How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their appearance, and although the material itself is durable and resistant to rust, stainless steel is not impervious and is prone to scratching. You can help to care for your appliances and keep them looking their best, with tips on how to remove scratches from stainless steel appliances, courtesy of the professionals at Mr. Appliance^®.

Take a Closer Look at Your Appliances

Before you begin, make sure the finish is actually stainless steel and not simulated or clear coated. There are a number of ways to test the surface, including:

• Non-magnetic
• Fingerprints are easily visible
• Brushed finish
• Linear grain that runs in a continuous direction

Clean the affected area before proceeding, using white vinegar followed by a clear water rinse, or a commercial cleaning product designated for use on stainless steel. Use a clean cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain to prevent further damage.

Tips to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

You will need:

• Clean, lint-free cloths
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Non-abrasive commercial cleanser, liquid or powder
• Whitening toothpaste
• Wet/dry sandpaper in various grits
• Sanding block
• Stainless steel polish

Depending on the severity and number of scratches, you may need to try one or more of the following methods to achieve the desired results.

Removing Fine Scratches in Stainless Steel

Light scratches are the easiest to remove and can often be easily buffed out using a non-abrasive cleanser:

1. If using a powder, mix with a little water to form a paste.
2. Dampen your cloth and apply a small amount of liquid cleaner or paste and rub the solution firmly back and forth over the scratch, following the grain.
3. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cleanser and see if the scratch is gone.
4. Repeat the process until satisfied and apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

If the non-abrasive cleanser doesn't work, try the following method using a whitening toothpaste which is mildly abrasive:

1. Apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush and work the solution back and forth over the scratch following the grain.
2. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste and see if the scratch is gone.
3. Repeat the process until satisfied and apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

Removing Deep Scratches in Stainless Steel

Deeper imperfections may need to be sanded down using the following method:

1. Wet the sandpaper and keep it wet throughout the process.
2. Dampen the affected area and keep it wet throughout the process.
3. Apply light pressure and sand the scratch, moving back and forth following the grain.
4. If, after a few minutes the scratch is still there, try a slightly coarser grit of sandpaper.
5. Once the scratch is gone use a finer grit to buff the affected area and blend with the rest of the finish.
6. Wipe the area with a clean wet cloth in the direction of the grain.
7. Dry with a soft towel.
8. Apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

While the above methods can help to restore the beauty and shine to the exterior surfaces of your kitchen appliances, it's even more important to ensure they are in good working order. The team of appliance repair experts at Mr. Appliance offers a variety of services to help keep your kitchen looking and functioning at its best including appliance installation, maintenance, and repair. Call us today to learn more or contact us online and let us know how we can help!