Stainless steel refrigerators are undoubtedly a luxury item. Some people can’t afford them. In most cases, they should last just as long as any other appliance and look better doing it. Keeping one of these appliances in your kitchen is an investment that you want to protect. The only downside to these sleek and shiny appliances is that they can become dented easily. Fortunately, there’s a quick and effective method for repairing a dent in a stainless steel refrigerator using common household supplies.
Repairing a Dent in a Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Dents are the worst. Inevitably, your stainless steel refrigerator will eventually have a dent. The best way to avoid this is to keep it in an area where it’s not possible for things to hit the fridge. But sometimes, dents happen.
If you’ve got a dent in your stainless steel refrigerator, there may be a way you can fix it without having to spend money on hiring someone or buying an entirely new appliance. When repairing a dent in your stainless steel refrigerator, use any of these instructions:
- Take out your hair dryer or heat gun, if you have one. Blow hot air directly onto the dent. Give it a minute or two under the heat. Now, remember that the metal must be thoroughly heated. The metal will expand as a result of this action. The metal will contract as it cools, and it may pop back smoothly.
- Dry ice can also be used to fix the dent on your stainless steel refrigerator. All you have to do is hold the ice to the dent. However, you may want to cover it in a soft cloth to prevent scratches on your refrigerator. Keep it in position for at least a minute, or until the metal appears to be cold. But do make sure you’re wearing protective nitrile gloves, as they provide an additional layer of safety and prevent direct contact with dry ice, ensuring your hands remain protected throughout the dent-fixing process.
- Another good method for repairing a dent in a stainless steel refrigerator is by using adhesive strips, which are available at most hardware stores. These strips are made of plastic and usually come with an adhesive backing. You can use these strips to cover up any dents in your fridge until your next fridge-cleaning session.
The Aftermath of a Fridge Dent
The consequence of a dent in your stainless steel refrigerator can be disastrous. The dent will have to be repaired before it spreads any further and damages the appliance even more. It is also important to get this fixed as soon as possible because the longer the dent goes unnoticed, the greater the chance that it will start rusting.
The best way to fix a dent in your stainless steel refrigerator is by using tape. You will want to use duct tape or electrical tape. This type of tape is inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores, which makes it easy for you to find what you need without inconveniencing yourself.
You’ll want to measure out about 6-8 inches of the tape and cut it with scissors or your hands. Stick this piece down on one side of the fridge’s indentation and pull it across until it is stuck on the other side of the fridge’s indentation. Make sure that when you do this, you cover up any sharp edges so that they don’t scratch anyone when they open and close the door! Once you’ve finished with one side, do the same on the other side, creating an X shape with double-sided tape over the top of where the dent used to be.
Why Repairing the Dent Is Important
The dent in your refrigerator can be a problem because it affects the aesthetics and the function of the appliance. The shiny surface may also become dull, which will make it harder to clean. This issue can lead to increased energy consumption as well as an unreliable refrigerator. So repairing a dent in a stainless steel refrigerator becomes a priority for a longer life of your appliance.
Other Ways to Protect Your Stainless Steel Refrigerator
The best way to protect your stainless steel fridge from dents is to keep it away from the stove, dishwasher, or any other appliance that can cause a dent. You should also use a non-skid mat in front of the refrigerator to prevent spills from accumulating on the floor.
Another way to protect your fridge is by keeping it clean and free of fingerprints and handprints with a microfiber cloth. If you have kids in the house, this may be difficult, but it will help with the appearance of your appliance and make it last longer.
You should also try and wipe down any spills immediately in order for them not to settle into the metal. This will keep your fridge looking cleaner and newer for longer!
Conclusion
When you first notice a problem, you’ll want to start repairing a dent in a stainless steel refrigerator. The first step is to assess the damage. If the dent has penetrated the metal below the surface, you may need to replace the sheet of metal, which can be done by a professional. If the dent is on top of the metal, you have a good chance of repairing a dent in a stainless steel refrigerator yourself.
The aftermath of a fridge dent is usually rust. Rust comes about when water gets inside the dent and reacts with the iron, turning it into a reddish-brown color. While rust isn’t dangerous, it will affect your refrigerator’s appearance and leave unsightly stains on your flooring or countertops.
The best way to protect your stainless steel refrigerator is to purchase a stainless steel cover. These covers can protect against dents and they also do an excellent job of keeping light out so your food stays fresher for longer.
