Take a hands-off approach and budget for professional appliance refinishing. Yet, sturdy as it is, stainless can acquire unsightly scratches in the course of everyday activity. 8 DIY Appliance Repair Projects You Dont Need a Pro For. Whichever scratch removal method or product you use, its essential to rub only in the direction of the grain; go the wrong way, youll worsen the problem. Move to a smoother grit pad, if recommended by the manufacturer, and continue the buffing process, adding water, or any compounds included in the kit, as called for. Once you've mixed things up, add a thin layer of the paste you just formed over the spot where the scratch is. You love your stainless steel appliances, but sometimes you need to hire a pro to help keep your stainless looking sublime. At Ruvati, we pride ourselves on only offering the highest quality, strongest stainless steel. Notice if it is going up and down or from side to side. Check to see if the scratch was removed. For home comfort let us assist you with a new air conditioner, dehumidifier or a water softener. If not, repeat the process until it has disappeared. Check to see what you have in your owners manual. Always test any process like this in an inconspicuous place, such as on the back or side, behind the faucets on the sink, along a seam, or another out-of-sight place. If scratches persist, reapply the toothpaste and repeat the process until you are satisfied that the scratches have subsided. Remove any remaining dust and oil with diluted vinegar and a clean microfiber cloth. Use a non-abrasive compound such as Bar Keepers Friend or Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner. Keep in mind, however, that this technique should only be used on uncoated stainless steel; if the metal has a protective clear coating or synthetic surface, youll end up doing more harm than good. Gather your fine-grit sandpaper and olive oil and you'll be ready to get started., Add a few drops of oil to the sandpaper, and over the scratch. It will alter the watch's character irreversibly (then again, so do scratches, so there's a tradeoff either way). The following techniques are for uncoated stainless steel only. Use this treatment method on smaller scratches. It was bound to happen, but the first scratch on your brand-new watch is still the most painful. If your scratch situation on uncoated stainless steel does not respond to the method above, you need this Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit. For kitchens we offer products ranging from a refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine cooler, cooktop, stove, wall oven, range, microwave, hood, to a dishwasher or disposer. Rub the cloth against the steel, in the direction of the grain, to polish the metal. Instant scratch. Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit, How to Remove Rust Stains from Just About Anything, 9-Pak Non-Scratch Blue Scotch-Brite Sponges, 15 Things That Should Never Go in the Clothes Dryer. Stainless steel is a great look until you scratch it. Companies such asScratch Off Stainlessoffer free repair quotes through their website and can estimate how long it will take to get the job done. Add more oil as necessary. Our new column, How to Be a Watch Guy, aims to answer all your new watch guy questions, and help you navigate the always exciting but sometimes intimidating, complicated, and pricey world of watches. You can also try common household products, such as non-gel toothpaste or baking soda. Youll have to develop a feel for the technique, so start on an inconspicuous area of the appliance panel. Light scratches are easier to fix than deeper ones, but it is possible to fix more severe scratches as well. If the method above doesnt work, you may be dealing with a bigger scratch that requires a little extra TLC. Fortunately, its totally possible to minimize these signs of wear and tear, even successfully remove scratches from stainless steel altogether. Going against the grain can actually cause more damage to a stainless-steel surface. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Non-abrasive cleaners are available in both powder and liquid forms. The key on how to remove scratches from stainless steel is to start with the finest grit paper or pad and zigzag a stream of sanding fluid on it. What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. height:1px; Or you could mop it up with a wet paper towel and toss in the trash. Determine the direction of the grain and start sanding in one direction only, following the brushed pattern. Just be sure to remove the mat when finished washing up so that water wont remain trapped underneath, where it can cause discoloration. If youre dealing with smaller scratches, start by preparing the non-abrasive compound. Using a second damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe away all of the paste to examine the situation. Just make sure you're not using hard water, or else you may leave water stains behind.You can also put undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle and use that to clean the surfaces. Apply a few drops of oil to a clean microfiber cloth. If the powder mixture you tried doesn't work on light scratches, Hunker suggests using a little bit of whitening toothpaste, which is mildly abrasive. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are effective products on the market made just for this purpose, such as 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, and Rolite Metal Polish. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. One method is to sand down the scratches with sandpaper and a kitchen oil, such as olive oil. There are also kits on the market, such as Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit and Scratch-B-Gone, which contain all youll need to remove deeper scratches. Have the necessary tools and materials for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. For almost a century, stainless steel sinks have been the sink of choice for American kitchens. