How to Fix Dents on Your Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Your beautiful stainless steel refrigerator might have just one issue: an annoying dent on the surface. Instead of getting frustrated and kicking the fridge (which could cause even more dents), try using your energy to fix the problem yourself. However, keep in mind that not every dent can be fixed at home. To repair the dent, try methods like suction or temperature changes. If the dent doesn't return to its original shape after attempting the fix, it's best to call a professional service.

Blow hot air. Use a hairdryer or a heat gun (if available). Direct hot air onto the dent for about a minute or more. The metal needs to be heated directly to expand. After it cools down, the metal contracts and the dent might pop out.

Use dry ice. Dry ice is extremely cold. You can apply it to cool the metal and fix the dent. Simply place the dry ice on the dent, but wrap it in a soft cloth to avoid scratching your fridge. Hold the ice against the dent for about a minute or until the metal becomes cold.

• Don't forget to wear protective gloves. Dry ice can burn just like a hot stove.

Blow cold compressed air onto the dent. Use an air duster that you usually use to clean your computer keyboard. Here's the trick: the instructions typically say not to hold the can upside down, but if you do, cold compressed air will be released. Turn the can upside down and spray the dent several times. The cold air will cause the metal to contract, and the dent may pop back out.

• Do not touch the cold air, as it can burn your skin just like contact with ice.

Clean the dent area. Some dent repair kits come with a cleaning solution, most commonly rubbing alcohol. Use a cloth or paper towel to soak up the alcohol and wipe the dent area to remove any dirt. Since this method involves adhesive, the surface of the dent needs to be cleaned. A dirty surface can reduce the adhesive's effectiveness.

• Cleaning may cause the finish (such as paint) to chip, so this should be a last resort method.

Buy a car dent repair kit. You can find these kits online, in supermarkets, or at auto parts stores. The kit includes a suction tool to attach to the dent using a hot glue gun.

Attach the suction tool from the car dent repair kit. Choose a suction tool that is slightly larger than the dent. After heating up the glue gun, apply glue to the suction tool and attach it to the dent.

• You can use any hot glue gun, but the higher the temperature, the more effective it will be.

Place the pulling bridge on top. The suction tool will have a screw at the back to attach the pulling bridge. The pulling bridge has a central hole and balancing pads on either side. Attach the pulling bridge to the screw on the suction tool and tighten it lightly. Do not tighten the screw too much yet, as everything may not be in the correct position at this point.

Adjust the balancing pads close to the suction tool. Most of these tools allow you to adjust the balancing pads to create leverage for pulling the suction tool. Adjust the pads so that they are as close to the center of the suction tool as possible to apply the pulling force directly to the middle of the dent rather than the outer edges.

Tighten the central screw knob. Once all the parts are properly positioned, simply tighten the central screw knob. This will apply force to the suction tool and gradually pull the dent out. In the end, the dent will pop back into shape.

Repeat the process if necessary. This method will reduce the depth of the dent, but unfortunately, it’s a slow process. Be prepared to sit comfortably because you may need to repeat it up to 10 times to make the dent less noticeable.

Try using a plunger. Sometimes, applying suction without glue can fix a dent on the fridge. You can use a simple suction tool, such as a toilet plunger. Place the clean plunger against the dent and push down. If you're lucky, the dent will pop out.

• You can combine multiple methods. For instance, try using high heat first, then follow up with a cooling method to make the metal contract quickly.

• There’s no guarantee that you will fix the dent. In that case, you might need to replace the part or call a professional service.

• Soft cloth or paper towels
• Hair dryer
• Thick, heavy-duty gloves
• Soft fabric
• Dry ice (optional)
• Compressed air can (optional)
• Car dent repair kit (optional)
• Toilet plunger (optional)