But while the material may be “stainless,” it isn’t completely scratch-proof, and after years of wear and tear, it can start to look a little dull. Show
The good news is that it’s not difficult to restore stainless-steel surfaces to their former glory, especially if you have the right materials and products. Here’s how to get scratches out of stainless steel. Assess the Damage and Gather the MaterialsAre you dealing with light, minor scuffs or deeper, visiblescratches? Depending on the condition your stainless steel is in, your approach will be different. What You Need for Small ScratchesFor less significant nicks and dings, all you need is a non-abrasive, stainless-steel scratch remover compound, which will work to fill in the fine lines and smooth out the surface. There are effective products on the market made just for this purpose, such as 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, and Rolite Metal Polish. You can also try common household products, such as non-gel toothpaste or baking soda. In addition, you’ll need several microfiber cloths for applying and removing the compound. What You Need for Deep ScratchesFor tougher scratches, it may be necessary to rub them out with an abrasive pad. You’ll need a scouring pad or scrubbing sponge, plus some cooking oil (olive oil works well). There are also kits on the market, such as Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit and Scratch-B-Gone, which contain all you’ll need to remove deeper scratches. Keep in mind, however, that this technique should only be used on uncoated stainless steel; if the metal has a protective clear coating or synthetic surface, you’ll end up doing more harm than good. Check to see what you have in your owner’s manual. Determine the Direction of the GrainNo matter how deep the scratch you’re trying to erase, you’ll want to work with the grain of the stainless steel. Take a close look at the metal and you’ll see very fine brush lines going either side to side or up and down. Follow these lines while you’re working; don’t rub perpendicular to them or in a circular motion. Going against the grain can actually cause more damage to a stainless-steel surface. How to Fill in Small ScratchesIf you’re dealing with smaller scratches, start by preparing the non-abrasive compound. Some are sold as powders that need to be mixed with a few drops of water to form a paste, while others already come in paste form. Non-gel toothpaste can be used as-is, and baking soda can be mixed with water until a pasty consistency is reached.
How to Buff Out Big ScratchesIf applying compound doesn’t work, or if you can tell right off the bat that the blemishes you’re dealing with require a more aggressive tactic, it’s time to break out the scouring pad.
Be gentle when cleaning your stainless steel appliances. Even the
finest abrasions will appear if you're using a heavy hand. xefstock/Getty Images Walk into most new or remodeled homes these days, and you're guaranteed to find at least one or two -- if not an entire kitchen full of -- stainless steel appliances. From the sink and oven to the refrigerator and
dishwasher, even the microwave and
toaster, stainless steel is the trendy, shiny, modern appliance material du jour. Stainless steel isn't a single metal but rather an alloy, a mixture of specific metals. Steel scrap is melted and blended with metals such as chromium or nickel, heated, pressurized
and finally treated to give stainless steel its defining characteristics. Stainless steel is somewhat of a wonder material, featuring amazing properties that have manufacturers using it for everything from silverware to large industrial projects. Stainless steel is corrosive-resistant (doesn't rust easily), easy to produce, heat-resistant and completely recyclable. You've embraced your beautiful stainless steel kitchen, pesky handprints and all. No worries, though -- stainless steel can be
cleaned frequently without damage. What you do have to be careful about, however, is scratching the metal. This is when maintaining stainless steel can be a rather tricky chore. Read on to the next page to learn about cleaners and scratch removers that are safe for stainless steel. Stainless Steel Scratch RemoversStainless steel can be wiped down with plain water, a vinegar-and-water blend or special cleansers that help keep the metal's luster (which beautifully highlights all those fingerprints!). But what happens when your appliance's perfect sheen gets an unsightly scratch? Stainless steel comes in various grades and finishes, and home-grade stainless steel is usually the norm for all appliances. So before you attempt to buff out a scratch in your fridge or sink, be sure to check with the appliance's manufacturer to verify which type of stainless steel you're working with. Here are some stainless steel scratch removal techniques for you to try:
One piece of advice is universal -- always rub or buff the scratch with the grain of the metal. If you go against the grain of the steel, you'll only make the scratch worse! When in doubt, call a professional. Maybe you've tried everything, or maybe your scratch is more like a gash. There are professional stainless steel restorers who will come to your home to give you an estimate for repairs. This route will cost the most, but if you've tried everything or if it's too big a job, leave it to the experts. Originally Published: Oct 3, 2011
Stainless Steel Scratch FAQCan you get scratches out of stainless steel?You can remove scratches on stainless steel by using special cleaners. They contain a dry powder that you combine with water to apply to the metal. Some appliance manufacturers have their own special cleaners, so inquire with them first. How does toothpaste work to remove scratches?When you slowly rub toothpaste onto a smooth surface, it essentially sands the scratches. However, toothpaste is ineffective against deep scratches. Does baking soda remove scratches from stainless steel?Baking soda is quite effective in removing light scratches on stainless steel. It has a powdery texture that serves as a gentle abrasive. Add water and baking soda to make a paste, put it to the surface of the metal and scrub lightly. Then wipe off the baking soda and wipe the surface with a damp cloth. How do you remove gouges from stainless steel?Gouges and deep scratches are more challenging to deal with. Use 400 to 600 grit sandpaper and a rubbing compound. However, you should also consider a repair kit from the same manufacturer as the appliance is from. Lots More InformationRelated HowStuffWorks Articles
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Do scratches come off stainless steel?Light scratches are the easiest to remove and can often be easily buffed out using a non-abrasive cleanser: If using a powder, mix with a little water to form a paste. 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.
Can you get scratches out of stove top?Like all glass panes and products, it's impossible to remove a scratch from a glass stovetop fully. However, it is possible to drastically reduce the look and feel of glass stovetop scratches. So, don't despair, instead read on to learn how glass top scratches can be polished to improve their feel and appearance.
How do you restore a stainless steel stove top?A few drops of liquid detergent in water and a wipe down with a sponge can get the job done. Go gently and work in the same direction as the grain of your stove before wiping dry to remove any leftover residue. Add a bit of stainless steel polish for a super shine.
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How to remove scratches from stainless steel stove top
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