How to Remove Scratch From Stainless Steel
If you're tired of scratching stainless steel appliances and have no interest in replacing them, there are a few things you can do to remove scratches without spending any money.
One of the easiest methods is to mix a powdered cleanser, like Bar Keepers Friend, with water and apply it to the stainless steel using a microfiber cloth. Rub the cleaner into the scratch, following the grain direction, and then wipe away any excess.
How to Remove Scratches
Stainless steel is a popular material for home appliances, sinks, counters, cabinets, and more. It is an attractive, modern look that is durable and rust-resistant. However, stainless steel can be susceptible to scratches from everyday use and can cause damage if left untreated.
Fortunately, it is possible to remove scratches from stainless steel. There are many products that can be purchased to help eliminate these signs of wear and tear.
The first thing you need to do is clean the scratched area using a soft cloth and vinegar. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be embedded in the surface of the stainless steel. Rinse the area well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Once the area is clean, it is time to apply a scratch removal solution. Scratch removers are available in powder or liquid form and are designed to smooth out the grain of the stainless steel. These products work well for removing small scratches and are available at many places including big box stores and online retailers.
Another option to try is baking soda, which can be found at most grocery stores and home improvement centers. Simply add water until it forms a paste and rub it onto the stainless steel in the direction of the grain.
Whitening toothpaste can also be used to eliminate scratches from brushed stainless steel. This is an easy and effective method, but it can be tricky to apply if the scuff is deep.
For more serious scratches, consider a scouring pad. This can be a coarse grit pad or a sandpaper with an abrasive rating specified by the manufacturer. You will need to follow the instructions carefully.
If the scuff is deep, you will need to sand it down. It’s best to start with extra-fine wet/dry sandpaper, but you can also get a coarse sanding pad that has an abrasive rating.
When sanding, it is important to use light pressure and always work in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Using the wrong direction will worsen the problem and could even harm the appliance’s finish.
Scratch Remover Solution
Stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and other surfaces, but it can also show scratches from regular use. Fortunately, these scratches can be fixed with a little work.
A scratch remover solution is a great option for removing light scratches from your stainless steel, and it can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Some are powders that you mix with water, while others are liquid or creams that are ready to use immediately. Both can be applied with a microfiber cloth to the stainless steel surface and rubbed in the direction of the grain of the metal.
Another popular method for removing stainless steel scratches is to use an abrasive cleaner or rubbing compound. These types of cleansers come in powder and liquid/cream forms and can be applied to the stainless steel surface with a damp microfiber cloth. They'll smooth out the grain of the stainless steel and minimize the appearance of the scratch.
When using a cleaning product to remove stainless steel scratches, you'll want to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. This will help you identify the grit level of the cleanser and determine whether or not it'll work on your specific stainless steel.
If the cleanser is not effective, try another one. Often, you can remove scratches with a mixture of baking soda and liquid dish soap, but some may require a stronger cleanser like a commercial product. You can also try a little bit of whitening toothpaste on your stainless steel. This mildly abrasive cleanser works best on light scratches and can be repeated as needed.
Once you've used a stainless steel cleaner to remove scratches, it's important to clean the surface regularly to maintain its shine and protect against future damage. You can use a cleaning kit that has microfiber cloths and a cleaner/protectant, such as Grove Collaborative's Stainless Steel Cleaning Kit.
Using the right cleanser to remove scratches on stainless steel is simple and can be done with any household cleaner. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle to get the most effective results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda and baking powder are both commonly used in cooking recipes, but they're also known for their cleaning and whitening properties. Both are chemical leavening agents, which means they'll break down in the presence of moisture or heat to release carbon dioxide bubbles that help baked goods expand while cooking.
Using baking soda on stainless steel appliances like your kitchen sink, oven and refrigerator can make them look new again by getting rid of fingerprints and food stains. However, keep in mind that you need to clean your appliances frequently to avoid scratches and stains.
For light and moderate scratches, you can use a paste of baking soda mixed with water to remove them. Apply a little of this mixture to the scratch and rub it gently in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Repeat as needed until the scratch is gone.
If you're dealing with larger scratches, you'll need to use a more aggressive approach. You can use 400 to 600 grit sandpaper or a rubbing compound to buff the scratch away, but this isn't always as effective as a more expensive repair kit.
Another way to polish your stainless steel surfaces is to add a few drops of oil or cleanser to a coarse grit sandpaper. You'll want to firmly rub it in the direction of the stainless steel grain, but don't be too rough or you could cause further damage.
You can also spray a solution of vinegar and water on the surface of your appliance to get rid of fingerprints and other stains without damaging the surface of the metal. This can be a good alternative to harsher cleaners, but be sure to thoroughly wipe the surface of your appliance afterward, as the vinegar will leave behind water spots.
Finally, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your countertops to prevent food odours from lingering and to deodorise them. It's a cheap and easy DIY way to freshen up your countertops, cabinets and other areas of your home that tend to have unpleasant odours.
You can also sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the inside of your garbage bin to neutralise odours before you throw them out, or you can lay down a barrier of baking soda along openings of sink pipes or basement windows to keep carpenter ants and silverfish from entering your home. In addition, you can use it to melt ice on sidewalks and driveways.
Whitening Toothpaste
If you have light scratches on your stainless steel, toothpaste is one way to remove them. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives that scrub away surface stains. It's safe for most people, and does not damage tooth enamel like abrasive brushes.
Many whitening toothpastes contain baking soda or silica, which are gentle on teeth. The abrasive ingredients also help polish teeth for a brighter appearance.
Another common ingredient in whitening toothpaste is hydrogen peroxide, which helps bleach stains on the tooth enamel. However, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent, meaning it can cause irritation to the gums and mouth if used in excess.
Fortunately, most whitening toothpastes have low doses of hydrogen peroxide. This makes them suitable for people with mild tooth stains, such as those caused by smoking and drinking coffee or tea.
Most whitening toothpastes are safe to use and do not harm teeth, but it is important to choose a product that has earned an ADA seal of approval. This is a sign that the product has been evaluated by an independent panel of experts and is proven to be safe and effective.
To remove minor scratches, apply a dab of whitening toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in the direction of the scratch's grain. Continue to repeat this process until the scratch is gone.
If you have medium-to-deep scratches, a sanding block can be helpful. If you have a sanding block, wet the sanding block with water and use it to sand down the scratches until they are gone.
After sanding the scratches down, you can use a mild stainless steel cleaner to clean the sanded area. This is a good way to make your stainless steel look new again.
The final step is to apply a thin coat of stainless steel polish. The polish is safe for stainless steel, and it will protect the surface from rescratches in the future.
Getting scratches out of stainless steel can be an effective and affordable way to restore your kitchen. But before you start, you should be sure to use the right products and follow the directions.