How To Get Scratches Out Of Coated Stainless Steel Appliances

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins
Coated stainless steel appliances are among the most durable options, but they are still susceptible to scratches. Removing said scratches isn’t as hard as it may seem, and you can do it in several ways including a simple water and baking soda mixture. Whether it be using paste or baking soda, let’s take a look at how you can clean the surface and remove scratches from your coated stainless steel appliance.

Coated stainless steel is undoubtedly one of the most attractive and durable, which is why it’s found on almost every kitchen appliance. However, although it’s long-lasting and resistant to discoloration and dings, there is the possibility it can get scratched if it comes into contact with harder objects.

Your coated stainless steel accessories and appliances will come in various types and densities. Obviously, the heavier and thicker the item, the less likely it is to be dented. Lighter and thinner items will be more flexibility which can also help to avoid dents. Whatever the object, if you crash into it with something hard, you’ll likely see scratches on it. So, how do you get the scratches out?

To get scratches out of the stainless steel, you can clean the area, apply a paste and scrub it to restore the shine. If it’s smudge-proof stainless steel, you can achieve the same results using a microfiber cloth and oil. Rub the oil on the scratches until the scratch fades.

The good news is that it’s not difficult to care for and restore the appearance of your coated stainless steel items and remove scratches if you know how to apply a few simple techniques. Keep reading and learn the hacks you’ll need to restore your stainless steel kitchenware and appliances’ pristine appearance.

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Removing Scratches From Coated Stainless Steel Appliances

There are several methods you can use to remove scratched from your coated stainless steel appliances. If one method doesn’t work, try the next one until you find one that works perfectly for you.

Using Paste

The paste is one of the most common products to use for scratches on your stainless steel appliances. You can choose the best product for your appliance and then apply it using the following instructions.

Step 1: Clean The surface

First, ensure the surface is absolutely clean, with all traces of grease removed. You can use a stainless steel cleaning product to do this to avoid any smudges in the process.

Step 2: Apply The Paste

Next, use a metal polishing product to remove the scratches from your coated stainless steel item. Simply apply the paste with a dry microfiber cloth and rub gently in a circular direction.

Step 3: Restore The Shine

As soon as the scratches have disappeared, buff with a soft, clean cloth in the direction of the grain before the paste has had the chance to dry. Doing this will also eliminate any rust spots on the surface of the steel. You’ll soon see the steel shining brilliantly.

Note: If you don’t want to revert to chemicals for the cleaning, an alternative would be to use a stainless steel cleaning cloth. These can be purchased online from Amazon or other retailers.

Many people prefer to use non-toxic household items. If this is the case, try the baking soda method described below. It tends to be most effective on uncoated stainless steel appliances and cookware.

The Baking Soda Method Of Stainless Steel Scratch Removal

Baking soda also works well with fixing scratches in stainless steel. It helps to fill the space with clear granules.

Step 1: Mix The Paste

In a glass bowl, blend two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water. A thick paste should result, so add more or less water to adjust the consistency. Using a glass bowl ensures that the baking soda doesn’t interact with other possible bowl material and loses some of its effectiveness.

Step 2: Apply The Solution

Once you’re satisfied with the paste’s consistency, liberally apply it to the scratched area of your stainless steel item. Wrap a soft clean cloth around your finger, and gently rub the scratch, following the grain’s direction. This will prevent ‘cross-scratching’ from developing.

Keep checking to see if the scratch has been removed, and take care not to over-rub. Over-working, the area can actually result in further damage to your coated stainless steel appliance.

Step 3: Remove The Paste

Finally, wipe the paste from the coated stainless steel appliance or kitchen item using a soft, wet cloth. Finally, dry with a soft dry cloth. A soft cloth, preferably microfiber, should always be used – rough cloths or steel pads will only cause more damage, and your stainless steel items will look dull and worn, which is not what you’re aiming for.

How To Remove Scratches From Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel

Removing scratches from smudge-proof stainless steel is also easy if you know what to use and how to do it. The secret is to use a small quantity of top-quality car wax. A useful alternative is to use vegetable oil, which most people have in their store cupboard, to use for frying. If the scratches are moderately serious to severe, we recommend that you use The Chemical Guys Scratch Remover.

