup and clean any residue from the glue or screws.
• Repeat the process if needed until the dent is gone.

Note: Be careful not to damage the surface of your refrigerator with the glue or screws. Also, do not use too much force when pulling or twisting the handle, as it can cause more dents or cracks.

FAQs About Removing Dents From Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Q: Can I use a hammer or a mallet to fix a dent in my stainless steel refrigerator?

A: No, you should not use a hammer or a mallet to fix a dent in your stainless steel refrigerator. Hitting the dent with a hammer or a mallet can cause more damage to the metal and make it harder to repair. It can also scratch, crack, or puncture your refrigerator door, which can affect its performance and appearance.

Q: Can I use toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, or WD-40 to remove dents from my stainless steel refrigerator?

A: No, you should not use toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, or WD-40 to remove dents from your stainless steel refrigerator. These substances are not effective for removing dents and can harm your refrigerator’s finish. They can also leave stains, residues, or odors on your appliance that are hard to remove.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a professional to remove dents from my stainless steel refrigerator?

A: The cost of hiring a professional to remove dents from your stainless steel refrigerator depends on several factors, such as the size and depth of the dent, the location and accessibility of the dent, and the type and quality of service. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of appliance repair in 2021 ranges from $50 to $500, with most homeowners spending $175 on average. However, some dents may require replacing parts of your refrigerator door, which can increase the cost significantly.

Conclusion

Dents in your stainless steel refrigerator can be annoying and unsightly, but they don’t have to ruin your appliance’s look and function. You can try some of these easy and effective methods to remove dents from your stainless steel refrigerator using heat and cold or suction tools. However, if these methods don’t work or if you are not comfortable doing them yourself, you may want to contact a professional appliance repair service for help.