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How Do You Get Scratches out of Stainless Steel Appliances?
Stainless steel appliances bring a sleek, modern look to any kitchen, but scratches can ruin their polished appearance.
Whether it’s a scuff from a metal spatula or a deeper gouge from daily use, the good news is most scratches can be repaired.
However, removing scratches requires a methodical approach to ensure your appliance looks as good as new. This guide explains how to check whether your appliance is uncoated stainless steel and provides step-by-step solutions for fixing various kinds of scratches.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Determine whether the stainless steel is coated or uncoated before attempting any scratch removal. Coated surfaces require professional guidance or replacement parts, while uncoated surfaces can be repaired at home using the appropriate methods.
- For light stainless steel scratches, use a non-abrasive cleaner, microfiber cloth, and stainless steel polish, working with the grain to buff out minor imperfections. To remove moderate scratches, use fine-grit sandpaper and polish to sand and blend the scratch with the surface. For deep scratches employ a stainless steel repair kit with varying abrasive pads, gradually smoothing the surface before polishing or replace the scratched component.
- To prevent scratches, clean stainless steel with soft microfiber cloths, avoid harsh chemicals, and regularly polish surfaces to maintain their shine and minimize scratch visibility. Always work with the grain to preserve the appliance's appearance.
Determine If the Stainless Steel Is Coated or Uncoated
Before you start, confirm whether the surface is uncoated stainless steel.
Many appliances feature a clear protective coating to prevent smudges and corrosion, and attempting to remove scratches from coated steel can damage the finish. Also, you won’t be able to match the surrounding coated area if you attempt to repair scratches on coated stainless surfaces.
Here’s how to check:
- Check the appliance specifications: The owner’s manual or appliances specifications will often indicate whether stainless steel on your appliance is coated. If the manual or specification indicate that the stainless steel is “fingerprint resistant”, then it has a clear coating that allows the stainless steel grain to shine through but helps resist fingerprints and helps you clean off fingerprints, spills, dirt and debris easily. Keep in mind that an appliance such as a range may have uncoated stainless steel in one area (oven door panel) and coated stainless steel in another area (control console).
- Inspect for surface resistance: Rub a small, inconspicuous area with a drop of acetone or rubbing alcohol using a soft cloth. If the cloth picks up a residue, your appliance likely has a coating.
If the appliance is uncoated, you can proceed to scratch removal. If it’s coated, contact the manufacturer for advice or consider professional repair services.
To cure severe scratches on coated stainless steel, you may need to replace the part instead of repairing the scratches. You can find replacement parts on our Sears PartsDirect website. If you need to have a service technician install a new part, schedule appliance repair service.
Understand the Grain of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has a directional grain, similar to wood. Look closely at the surface, and you’ll notice faint lines running horizontally or vertically. Always work with the grain during any cleaning or repair process to maintain the appliance’s appearance.
Removing Light Scratches from Stainless Steel
Light scratches are shallow and typically caused by everyday wear, such as cleaning with an abrasive cloth or fingernail scratches.
Materials Needed for Removing Light Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Non-abrasive cleaner or white vinegar
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Stainless steel polish
Method for Removing Light Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Clean the surface: Remove dirt and grease by wiping the scratched area with a non-abrasive cleaner or white vinegar. Dry it with a microfiber cloth.
- Apply stainless steel polish: Use a small amount of stainless steel polish and buff the scratch with the cloth, moving in the direction of the grain. Avoid circular motions.
- Wipe and inspect: Remove excess polish and check if the scratch has faded. Repeat the process if needed.
For hairline scratches, this method is usually enough to restore the surface.
Fixing Moderate Stainless Steel Scratches
Moderate scratches penetrate deeper but don’t reach the metal’s core. Fine-grit sanding pads or compounds designed for stainless steel can help.
Materials Needed for Removing Moderate Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Fine-grit sandpaper (400 to 600 grit)
- Non-abrasive cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubbing compound
- Stainless steel polish
Method for Removing Moderate Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Prepare the area: Clean the scratched surface to remove debris.
- Sand the scratch: Wet the sand paper and wrap it around a flat object or your finger for control. Gently rub the scratch along the grain using even pressure. Avoid over-sanding.
- Polish the area: Apply stainless steel polish and buff the surface with a clean microfiber cloth. This step restores shine and blends the finish.
- Continue removing the scratch if necessary: If the scratch didn’t disappear after sanding or polishing, continue using sand paper and/or rubbing compound if necessary to remove the scratch. Polish the surface and continue to check the scratch until you remove it entirely and restore the stainless surface to its original look.
Addressing Deep Stainless Steel Scratches
Deep scratches require more effort, and you’ll need specialized tools like a stainless steel repair kit.
Materials Needed for Removing Deep Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Stainless steel scratch repair kit (includes abrasive pads and polishes)
- Non-abrasive cleaner
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Stainless steel polish
Method for Removing Deep Stainless Steel Scratches:
- Clean the stainless steel surface: Ensure the scratched area is free from dirt and grease.
- Follow the kit instructions: Repair kits include abrasive pads in varying grits. Start with the coarsest pad to remove the scratch and gradually work up to finer pads to smooth the surface.
- Polish the surface: Use the provided polish to restore the appliance’s finish.
- Buff to perfection: Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth, moving along the grain.
- Use stainless steel polish: Wipe the entire appliance surface with stainless steel polish to restore the original look.
If you’re unable to remove deep scratches, consider replacing the scratched stainless steel component.
Pro Tips for Preventing Scratches
- Use gentle cleaning tools: Stick to soft microfiber cloths and non-abrasive sponges for cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Steer clear of bleach and ammonia, which can damage stainless steel.
- Clean with the grain: Always move your cloth with the grain when cleaning and polishing stainless steel surfaces.
- Polish stainless steel regularly: Routine polishing minimizes the visibility of minor scratches and keeps your appliances looking new.
Here’s a helpful YouTube video that shows how to care for stainless steel appliances and keep them looking great:
Stainless steel appliances can withstand years of use if cared for properly.
With a little effort and the right techniques, you can erase unsightly scratches and maintain their elegant appeal.
Always take the time to assess the depth of the scratch, choose the appropriate method, and work carefully to preserve the integrity of the metal to restore your appliance to its original look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix scratches on stainless steel?
You can often fix light scratches in stainless steel using non-abrasive cleaners, polish and rubbing compound. Work with the stainless steel grain when attempting to fix stainless steel scratches. You can sometimes remove moderate and deep scratches using wet sandpaper (400 grit) or a stainless steel scratch repair kit. If you’re unable to remove scratches, consider replacing the scratched component.
Does toothpaste remove scratches from stainless steel?
Yes. Non-gel toothpaste can remove light scratches from some stainless steel surfaces. Apply a small amount of paste to a microfiber cloth and polish with the stainless steel grain to help remove light scratches.
Does WD-40 remove scratches from stainless steel?
Spraying WD-40 on a microfiber cloth and wiping a scratched stainless steel surface with the grain will often cure the appearance of light scratches. The WD-40 won’t remove stainless steel scratches but light scratches will often disappear when polished with this fluid.
Does Bar Keepers Friend remove scratches on stainless steel?
Yes. You can remove some light scratches from uncoated stainless steel using Bar Keepers Friend. This non-abrasive polish will often delicately remove the surface around the light scratch so it disappears. Be sure to rub with the stainless steel grain when using this cleaner to remove light scratches. Buff and polish the surface to restore the look of the affected area to match the surrounding stainless steel surfaces of the appliances.
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