How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances come with several benefits. They have a sleek, lustrous appearance that stands out in any kitchen, and they’re durable and rust resistant. However, these benefits come with a minor tradeoff in maintenance requirements. The most pressing aspect of stainless-steel appliance care is preventing and removing scratches.

Are you wondering how to get rid of scratches on stainless steel appliances?

Thankfully, you can follow our tips on how to remove scratches from stainless steel appliances to keep your kitchen looking its best all year round.

Take a Closer Look at Your Appliances

Before you try to remove scratches from a stainless-steel fridge or dishwasher, you need to make sure it's stainless steel and not simulated or clear coated. There are several ways to test the surface, including:

Magnetism test – Real stainless steel contains iron, so magnets should readily stick to its surface.
Fingerprint test – Stainless steel shows fingerprints easily.
Look for a brushed finish – Many stainless steel appliances have a brushed finish.
Check for a linear grain that runs in a continuous direction – Stainless steel brush grains should run in a single direction.

After confirming that your appliance is real stainless steel, you can begin the cleaning preparation process. Clean the affected area before proceeding, using white vinegar followed by a clear water rinse or a commercial cleaning product designated for use on stainless steel. Use a clean cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain to prevent further damage.

Tips on How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances

To remove scratches from your stainless-steel appliance, such as a refrigerator, you will need the following materials:

Clean, lint-free cloths
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Non-abrasive commercial cleanser, liquid, or powder
Whitening toothpaste
Wet/dry sandpaper in various grits
Sanding block
Stainless steel polish

Depending on the severity and number of scratches, you may need to try one or more of the following methods to achieve the desired results.

Removing Fine Scratches in Stainless Steel

Light scratches are the easiest to remove. You can buff out scratches in stainless steel using a non-abrasive cleanser. Here’s how:

When using a powder, mix with a bit of water to form a paste.
Dampen your cloth, apply a small amount of liquid cleaner or paste, and rub the solution firmly back and forth over the scratch, following the grain.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cleanser and see if the scratch is gone.
Repeat the process until satisfied.
Apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

If the non-abrasive cleanser doesn't work, try the following method using a mildly abrasive whitening toothpaste as a stainless-steel scratch remover:

Apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush and work the solution back and forth over the scratch, following the grain.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste and see if the scratch is gone.
Repeat the process until satisfied.
Apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

Removing Deep Scratches in Stainless Steel

Deeper imperfections may need to be sanded down using the following method:

Wet the sandpaper and keep it wet throughout the process.
Dampen the affected area and also keep it wet throughout the process.
Apply light pressure and sand the scratch, moving back and forth following the grain.
If, after a few minutes, the scratch is still there, try a slightly coarser grit of sandpaper.
Once the scratch is gone, use a finer grit to buff the affected area and blend it with the rest of the finish.
Wipe the area with a clean, wet cloth in the direction of the grain.
Dry with a soft towel.
Apply a light coat of stainless-steel polish or olive oil.

Preventative Care Tips

Stainless steel remains a common material chosen for durability among manufacturers of automobiles, medical equipment, and outdoor appliances. One common existing misconception is that stainless steel will not corrode or rust when subjected to water and other adverse elements. While stainless steel is much less likely to corrode than pure steel, homeowners with stainless steel appliances should properly care for and protect these surfaces.

To prevent damage, it is important to understand the composition of the stainless steel used in home appliances. A type of alloy steel, stainless steel, typically is composed of between 10 to 30% chromium or “chrome.” Chromium is a glossy, hard metal known for durability against heat and corrosion. However, when a protective layer of chromium wears down, various elements may have direct exposure to the surface beneath.

Three types of corrosion might occur with stainless steel home appliances include:

General (Common) Corrosion: Occurs when the surface of the appliance is directly exposed to acidic materials, which may exist in household cleaning products.
Crevice Corrosion: Small pits or cavities may form in the stainless-steel surface from prolonged contact with water, salt, or other chloride-containing substances.
Galvanic Corrosion: Also commonly called bimetallic corrosion, galvanic corrosion occurs when the stainless steel is exposed to other types of metal and ample moisture exists. In many cases, galvanized corrosion will develop when fasteners or stabilizer brackets are used to connect or secure stainless steel appliances.

Some of the other best practices to prevent damaging home appliances composed of stainless steel include:

After installing a new stainless-steel appliance, reference the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s guide regarding proper care
When in doubt regarding the best cleaning product to use, choose a mild soap
If wiping the surface, always use a clean, delicate cloth or sponge and move in the same direction as the grain
Do not use steel wool or scouring pads on these surfaces to avoid scratches.
Use caution when handling heavier metal tools or utensils near stainless steel appliances to prevent damage from impact.
As a general rule, don’t allow water to air dry on stainless steel surfaces.

When cleaning stainless steel appliances such as refrigerators or dishwashers, remember the importance of properly cleaning the door seals. The door seals, which are often composed of rubber, often trap particles and moisture and may promote mold growth.

Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Cleaning Options

Today, ecological advocates and government agencies promote the use of sustainable products that will not harm our physical environment or human, plant, or animal life. While many of the cleaning products sold in stores are eco-friendly, many items commonly found in homes are also viable options, including:

Vinegar: What is often labeled as white or distilled vinegar is a combination of roughly 5 to 10% acetic acid and 90 to 95% water. Aside from being an eco-friendly option, vinegar is a popular cleaning agent based on its ability to cut through dirt and grease, versatility, and affordability.
Olive oil: Mixing olive oil with vinegar and water in a spray bottle is a safe and effective cleaning solution. After cleaning the stainless steel, a lightly applied coat of olive oil can act as a polish.
Baking soda: When mixed with water into a paste, baking soda is another cleaning and stain removal option.
Lemon juice: A little lemon juice will cut through oily fingerprints on stainless steel surfaces, remove streaks, and leave a fresh scent.
Mild, natural dish soap: A mix of natural dish soap and water is an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution.

Benefits of a Professional Touch

When it comes to keeping stainless steel appliances looking and working their best, leaning on professionals to help can make a world of difference. Experts bring a level of precision that comes from understanding how to assess scratch depth accurately. This helps them determine the best solution without causing additional damage. Specialized tools allow them to achieve consistent results, ensuring any scratches are carefully buffed out, and the finish looks even across the appliance.

Additionally, professionals are familiar with the best techniques for cleaning and polishing, which reduces the risk of further issues. They also save you time by quickly identifying problems and fixing them efficiently. If you're worried about maintaining warranties, professional care often meets manufacturer standards, which can protect you from losing coverage.

The long-term benefits are significant. A professional knows the specific characteristics of different stainless-steel grades so that they can handle even deep scratches or rust stains effectively. This expertise not only improves your appliance's overall lifespan but also keeps it looking as good as new, helping you save money over time by deterring bigger and more costly issues. Choosing professional care means investing in the long-lasting durability and appearance of your appliances.

Call Mr. Appliance for Kitchen Appliance Repairs

While the above methods can help restore the beauty and shine to the exterior surfaces of your kitchen appliances, it's even more important to ensure your appliances are in good working order. The appliance repair team at Mr. Appliance offers a variety of services to help keep your kitchen looking and functioning at its best, including appliance installation, maintenance, and repair. At Mr. Appliance, we stand behind the quality of our work with a Neighbourly Done Right Promise^™, which is summarized by the principle: “If a job’s not done right, we’ll make it right.”

Call us today to schedule service, or contact us if you have any additional questions!

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mr. Appliance^® is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance^® for more information and a professional on-site assessment.