Updated at: 22-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Even though stainless steel is long-lasting and rust-resistant, it is not indestructible and is easily scratched, therefore it must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Mr. Appliance® has some great advice on how to take good care of your stainless steel appliances, including how to remove scratches from them.

Take a Closer Look at Your Appliances

Check to see that the finish is real stainless steel, not simulated or transparent coated, before you begin. Testing the surface can be done in several methods, including:

  • Non-magnetic
  • Fingerprints can be clearly seen.
  • Brushed surface
  • Grain that is straight and runs in a single direction.

You should first clean the damaged area with a commercial stainless steel cleaning agent or white vinegar and clear water. The grain of the wood should be wiped away using a clean cloth to prevent further damage.

How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel | Hunker

Tips to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

You’ll have to:

  • Cloths that are devoid of lint
  • Toothbrush with soft bristles
  • Commercial liquid or powder cleanser that won’t scratch or harm your skin.
  • Toothpaste with a bleaching agent
  • Variegated grain sizes of wet/dry sandpaper
  • Block of wood being sanded
  • Polishing stainless steel

One or more of these procedures can be necessary depending on the severity and quantity of scratches.

Removing Fine Scratches in Stainless Steel

Using a non-abrasive cleaner, light scratches may usually be wiped away with relative ease:

  1. A paste can be formed by mixing a powder with a small amount of water.
  2. A damp cloth and a tiny amount of liquid cleaning or paste can be applied to a scrape and rubbed back and forth over the grain of the wood.
  3. Make sure the scrape is gone by wiping away any remaining cleaner with a clean, wet cloth.
  4. Once you’re happy, apply a little coat of olive oil or stainless steel polish.

Use a little abrasive whitening toothpaste instead of the nonabrasive cleaner if it doesn’t work.

  1. Apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush and work the solution over the scrape in a circular motion, following the grain of the surface.
  2. To see if the scratch is gone, use a clean, moist towel to remove the toothpaste.
  3. Once you’re happy, apply a little coat of olive oil or stainless steel polish.

Removing Deep Scratches in Stainless Steel

In order to remove more substantial flaws, the following technique should be used:

  1. Always start by dampening the sandpaper and keeping it that way throughout.
  2. As you work, be sure to keep the affected area damp.
  3. Scrub the scrape with mild pressure, sanding back and forth along the grain.
  4. If the scratch is still present after a few minutes, try sanding with a rougher grit of sandpaper.
  5. Using a finer grit, buff out the afflicted area and blend it into the remainder of the finish after it has been scratched out.
  6. You can use a moist cloth to wipe the area clean.
  7. Use a soft towel to complete the drying process.
  8. Apply a thin layer of stainless steel polish or olive oil to the surface.

When it comes to the exterior of your kitchen appliances, it’s more vital than ever to make sure they’re functioning properly. When it comes to keeping your kitchen looking and working at its best, you can count on the Mr. Appliance team of appliance repair experts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 998-2011 or send us an e-mail.

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How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel

Elegant and long-lasting are two reasons stainless steel is so popular. It’s a great choice for cookware, kitchen appliances, sinks, fixtures, and other household and business necessities. Stainless steel appliances, such as microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators, can all be scratched.

However, you don’t have to put up with scratched steel indefinitely! Remove scratches and scrapes from stainless-steel appliances by following these simple methods. Keep in mind that these techniques should only be used on stainless steel that does not have a clear coat or synthetic surface applied.

Fine Scratches

There are a number of products that can be used to lightly buff stainless steel to eliminate small scratches. As a last resort, appliance manufacturers often produce their own cleaners that may be purchased at home improvement stores. A stainless-steel polish can also be used to hide minor dings and dings. This may be the finest method for appliances wrapped with protective film, but it necessitates regular reapplication of polish.

Deep Scratches

Sandpaper is your nemesis when it comes to making deeper scratches. Deeper scratches can be removed with a piece of wet fine-grit sandpaper. It’s important to maintain it wet at all times and then apply rubbing compound thereafter.

Begin by scratching the surface and then blending it in. Start sanding in one direction only, following the brushed pattern, and then determine the grain direction. SAND ONLY IN FRONT OF THE GRAIN, NEVER AGAINST IT. It’s best to start with a coarser-grit paper and work your way up to a finer one before applying the rubbing compound.

stainless steel panels that have not been coated can be sanded using this method: Stainless steel or stainless panels with a fingerprint-resistant clear finish should not be attempted.

