How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances come with several benefits. They have a sleek, lustrous appearance that stands out in any kitchen, and they’re durable and rust-resistant. However, these benefits come with a minor tradeoff in maintenance requirements. The most pressing aspect of stainless steel appliance care is preventing and removing scratches.

Thankfully, you can follow our tips on how to remove scratches from stainless steel appliances to keep your kitchen looking its best all year round.

Take a Closer Look at Your Appliances

Before you try to remove scratches from a stainless steel fridge or dishwasher, you need to make sure it's stainless steel and not simulated or clear coated. There are several ways to test the surface, including:

• Magnetism test – Real stainless steel contains iron, so magnets should readily stick to its surface.
• Fingerprint test – Stainless steel shows fingerprints easily.
• Look for a brushed finish – Many stainless steel appliances have a brushed finish.
• Check for a linear grain that runs in a continuous direction – Stainless steel brush grains should run in a single direction.

After confirming that your appliance is real stainless steel, you can begin the cleaning preparation process. 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 on How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances

To remove scratches from your stainless steel appliance, such as a refrigerator, you will need the following materials:

• 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. Here’s how:

1. When using a powder, mix with a bit of water to form a paste.
2. Dampen your cloth, 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.
5. 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 mildly abrasive whitening toothpaste:

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.
4. 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 also 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 it 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.

Call Mr. Appliance for Kitchen Appliance Repairs

While the above methods can help restore the beauty and shine to the exterior surfaces of your kitchen appliances, it's even more important to ensure your appliances are in good working order. The appliance repair team 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!