Stainless steel appliances are pop for their sleek, modern look. Refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, sinks, cookware, and other items contribute to the aesthetics of your kitchen. But while uncommonly durable and rust-resistant, stainless steel can go scratched and scraped with daily use. These secret tips can enable you to successfully remove scratches from your appliances.

Make Sure it'south Truthful Stainless Steel

Many argue stainless is should not be magnetic. While technical, only austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic, meaning if yous put a magnet to it stick it won't stick. The difference is a minor amount of iron-chromium in the metal'southward composition. Additionally, you tin can easily see fingerprints on the surface of stainless steel appliances, which accept a brushed finish. In improver to this, stainless steel appliances have a linear grain, which runs continuously in a single direction. It'southward of import to always make clean or wipe the surface in that direction, and that goes for removing scratches too. Working against the grain tin make a scratch worse.

Clean the Surface

Remove clay or oily films with a vinegar solution and then rinse with water. Stainless steel cleaning products are your other alternative. It'south best to follow whatsoever directions the manufacturer has provided in cleaning the apparatus. To dry, wipe with a clean cloth in the direction of the grain.

Removing the Scratch

There are many methods of removing a scratch in stainless steel. Fine scratches can be removed with common store-bought consumer cleaning products, such every bit Revere Stainless Steel or Comet. If the manufacturer supplies its own cleaner for your apparatus (often available at home improvement stores), utilize that. Stainless steel smooth tin as well conceal minor scratches, although must be reapplied frequently to protect it.

For pocket-sized scratches, y'all can also use:

  • Not-Abrasive Cleanser: If using a powder-based cleanser, mix information technology with water. This will form a sparse paste to spread over the surface, in the direction of the grain, using a moistened cloth or sponge. Wipe the cleanser away ofttimes to run into if it'due south working. If the scratch is removed, coat the surface with a stainless steel polish or olive oil.
  • Stainless Steel Scratch Removal Compound: Add water to create a paste. It should look somewhat like toothpaste. If using a foam-based compound, apply it to a microfiber cloth, rubbing it back and forth along the grain. Once the scratch is buffed out, wipe with the fabric to remove any rest. Utilise another microfiber cloth to dry the surface and repeat the procedure until the scratches are completely removed.
  • Toothpaste: If you need a slightly more abrasive approach, apply a whitening toothpaste to a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush over the scratch, periodically wiping abroad the toothpaste to see if information technology'due south working. If necessary, keep brushing and add more toothpaste. Once the scratch is gone, clean the expanse and terminate the surface.

How to Remove Deep Scratches from Stainless Steel

When the previous methods haven't worked, you may demand to sand out a deeper scratch with sandpaper. Use an annoying pad if i is specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, start with extra-fine wet/dry out sandpaper. Moisture the sandpaper and brand certain it remains wet while yous're working. Dampen the affected area with a sponge and sand the scratch using lite pressure. Make certain to go in the same direction every bit the metal's grain.

Work the surface for a few minutes. If the scratch still isn't removed, cull a different sandpaper with a slightly courser grit. Sand the surface area lightly and gently outward. This volition aid blend the scratch with the rest of the surface. Wipe the area with a wet cloth or sponge using enough of water to remove loose grit. Dry out the surface with a soft towel or textile and and then smoothen the surface.

Contact Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance

We are manufacturing plant-certified to repair Sub-Zero, Wolf, and ASKO appliances. Serving clients throughout Southern California, our team can handle any repair or maintenance job. If you lot take questions most removing stubborn scratches from stainless steel or prefer to have a professional look at your appliance, contact u.s.a. at 800-427-3653.