How to Remove Dents From Stainless Appliances Using Compressed Air

How to Install a Dishwasher With a Height Adjustment
Written By
Jennifer Eblin
Jennifer Eblin
Published: Oct 6, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Dunk the cloth in cool or cold water and squeeze, removing most of the liquid. Rub the cloth over the dented area of the appliance, which wipes off any dust or debris and begins lowering the surface temperature of the stainless steel.

Step 2

Shake the can of compressed air gently between your hands, and insert the included tube if you have dents in a smaller appliance. For larger appliances, place the tube to the side. The tube lets you aim the air at a smaller location, but for larger pieces or larger dents you want more surface sprayed.

Step 3

Turn the can upside down, and position the air hole a few inches from the dent. Press on the nozzle, which releases the air and aims the air directly at the dent. Spray the dent for a few seconds or until you freeze the area. You should notice a light film covering the dent, which is moisture.

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Step 4

Set the hair dryer on its highest setting, and immediately turn it on. Aim the hair dryer at the dent, keeping the air a few inches from the steel. The hair dryer warms the stainless steel up quickly, which forces the contract and expand process.

Step 5

Repeat the process if the dent remains. As you aim the hair dryer at the dent, gently press down on the steel around the dent. The pressure of your hands, combined with the heat, should help force out the dent.

Tips

If the compressed air does not work on your dent, consult a professional technician. Depending on the size of the dent, you may need his help.

Warnings

Do not waste time in between the cold air and the heat from the hair dryer. If you take too much time, the steel begins warming up and the process will not work.

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and…

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