How To Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances - Danny's Appliance

How To Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

How To Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

These days, most kitchens feature at least one stainless steel appliance, if not a whole set! Stainless steel is best known for its durability and sleek, modern appearance. Although this material is extremely resistant to stains and rust, over time your appliances may become dull and scratched.

Follow these tips to restore your stainless steel appliances to their former glory!

First, Ensure Your Appliance Is Truly Stainless Steel

Sometimes, appliances that appear to be stainless steel are actually simulated or clear-coated. The following methods will only work on truly stainless steel appliances, so be sure to check that the surface:

  • Shows fingerprints easily
  • Has a brushed finish with a linear grain
  • Is Non-Magnetic
  • Does not have a protective clear coat

Gather Your Materials

Now that you have confirmed your appliance is truly stainless steel, you will need to assess the scratches to determine what materials you will need. For smaller nicks and dings, you will need:

  • Non-abrasive, stainless steel scratch remover compound (in a pinch, white toothpaste or baking soda can be used instead)
  • Lint-free cloths

If your appliance has deeper scratches, you will also need the following:

  • Abrasive pads
  • Olive oil

Removing Smaller Scratches

Your scratch remover compound may have come in a paste form, or it may be a powder that will need to be mixed with water to form a paste. Be sure to follow the instructions for your specific compound before proceeding. If you don’t have a compound, white toothpaste can be used as-is, or try mixing baking soda with a little bit of water until you achieve a paste consistency.

  1. Thoroughly clean the appliance’s surface to remove any dirt or dust.
  2. Take a lint-free cloth and dab a small amount of the compound or toothpaste, then rub it into the scratch, following the direction of the grain.
  3. After rubbing continuously for a few minutes, wipe the compound off with a new, damp cloth.
  4. Repeat as necessary. Once satisfied, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Removing Deeper Scratches

If you tried the above tactics on your appliance and the deeper scratches simply won’t go away, you’ll need to kick things up a notch with an abrasive pad, such as a scouring pad or scrubbing sponge.

  1. Apply a little bit of olive oil to the pad.
  2. Using moderate, firm pressure, buff the pad against the scratched surface as follows:
    1.  Rub against the scratch in one direction only – going back and forth or in a circular motion can cause further damage.
    1. Always follow the direction of the grain.
  3. Once you are happy with the results, wipe away the excess oil with a clean cloth.

By following these methods, your stainless steel appliances will be sleek and shiny for years to come!

If your appliance is suffering from more than simple scratches, Danny’s Appliance offers free diagnostic services when you schedule a repair! Our factory-certified technicians will come to you and inspect your appliance, no matter the make and model. Or if you’re looking to make a replacement, we offer high-quality appliances at unbeatable prices. From stainless steel refrigerators and ovens to dishwashers and laundry units, we’ve got it all!

Visit our showroom in Providence, Rhode Island or shop our appliances online!