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). Identify the direction of the grain in your stainless steel. For example, you wouldn't want a polished patch on an otherwise brushed surface and only professionals can treat scratched matte or bead-blasted finishes. Some of our featured brands offering these products are Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool. Thanks for the article! Wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth to finish the process, buffing the steel to a clean shine. Brushed or satin finishes are in fact many uniform scratches on the metal, and treating scratches on theses surfaces means refinishing the metal. Here's what you need to know about removing scratches from metal watch cases. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It may not come out looking brand spanking new, but it will certainly revive the appearance of your kitchen and keep it that way for years to come. Consider moving to a finer grit pad and using more oil or more compound depending on the progress on the scratch. For this method to work, the surface needs to be free of any clear coat, otherwise, you may unwittingly cause more damage. Trying to make scratches disappear from your appliances can be time-consuming, which is why it's easier to prevent the scratches from forming in the first place. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. However,BobVillawarns against regular cleaning with abrasive formulas or bleach because they can corrode the metal and lead to rusting. They can help you via email once you send them a few photos and some information describing the issue. Buff out ugly scratches in your shiny stainless steel appliances, using fine sandpaper and rubbing compound. Read the instructions carefully. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. Continue rubbing until the entire surface has been polished. Jewelers have special instruments and supplies for this, but for DIY jobs gently use a Euro Tool Brush ($13) like an eraser and follow the grain (wear latex gloves to keep the fibreglass from irritating your skin). Scratches show up on stainless steel sinks, appliances, cabinet hardware, and counters, too. Let us know what you learn! Our bathroom sinks are built for everyday use by the whole family. Once you've rubbed it a few times, use a new, clean damp cloth to wipe away the excess paste. This will also prevent a significant build-up of dirt and grime, which might prompt harsher scrubbing that can cause scratches. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The cleaner works by filling in fine lines to smooth out the steel surface.Some liquid non-abrasive products you can purchase are from Bar Keeper's Friend, Weiman, and Method. Start by applying the product to the scratched area of the sink and rub it in by following the grain with a non-abrasive cloth or a 3M Maroon Pad. Yes, I know the image shows 2 cans of cleaner, but this link truly is for a 3-Pak! Note:The method to remove deep scratches from stainless steel has the potential to cause more damage if done incorrectly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Are you dealing with light, minor scuffs or deeper, visible scratches? Thanks! If youre using a powdered stainless steel scratch removal compound, add enough watera few drops at a timeto create a paste roughly the consistency of toothpaste. The brush streaks on the surface are known as the grain, according to BobVila. Youll need a scouring pad or scrubbing sponge, plus some cooking oil (olive oil works well). You have successfully subscribed. Non-gel toothpaste can be used as-is, and baking soda can be mixed with water until a pasty consistency is reached. Bottle of stainless steel scratch remover solution, like Bar Keeper's Friend. Using a non-abrasive pad, like a 3M Scotch-Brite blue pad for example, is another method that can be used to buff the surface of the stainless steel sink and minimize the appearance of a scratch. Then, pantry cabinets, a soaker tub, and kitchen lighting are installed at the house. Add enough watera few drops at a time to make a toothpaste consistency. A good maintenance product such asSprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner is not cheap. Remove any remaining solution and oil with diluted vinegar and a clean microfiber cloth. In lieu of olive oil, you can use other cooking oils such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Need professional help with your project? You do not want to go any deeper than necessary. If youre using baking soda, just be sure to add water until it turns into a paste. Sleek, modern, and functionalall the qualities that make stainless steel a top choice for appliances and kitchen accents. DO NOT use any of the following techniques oncoated stainless steel, often referred to as smudge-proof or fingerprint-resistan. Just dont. Be sure you are rubbing in the same direction as the grain. After removing scratches and unwanted marks, you can then clean and polish your stainless-steel appliance. The sanding technique only works on plain (uncoated) stainless steel panels. Take a close look at the metal and youll see very fine brush lines going either side to side or up and down. Scratch remover kits generally contain a polishing compound and a set of abrasive pads. Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials for kitchen sinks. Difficulty:Simple1/5Simple and quick. Be the first to learn about our special offers and sales. Stainless steel is prized for its sleek, modern appearance and durability, particularly in the kitchen, where everything from the sink to the fridge to the toaster may be made of this popular metal. Four out of five homeowners opt for asphalt shinglesheres the lowdown on choosing the right ones for your own roof. When the surface is cleaned up,apply a coat of stainless steel polish or olive oil to give it a satisfying shine. It comes with eight items: a patented grip handle, a gray finishing pad, a brown finishing pad, a burgundy foam-backed pad, a coarse abrasive finger strip, a trumetal test strip, an ultra shine bottle, and a microfiber cloth. The vinegar's acidity cuts through stains from hard water and heat. You may then follow up by using a 3M Maroon pad to go over the same area making sure to rub along the grain here as well. margin-top:-35px; Whirlpool, for example, offers a line of fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliances. Look closely at the direction of the grain on your stainless steel surface. Some stainless steel appliances and products these days are finished in the factory with a protective synthetic clear coat toreduce fingerprints showing up on the surface. To remove fine scratches, cleaners such as Comet, Revere Stainless Steel, and Copper Cleaner can be used to gently buff stainless steel. The American Metal Restorationcompanyis another great source to contact for a free repair quote. We also specialize in appliance service as well as appliance repair. Practicing regular cleaning can help keep your stainless steel appliances looking sharp for longer. I rent a home and they placed a brand new stainless steel (Im sure its coated), Hisense refrigerator in it when I moved in. These cookies do not store any personal information. From afar you wouldn't notice the brush streaks, but up-close, away from the reflective light, you might be able to spot them. Dry with another fresh microfiber cloth. Examine your efforts and repeat if necessary. The vinegar will clean the surface and remove all traces of other compounds and cleaners. Its great for other applications but NOT to clean or polish stainless steel. Perfect for light scratches, a non-abrasive cleaner will smooth out the grain on stainless steel in little to no time, according to Mr. Appliance. Reading that nothing will help if its coated, it occurred to me maybe vaseline would at least mask it. Im talking about the rough, scrubby green side of a yellow Scotch-Brite sponge and the greenScotch-Brite cleaning pads. These kits provide you with everything you will need to get rid of scratches big and small, without having to research various methods or cleaners.Hunkerrecommends theScratch-B-Gone kit, andat the time of publishing,Amazonlists it for sale for just $51.95. How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel. Glass cleaners such as Windex will also work to get rid of unwanted and unsightly fingerprints you may notice on your stainless steel appliances. Select the appropriate grit padrecommended in the kit instructions. Pesky little scratches on your shiny new watch are a bummer. Out of an abundance of caution, my advice is to ban green Scotch-Brite from your home if you own stainless steel appliances. Whats a Bladeless Ceiling Fan and Does It Really Work? Only buff scratches in the direction of the stainless steel grain, do not buff in a circular motion. Oftentimes, small, faint scratches are easier to fix with a few home products, but the deep scratches may require more care. Minor scratches can also be concealed with the use of a stainless-steel polish. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Instructions are easy to follow. Work gently, and in the same direction as the grain. Sadly, if your stainless is coated and scratched, you may have to learn to live with it. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. For tougher scratches, it may be necessary to rub them out with an abrasive pad. Always blue. Maybe you just want your beloved watch to look perfect again. I vacuum it away with my Black + Decker handheld cordless vac. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. I cant see why they couldnt undent your refrigerator, but honestly Ive not looked into this. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. You can use mineral oil, vegetable oil, or even olive oil. Apply the metal polishing paste to a microfiber cloth and gently rub in a circular motion over the scratch. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Before the scratch dries, grab a clean soft cloth and buff the scratch in the direction of the grain with the paste. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 if needed to completely remove scratches from stainless steel surfaces. With a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down the newly sanded surface. A piece of wet fine-grit sandpaper can be used to remove deeper scratches. It's best trusted to professionals, whether by sending the watch to the brand itself for servicing or having it performed by an experienced jeweler or watchmaker. How does one break into the confusing, esoteric world of watch nerdery? If you come across something more intimidating, however, there are professionals who can help. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you must use a Scotch-Brite scrubbing-style sponge or pad on your stainless appliances and cookware, make sure it is blue. It will either be going up and down or side to side. Id call an auto dent removal company. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. (In a pinch, you can evenuse whitening toothpaste). Attach your pad to the handle, and apply the Ultra Shine formula. Deeper scratches, meet your match: Sandpaper. Here's what to do about them. If necessary, polish again with more compound until the desired results are achieved. It worked beautifully! