How to Get Scratches Out of Stainless Steel Appliances

How to Remove Fine Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

While cleaning the stainless steel surface, identify the direction of the grain. Then choose a buffing agent, such as Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda, or a whitening toothpaste before cleaning it with white vinegar.

1. Clean the Surface

   Thoroughly clean the surface of the stainless steel appliance using a commercial cleaner or a solution of warm, soapy water to remove any grease or grime. A clean surface will make the scratches that need attention more visible.

2. Identify the Grain

   All stainless steel finishes have a grain that either runs up and down or side to side on the appliance. It is crucial to find that grain and follow it as you buff out the scratches. Working against the grain will cause damage that is nearly impossible to reverse.

3. Choose a Buffing Compound

   There are numerous commercial stainless steel scratch removers on the market. Or, you can make a gentle abrasive paste with a few drops of water and a powder like baking soda, Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or non-gel toothpaste.

4. Buff the Scratch

   Dip a water-dampened microfiber cloth into the paste. Following the grain of the stainless steel, apply the paste to the scratch using gentle pressure. Do not rub in a circle—use straight strokes along the grain of the stainless steel.

   If using a commercial compound, follow the label directions.

5. Clean Away the Paste

   Use a dampened microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste. Spritz the surface with distilled white vinegar and wipe again with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any traces of the paste.

6. Polish the Stainless Steel

   To bring back the shine, use a few drops of olive, vegetable, or mineral oil on a microfiber cloth to polish the stainless steel. Follow the grain and buff the surface well.

How to Remove Deep Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

Clean the uncoated stainless steel surface of any grease or grime. Use only fine-grit sandpaper (400 to 600 grit) that has been soaked in water for several minutes and wrapped around a sanding block to help you lightly buff out the scratch going only with the grain. Clean the surface with vinegar and a damp microfiber cloth to remove all of the grit. Then polish the surface with oil to bring back the shine. Always try the tips for removing light scratches before you move on to this stronger cleaning method.

Removing Scratches From Other Stainless Steel Items

• Smudge-proof stainless steel: This type of stainless steel has a clear coat and you can't remove a scratch without removing the coating. You can risk buffing out the scratch using the above methods and then rubbing vegetable oil over the area to reduce the dulled, uncoated portion. Otherwise, you may need to leave a scratch alone on a coated surface, or, protect it with a very tiny dab of clear nail polish.
• Black stainless steel: Apply black permanent marker that is the same color as your appliance and buff the scratch with a microfiber cloth to mask the scratch. 
• Stainless steel sinks and countertops: The same techniques used to remove scratches from stainless steel appliances can be used to bring your stainless steel sink and countertops back to a shine.
• Stainless steel cookware: Rubbing on a commercial compound, or non-gel white toothpaste, with a damp, non-abrasive sponge, can work to minimize scratches on stainless steel cookware. Prevent scratches by hand-washing your stainless cookware rather than exposing it to harsh dishwashing detergent.
• Stainless steel hardware: For scratched stainless steel door handles and cabinet handles, apply a compound, such as Bar Keepers Friend, on the handle or knob and rub with a microfiber cloth or damp non-abrasive sponge to minimize the scratches.
• Stainless steel jewelry and watches: If the clasp, case, or bracelet of a polished or brushed stainless steel watch or other piece of jewelry is scratched or scuffed, first clean it with a soft toothbrush and gentle liquid hand soap, then dry it. For brushed metal, use the abrasive side of a sponge, like a Scotch-Brite pad, and "brush" it in one direction over the scratch until it disappears. For polished stainless steel, use a metal polishing cloth with precise and fast back-and-forth strokes only over the scratch until it is gone.

Tips to Maintain and Prevent Scratches on Stainless Steel

• Use a cutting board when cutting vegetables on stovetops or stainless steel counters.
• Never use harsh cleaners—ammonia, chlorine bleach, scouring powders—or scrubbing pads like steel wool to clean stainless steel. These products can make the marks worse and cause discoloration.
• If you live in a hard water area, add a water-softening system to your plumbing.
• Always clean in the direction of the grain of the appliance. Never rub a cleaning cloth in circles or across the grain.