Removing Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances add a modern and sleek look to your home. Unfortunately, scratches can appear over time from regular use and improper cleaning. These scratches can lessen the beauty and value of your appliances. Luckily, with a bit of work, removing scratches from stainless steel is easy. 

In this guide, we will take a closer look at the causes of scratches in stainless steel and the steps you can take to remove them to maintain the beauty of your appliances. No matter if you have small scratches or big gouges, we’ve got all the information you need. Get rid of those scratches and restore your stainless steel appliances to their original beauty!

Why Should I Remove Scratches?

The aesthetic appeal of stainless steel appliances is undeniable. They have a modern, sleek look that adds style and value to any kitchen. A well-maintained stainless steel appliance can look brand new for years. Features like this make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Hoever, keeping these appliances in good condition requires proper care. This includes protecting them from scratches and repairing them once they are there.

Scratches can damage the surface and lead to rusting. When your stainless steel appliances get scratched, they can also hold onto dirt and bacteria which makes cleaning more complicated. Plus, this increases the risk of spreading germs around your kitchen. That’s why it’s important to maintain your appliances and keep them scratch-free. 

Common Causes of Scratches in Stainless Steel Appliances

Everyday Use

One of the most common causes of scratches in stainless steel appliances is everyday use. They may be brushed against with the button on your blue jeans or bumped into with a pan or utensil, or they make just be scuffed from over-enthusiastic cleaning. These appliances are subject to daily wear and tear like any others, but the scratches may be more visible on stainless steel finishes. 

Improper Cleaning Techniques

Proper cleaning techniques are essential in preventing scratches on stainless steel, but incorrect cleaning can also be the cause! For example, using steel wool or other abrasive materials can cause scratches that are difficult to remove. Using rough cloths or paper towels can also cause scratches.To prevent scratching, use gentle cleaning methods such as a soft cloth and cleaners designed for stainless steel. In other words, avoid using abrasive cleaning products for routine cleaning.

Contact with Sharp Objects

Sharp objects like knives and utensils can cause scratches on surfaces. It is particularly easy to scratch metal with other metal, so even a little bump can cause a big gouge. To avoid this, it’s important to always place sharp objects in a separate area or use a protective cover.

Preparing Your Stainless Steel Appliances

In this section, we will discuss the steps you can take to prepare your stainless steel appliances for cleaning and removing scratches.

Identifying if it’s true stainless steel

To avoid damaging your appliance, it’s important to confirm that it’s actually made of stainless steel. Some appliances only have a stainless steel finish. These cover cheaper materials that may not be as resistant to scratches.

First, you will want to check if your appliance is made of true stainless steel, look for a grade marking like “304” or “316” on the surface. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check with the manufacturer to avoid any potential damage.

Another important factor to consider is the surface finish, which can also affect the visibility of scratches. A brushed finish, for example, can help to disguise scratches. On the other hand, a high-gloss finish may accentuate them.

Cleaning the Surface

Once you have confirmed whether your appliance is made of true stainless steel, the next step is to clean the surface. Start by wiping down the appliance with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as these can scratch the surface further. Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel. Another alternative is a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Dry the surface thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots.

When choosing a cleaning or polishing product, consider the type of finish on your appliance. From there select a product that is appropriate for that finish. A proper cleaning product is essential to preventing scratches on stainless steel.

Understanding the type of scratches

Scratches are a common issue with stainless steel appliances. Understanding the type of scratch can help you determine the best way to address it. There are two main types of scratches: fine scratches and deep scratches.

• Fine scratches: Fine scratches are typically caused by everyday use. These scratches are usually shallow and do not affect the appearance of the appliance significantly. Use a stainless steel cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clean the appliance and reduce the appearance of fine scratches.
• Deep scratches: Deep scratches are caused by contact with sharp objects. These include items such as keys or jewelry and can be more noticeable. To remove deep scratches, you may need to use a specialized polishing product. 

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your stainless steel appliances for cleaning and protecting against scratches. 

Removing Scratches from Stainless Steel

Despite your best efforts to be cautious, scratches may still occur on stainless steel appliances. In this section, we will discuss the various methods for removing scratches or reducing their appearance on stainless steel.

Removing Fine Scratches

Fine scratches on stainless steel appliances can often be “removed” with a simple cleaning method. There are two popular methods, the liquid cleaner method, and the toothpaste method.

1. Liquid Cleaner Method: This method involves using a liquid cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and rub it onto the scratched surface in a circular motion. Continue this process until the scratch disappears. Though the scratch may still be there, the cleaner will fill the gap and camouflage the scratch, as well as protect against rust.
2. Toothpaste Method: Another option to remove scratches is toothpaste, which is a very gentle abrasive. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it onto the scratched surface. Rub in a circular motion unless you have a brushed finish appliance, in which case you should rub in the direction of the grain. Continue this process for several minutes. Then rinse the surface with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Removing Deep Scratches

Deep scratches can be more challenging to remove than fine scratches. No need to worry though. With the right techniques, you can reduce their appearance with ease.

Equipment Needed:

1. Microfiber cloths: These cloths are soft and gentle on the surface of the appliance. This makes them ideal for cleaning stainless steel without scratching it more.
2. Buffing pads or cloths: Buffing pads or cloths are used to apply the polishing compound to the surface.
3. Polishing compound: The polishing compound is a special substance that helps remove scratches. It also restores shine to the surface.

Buffing Process: Buffing is a process that involves removing the damaged layer of the surface to help restore shine. The goal is to remove the scratch and leave the surface looking smooth and shiny again. Be careful with appliances that only have a stainless steel surface finish, however, as buffing can cut straight through that finish. True stainless steel appliances should be safe to use buffing compound on.

1. Applying the Polishing Compound:  Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the buffing pad or cloth.
2. Buffing the Surface: Be careful to buff in the direction of the grain for brushed finish appliances. Only buff in the area of the scratch. Continue this process until the scratch is no longer visible.
3. Wiping off Residue: Finally, after buffing, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. This ensures any residue left by the polishing compound is removed. The leftover compound can cause more scratches the next time you clean, so be sure to get it all off.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Scratches

To keep stainless steel surfaces looking their best, it’s important to know the proper way to take care of them. 

Establish a regular cleaning routine to keep stainless steel appliances well-cared for in the long run. It’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners in your routine cleaning. These can strip away the protective coating. Opt for cleaners made specifically for stainless steel instead.

Using soft cloths is a crucial cleaning technique to prevent scratches. They’re gentle on surfaces and won’t cause damage, unlike rough materials such as abrasive sponges, steel wool, or cheap paper towels.

Avoiding contact with sharp objects is another key aspect of preventing scratches. No one needs to tell you to be cautious with knives, but even a slight graze with a blade can gouge stainless steel due to metal-on-metal contact. Protect your stainless steel work surfaces with cutting boards, placemats, or trivets to prevent scratches. If your clothing has metal embellishments, wear an apron so you don’t cause damage as you brush against your appliances.

Conclusion

It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your stainless steel appliances to keep them looking like new. Scratches can not only diminish their beauty, but cause other issues as well. Removing scratches from stainless steel is important to prevent rust and bacterial build-up. Polish the appliance with specialized products or use other methods to protect it, and follow the techniques outlined here to remove scratches once they occur. For more info or questions visit our blog, YouTube, or contact us directly at AppliancePartsPros.com!