Instructions

  • Using a slightly damp microfiber cloth to apply the car wax or oil, and rub the area gently until the mark has disappeared.
  • After a few minutes, wipe the wax away, and your stainless steel should be restored to its original beauty.
  • Gentle cleansing and polishing products can assist in removing scratches from a stainless steel refrigerator. Use a soft, dry cloth to cover the scratched area.
  • Rub the area without applying too much pressure, always following the direction of the grain, then buff it to remove the product, again following the grain.

What Is Coated Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel, in its natural state, has a rough surface. The coating is applied to smooth the surface and give it a glossy appearance. It’s often applied with color to enhance the appearance.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?

It’s straightforward, and you don’t need any special products. Just use a mild dish detergent. Wet a soft cloth in tepid water mixed with mild dish soap.

Wipe down the surface, then rinse the cloth and wipe a second time to remove all detergent traces. Dry the surface with a clean towel to ensure no water spots are left on the surface. Finally, if traces of fingerprints remain, use a glass cleaning product on a soft cloth to remove them.

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Cleaning Stainless Steel

It may surprise you that most people who own a stainless steel appliance don’t know the proper way to clean and take care of them. Therefore, we thought it’d be a great idea to include this list for you so that you can properly care for your appliance after fixing those unsightly scratches.

The Do’s Of Cleaning Stainless Steel

  • Consult the instructions provided by the appliance as they will recommend the most appropriate products to use.  They’ll also list the products that you should not use to avoid damage to the finish.
  • Try using a microfiber cloth soaked in a little tepid water in the first instance, as this may be adequate when light cleaning is required.
  • Use a commercial glass cleaner for removing fingerprints and light grease stains. Just wipe along the grain so that no streaks will remain visible, then towel dry after cleaning to avoid leaving water spots.
  • Use a commercial stainless steel cleaner to remove stains if required, but to avoid damage to the surface of the appliance, always read the instructions and carry out a spot-test first on an area that’s not easily visible.

The Don’ts Of Cleaning Stainless Steel

  • Use steel wool pads or stiff brushes. They can scratch the stainless steel surface and make it more likely that your appliance will become rusty or permanently stained.
  • Use abrasive cleaners as these will cause tiny scratches on the surface, which will make the finish look dull.
  • DON’T ever use bleach or any cleaners containing chlorine, as these will cause stains and damage.
  • Leave water or cleaning product residue to dry on the stainless steel. Not only will this leave a dull finish, but it could also result in unremovable stains.
  • Use tap water, by choice. It can be harsh and leave calcium spots or stains. It is preferable to use distilled or filtered water, which won’t damage your stainless steel item’s finish.

Related Questions

Can I Use WD40 On My Stainless Steel Appliances?

WD-40 can be really useful in removing stains and scratches. Just spray some WD-40 onto a rag, and then wipe the surface. Keep in mind that stainless steel has a grain, so it’s always best to wipe in the grain’s direction rather than across it. WD-40 is especially useful when you want to clean your stainless steel sink, faucets, and the surrounding areas.


How Do I Get Streaks Off My Stainless Steel Fridge?

One easy and cost-effective method is to use olive oil. First, ensure the surface you want to clean is clean and free of dirt. Next, apply a small amount of oil, using a clean, soft cloth, and rub gently in the direction of the steel’s grain. You’ll not only remove any dirt, but you’ll also restore your item’s deep luster.


Does Vinegar Damage Stainless Steel?

Vinegar is acidic and can corrode stainless steel. However,  as long as you dilute it to create a weak solution by adding a small amount of distilled white vinegar to some water, it can be useful for cleaning. Take care to rinse the area well after cleaning, then dry it thoroughly.  Never soak an item in neat vinegar, as this can soon cause corrosion.

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In Summary

Your stainless steel appliance will inevitably get a scratch at some point in its life. When that happens, you can easily get rid of it using a paste, baking soda, or a specially made oil. Afterward, make sure that you take care of your appliance the proper way to make it last longer, and let it continue adding to the charm of your cozy kitchen.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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