Clean and Polish

Cleaning and polishing your stainless-steel appliance is the next step after you’ve removed any scratches or blemishes. Wipe off the freshly sanded surface with a clean microfiber cloth. Sanding and metal dust will be removed, as well as any polishing chemical or water that may have remained. You should always rub and buff in the direction of the grain, even when you’re cleaning.

To get the best results, wet a microfiber cloth with vinegar and wipe the metal with another clean microfiber towel. Vinegar is a powerful surface cleaner that will get rid of any residue left behind by other chemicals and cleaners.

When the stainless steel has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, begin polishing. Using a clean microfiber cloth, dab a few drops of oil on the cloth. Mineral oil, vegetable oil, or even olive oil are all acceptable substitutes for cooking with. Use a soft cloth to polish the metal by rubbing it against it in the same direction as the grain. If more oil is required, don’t be afraid to use it. Continue scrubbing until the entire surface is shiny.

Following these procedures will keep your stainless-steel surface free of scuffs while bringing out that brand-new luster you fell in love with in the first place. Stainless steel has a gorgeous polish.

Make Sure it’s True Stainless Steel

Many believe that stainless steel should not be magnetic. Only austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic, which means that if you place a magnet to it, it won’t stick to it. Only a small amount of iron-chromium is responsible for this variance. Appliances made of stainless steel and finished with a brushed surface show fingerprints quite easily. stainless steel appliances also have a linear grain that runs in one direction, making them easier to clean and maintain. Even when eliminating scratches, it’s imperative that you clean or wipe the surface in the same direction every time. A scratch might get worse if you work against the grain.

Clean the Surface

Rinse with water after using a vinegar solution to remove debris or oily residue. You can also use stainless steel cleaning products. When it comes to cleaning the device, it’s advisable to stick to the instructions provided by the maker. To dry, use a clean towel to wipe in the direction of the grain.

Removing the Scratch

Scratches in stainless steel can be removed in a variety of ways. Fine scratches can be cleaned with basic household cleaners like Revere Stainless Steel or Comet. Use the cleanser provided by the appliance’s maker if you can find it (typically in home improvement stores). Minor scratches can be concealed using stainless steel polish, but it must be reapplied periodically to keep it protected.

If you have minor scratches, you can use:

  • If you’re using a powder-based cleanser, mix it with water before using it. Using a damp sponge or cloth, spread the paste over the surface in the grain’s direction. Check to check if the cleanser is working by wiping it away frequently. Stainless steel polish or olive oil can be used to restore the surface once the scratch has been removed.
  • Scratch Removal Compound: Add water to make a paste. It should resemble toothpaste in appearance. A microfiber cloth can be used for applying a cream-based solution along the grain. The cloth can be used to remove any residue that may be left behind after the scratch is rubbed away. Repeat the technique until all of the scratches have been removed with a second microfiber cloth.
  • Apply a whitening toothpaste on a soft-bristle toothbrush if you prefer a more abrasive approach. To determine if the toothpaste is working, brush over the scratch and wipe the toothpaste away from time to time. A few extra strokes with the toothpaste may be all that is necessary. Once the ding has been removed, wipe the area and apply the final coat of varnish.

How to Remove Deep Scratches from Stainless Steel

It’s possible that you’ll need to use sandpaper to remove a deeper scratch if the previous procedures haven’t worked. If the manufacturer recommends it, use an abrasive pad. If you don’t have access to wet/dry sandpaper, use an extra-fine grit. Make sure the sandpaper is wet at all times when you’re using it. Use a sponge to dampen the area and lightly sand the scrape. Be sure to follow the grain of the metal when applying pressure.

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For a few minutes, scuff the surface. If the scratch remains, try sanding with a slightly coarser grit sandpaper. You can start at the center and work your way outward. If you do this, it will help hide the scratch. Remove loose grit by scrubbing the area with a moist cloth or sponge soaked in lots of water. Polish the surface once it has been thoroughly dried with a soft cloth or towel.

Contact Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance

The repair of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and ASKO appliances is something we specialize in thanks to our close ties with the manufacturers. Our team is capable of handling any repair or maintenance project in Southern California. You can call us at 800-427-3653 if you have any queries or concerns regarding removing persistent scratches from stainless steel.