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Rub a little in, let it siteventually rub any excess off gently and presto! If you're unsure of whether or not the non-abrasive cleaners will do the trick, you can opt for a stainless steel scratch repair kit. By submitting your email, you agree to our. As sleek and sturdy as it is, stainless steel is not immune to picking up unsightly scratches in the course of everyday household activities. Wipe the excess compound off with the moistened cloth and use a fresh one to dry the surface. As with smaller scratches, you will first need to use a clean microfiber cloth to wash the area with diluted vinegar. }. How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel. Work in a slightly larger area than just the scratch to achieve a more uniform appearance. Kathy, We promise to keep your information private. Gently wipe the surface with a fresh, barely damp microfiber cloth to remove any compound residue. Your email address will not be published. If you do not have access to scratch remover solution, you can also use whitening toothpaste or baking soda. Try a small suction/plunger just a thought! FIxing scratches on your stainless steel doesnt have to be challenging. Add a dab of the stainless steel scratch remover solution to a clean microfiber towel. Repeat this step until the oil or compound is mostly gone. Character? Note:These methods will not work on coated stainless steel. If they can find it, guests, family members, housekeepersin the act of trying to be helpfulwill use that green Scotch-Brite to polish up the kitchen. With moderate, even pressure, buff the scratch and surrounding area while only moving in the direction of the grain. Or buy a stainless steel repair kit and get everything you need. If you can feel a small indent, use the brown pad, and if you dig your fingernail into the scratch, try the burgundy pad. Follow these simple steps to remove scratches or scrapes on your stainless-steel appliances. Whitening toothpaste works in a pinch. Although stainless steel is a sturdy metal, it's prone to unwanted scratches from everyday use. Follow these lines while youre working; dont rub perpendicular to them or in a circular motion. Notice how they go in a definite direction, known as the grain. This grain was set during the manufacturing process. If you are not sure if your stainless is coated or not, check with the manufacturer or owner manual. When using non-abrasive cleaners, always make sure to rub in the direction of the grain to prevent scratches.If you forget any of these tips, you can refer to the user manual that comes with the appliance when you first buy it.. Its an excellent choice for cookware, kitchen appliances, sinks, fixtures, and other items around the house and workplace. If the scratch still appears, move to the next grit padfollowing the kit instructions exactly. Old chalkboards are restored at the Dracut Centre School. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Rub the solution into the scratch, going in the same direction as the grain of the steel. Their reviews claim that their technicians are friendly, fast, and efficient. Stainless steel is favored for its sleek look and durability. Move the handle up and down over the scratch, along the grain.Repeat that motion ten times and then clean using the microfiber cloth. Jennifer Noonan, Bob Vila, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day. Toothpaste can also be used on semi-deep scratches, in addition to remedying lighter scratches. Cant find a scratch removal kit? Use the pad to cover the stainless steel surface in long smooth strokes. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. If you cant find any of those, appliance manufacturers often make their own cleaners that are easy to find at home improvement stores. Make sure to always keep it wet, and follow up with a rubbing compound. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, and food residue that may have built up on your fridge. I now barely notice the area. To check your progress, you can wipe away the toothpaste with a damp cloth and re-examine the surface. Repeat steps three and four until the desired look is achieved. If it does, you'll need to use a different treatment in order to ensure you don't cause more damage to the metal. Then dab a small amount of the compound onto a microfiber cloth and rub it continuously over the scratch. Your email address will not be published. If needed, repeat steps three through five until the scratch has been completely removed. Why not share with a friend. Be sure to completely rinse and dry the surface. For less significant nicks and dings, all you need is a non-abrasive, stainless-steel scratch remover compound, which will work to fill in the fine lines and smooth out the surface. You will end up with a much worse problem than you have already. After a few minutes, use a fresh, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the compound off and examine your progress. Start by looking into products like Fabuluster ($9) or Euro Tool Selvyt Cloth ($11) and for deeper scratches try Never-Dull ($18). Helpful instructions to let your patriotic spirit fly from your front lawn with this DIY weekend project. Look close and youll see that stainless steel has brush marks on the surfacethis is called the grain, a result of the manufacturing process. Once the scratch has been removed, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff out the same area. Starting with the appropriate grit pad recommended for the specific scratch you aim to banish, rub the scratch with the grain, in one direction onlygoing back and forth with an abrasive could cause unattractive circular marks. Start by applying olive oil to a paper towel or soft cloth, rub it on the scratch, and wipe the area dry. There are kits that are made to help fix deeper scratches, but sources such asThis Old Housestate that DIY methods such as this can be effective as well. Keep working until the scratch(s) disappears. NEVER use a heavy-duty green Scotch-Brite on stainless steel. Metal can have a range of finishes, from polished to brushed to matte, and each entails different considerations. 