Display omitted •Nanosecond laser etching crafts micro-nano superhydrophobic surface on 304 stainless steel.•Unique multi-scale, multi-level, and layered features enhance durability and wetting performance.•Constructed surface exhibits strong hydrophilic properties, withstanding wear beyond 6 m.•Improved mechanical durability compared to previous superwetted surfaces. This paper aims to utilize a nanosecond laser and a two-step laser etching method on a 304 stainless steel plate to construct a multi-scale hierarchical composite micro-nano superhydrophilic surface. This surface combines various characteristics such as micro-nano, multi-scale, layered, and multi-level features. By creating this unique surface microstructure, we can alter the surface morphology and roughness to further enhance the mechanical durability and wetting performance of the superhydrophilic stainless steel surface. Through this approach, the constructed surface exhibits strong hydrophilic properties and can withstand wear for distances up to and beyond 6 m.