Appliance Dent Repair
If you’re lucky enough to have a stainless steel appliance set in your kitchen, you know just how nice they look and how much you want to keep them looking new. But no matter how careful you are, damage to your refrigerator, stove or other appliance is inevitable.
Dent repair isn’t necessarily difficult or expensive, and it could be a DIY project that’s totally within your grasp. My husband and I have sought out various ways to address this issue over the years. We learned a lot from looking at how car dents are removed—the only difference is that you don’t have to worry about damaging the paint on an appliance, as you would with a car.
Because dents come in various shapes, sizes, and presentations, your approach may vary. We will look at a few trusted methods that just might work. Here are the things you can do.
How to Get Dents Out of Stainless Steel
- Push it out.
- Use a plunger or another suction device to pull the ding out.
- Use Pops-a-Dent.
- Apply heat.
- Use dry ice.
- Employ a combination of these solutions.
Each of these methods is explained in detail below.
1. Push the Dent Out
If you can get behind the dent, then you might be able to simply push it from the opposite side to make it pop out again. Applying cold or heat might also help (see below).
Unfortunately, in the case of most appliances, this isn’t possible. It’s the same principle as when you crush an aluminum can and then try to get it back in shape.
2. Use a Plunger or a Similar Suction Cup Strategy
You can use a suction cup strategy to grab the metal and pull the dent out. Two common options are an automotive suction dent remover and a toilet plunger.
Yep, the noble plunger is useful outside of the bathroom; the same suction that can clear a clogged pipe can also be used to suck out a dent.
Any suction device could work, but keep in mind that the suction strength is the key here, so a small suction cup won’t have the same hold that a plunger will. Try to find one that’s roughly the same size as the dent you’re trying to pull out.
- Wipe the dent with a wet rag. This will help the suction to seal.
- Press the suction cup in to form a tight seal.
- Pull it firmly but gently out.
- If it doesn’t work on the first try, keep at it. It might be that you need to pull it out harder or faster or that you haven’t achieved a tight enough seal. Progress your efforts slowly and carefully since overzealous pulling might actually cause more damage.
This won’t work on all dents. It works best on imperfections that haven’t creased or damaged the metal. A clean little bump will probably pull right out.
3. Use Pops-a-Dent
Pops-a-Dent utilizes adhesive to really make it stick. It’s a great strategy: use hot glue, attach the suction cup, then use a frame to pull the dent back out gradually.