15 Ways to Make Kitchen Appliances Last Longer. Our kitchen sinks are built for everyday use by the whole family. From sinks to appliances, counters to cabinet hardware, stainless steel remains a popular kitchen trend, favored for its sleek look and durability. It has powder on one side which fills the scratches, while the other side keeps your hand clean and is later used to give the surface a final cleaning. Fortunately, these scratches are easy to avoid and easy to remove. Very gently rub it back and forth over the scratch moving in straight lines (you dont want to end up with an unattractive circular pattern) and only with the grain of the uncoated stainless steel. Be sure to follow the manufacturers directions specific to your kit. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. You may also need to keep adding drops throughout the cleaning process. The goal is to match the surrounding finish and that of other surfaces as closely as possible. Of course, after usual everyday use, it is possible for them to develop small, temporary scratches. HowStuffWorksrecommends using warm water for a simple yet effective clean that won't harm the metal. No matter how deep the scratch youre trying to erase, youll want to work with the grain of the stainless steel. Keep your stainless steel shining with these easy steps. Though you can get a pretty satisfying result this way, traces of the scratches will often remain visible. Dont sand back and forth and NEVER sand against the grain. Amazon also provides step-by-step instructions before you buy. Use a cloth to scrub it gently, again keeping in mind the direction of the grain you won't want to accidentally make the small scratch into a bigger problem. But neither were your stainless appliances, sink, pots and pans! It is oil-based, leaves no streaksonly a beautiful luster that will make your eyes pop. But while the material may be stainless, it isnt completely scratch-proof, and after years of wear and tear, it can start to look a little dull. By Jennifer Noonan and Bob Vila | Updated Oct 5, 2018 2:18 PM. You do not want any surprises. Theyre typically mobile and come to the dented car. Continue until the scratch buffs out. We recommend our users to update the browser. The way to shine and luxuriously polish a stainless steel sink is very cheap, very simple, and very weird: flour. Do not use bleach when cleaning stainless steel. If you dont feel confident enough to tackle this job on your own, you may want to hire an appliance repair professional who has experience with the process. Thats not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Abrasive pad or scouring pad400 to 600 grit, Rubbing compound, cooking oil, or purchase a stainless steel scratch removal kit, like Scratch-B-Gone. Suggested Cleaning Products for Stainless Steel Sinks, At Ruvati, we pride ourselves on only offering the highest quality, strongest stainless steel. When you look very closely at brushed stainless, you will see the brush marks. The crew discusses pocket doors and advises on painting. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Though it can be a costly route to take, it may be better than taking a risk on your own. These are safe and effective for non-stick cookware and cleaning. Once the stainless steel is clean and dry, start polishing. If these steps dont work, you may be dealing with a deeper scratch that requires additional treatment. It is essential that regardless of what method and tools you use to remove the scratches, you only rub with the grainnever against the grain! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon Stainless steel scratch removal compound (e.g., Bar Keepers Friend) Water Microfiber cloths Stainless steel scratch removal kit. With a little help from this guide, your stove top, sink, and refrigerator door will look brand new in no time! To keep your metal surfaces looking new, avoid using abrasive substances or steel wool for regular cleaning and maintenance. Pleasant, St. Louis, Alma, Ithaca, Carson City, Stanton, Belding, Greenville, Rockford, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Howard City, White Cloud, Newaygo, Fremont, Whitehall, Muskegon, Ionia, Portland, Grand Ledge, Charlotte, Hastings, Eaton Rapids, St. Johns, Owosso, Flushing, Flint, Davison, Burton, Grand Blanc, Swartz Creek, Durand, Fenton, Holly, Howell, Fowlerville, Williamston, Mason, Holt, Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Dewitt, The Right Appliance Finish for Your Kitchen, 3 Parts of Your Fridge You Forget to Clean [+1 Bonus], How to Make the Most of Your Refrigerator's Crisper Drawer. Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit, The 5 Best Dishwasher Detergents (2022 Review), The 5 Best Washing Machine Cleaners (2022 Review). Repeat the process until you're happy with the results., If you don't want to invest in new chemical cleaners, you can try using some baking soda you happen to have on hand, as recommended byHowStuffWorks. Theres a good chance you can remove scratches on stainless steel surfaces, provided you use the right tools and closely follow these tips. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. Unfortunately, you must reapply the polish on a frequent basis to keep your products looking great, but this may be the best method for appliances covered with protective film.