How to Remove Scratches and Polish Stainless Steel

I love the look of stainless steel appliances, but keeping them shining can be a bit of a hassle, especially since I tend to bump into them with abrasive objects. In fact, the first time I tried to remove scratches from stainless steel, I only made them worse by using a too-rough cleaning pad.

But now that I know the proper technique and materials to use, most scratches are actually pretty simple to mitigate. Below is some advice for doing just that, collected from five experts.

• Note: Some stainless steel is clear-coated, especially panels that are fingerprint-resistant. For those, check your owner’s manual for additional precautions and advice.

Can Scratches Be Removed From Stainless Steel?

Sometimes, scratches can be removed from stainless steel. Shallow scratches can be buffed out or minimized in appearance, but deeper ones might be a lost cause.

How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel

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Non-Abrasive Cleaners

There are a range of non-abrasive cleaners and kits specifically made to buff scratches out of stainless steel. To use these:

• Apply the cleaner to a clean microfiber or other soft cloth.
• Gently buff the surface in the direction of the grain. Repeat as needed.
• Wipe with a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth.
• Follow any manufacturer instructions and precautions.

“Be sure to move the pad in the direction of the grain as you work over the deep grooves to fill them in,” says Fahad Javaid, General Manager at Zanduco Restaurant Equipment Supply. “Although larger projects may take some time, avoid using circular motions, as this could cause discoloration on the appliance.”

Pros and Cons of Non-Abrasive Cleaners

Since these products are made specifically for stainless steel, this is the preferred method for regular maintenance and treating scratches, says Alicia Sokolowski, President of AspenClean. But they are more expensive than home remedies.

Scratch Removal Kits

For deeper scratches, several of our experts recommended Scratch-B Gone or Scratch Pro scratch removal kits, which come with polishing compounds and sanding disks of various grains. Be sure to follow any instructions included with the kit.

Pros and Cons of Scratch Removal Kits

“It removes both light and deeper scratches and restores shine, but it also requires time and effort and may not be effective in removing all kinds of scratches,” says Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Home Services.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a popular DIY fix. This method is best for very fine scratches and routine upkeep, says Sokolowski, but not as good for deep or widespread scratches.

• Choose a non-gel, not-whitening toothpaste.
• Put a small amount on a soft cloth, then gently rub it over the scratch.
• Always follow the grain of the steel.
• Rinse with water, then dry with a soft, clean cloth.

First, try it out on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t do more harm than good on your particular surface. “A lot of people recommend a combination of toothpaste and olive oil, but I’ve found this to cause more scratches,” says Delah Gomasi, Managing Director at MaidForYou.

Baking Soda Paste

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The light abrasiveness of baking soda makes it another popular DIY fix for removing scratches from stainless steel. To use it:

• Combine equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
• Rub the paste gently into the scratch along the grain, applying light pressure.
• Rinse the area with water to remove excess paste, then dry with a soft cloth.

“This method is eco-friendly, gentle on surfaces and cost-effective,” says Sokolowski. But, “It requires patience and may not work on deep scratches.”

Alternatively, you can use a non-gel toothpaste mixed with baking soda and water to make the paste, says Javaid.

Olive Oil or Vinegar

For a quick, temporary fix, Sokolowski recommends trying olive oil or vinegar.

• Wipe the stainless-steel surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
• Dampen another clean cloth with olive oil or vinegar and rub it into the scratch along the grain or in a circular motion.
• Wipe away any excess oil or vinegar using another clean, dry cloth.

This is a quick-and-easy eco-friendly method that leaves a natural shine, but it only masks the scratches, rather than removing them, and only works for lightly scratched areas, says Sokolowski.

Fine-Grit Sandpaper

Fine-grit sandpaper is often Gomasi’s go-to fix when his teams scratch stainless steel appliances. “To buff out the scratches, we usually use 800-grit sandpaper and lightly scrub in line with the grain,” he says. “You’ll need to do this for the entire stainless steel surface.

Javaid says 400-grit sandpaper soaked in water can also work, but cautions that with any sandpaper method, you run the risk of scratching it further.

New Panels

When scratches are too deep to be removed from stainless steel surfaces, the best solution is to replace the panel or part of the appliance that has scratches, says Gomasi.

What NOT to Do to Remove Stainless Steel Scratches

• Do not use abrasive pads, such as steel wool or hard-plastic brushes, as they can cause more scratches.
• Do not rub against the grain or in a circular motion, which can also cause additional damage.
• Stay away from chlorine-based cleaners, which can damage the finish.
• Do not apply heavy pressure, which can create new scratches or deepen existing ones.
• Do not use a dirty or old cleaning cloth, as it might contain particles that cause scratches.

How to Prevent Scratches on Stainless Steel

Regular cleaning and polishing are important to maintain your stainless steel, and they will hide many minor scuffs and scratches.

• Use clean, soft cloths, like microfiber or soft cotton, and polish with the grain.
• Dry immediately. “Water spots can contribute to scratches, so dry your stainless steel appliances after cleaning,” says Ross Pascale, director at Neeet House Cleaning Services.
• Use coasters and trivets, and avoid touching the surface with sharp or abrasive objects.
• Place magnetic, felt or rubber pads under appliances to prevent scratches from shifting.
• Stay away from abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
• Don’t use chlorine-based cleaners, which can all dull the finish.
• If your appliance didn’t come with a coating, treat your stainless steel with an aftermarket protective film.

Don’t rush cleaning. “Let cleaning solutions or a baking soda and vinegar mixture sit on any charred food or residue,” says Javaid. “After the solution has had time to work, you can easily wipe away the grime without risking scratches.”

FAQ

What materials can scratch stainless steel?

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Many materials around your home can scratch stainless steel, such as:

• Steel wool and other abrasive scouring pads
• Sharp objects, like knives and scissors
• Other hard objects
• Sandpaper, unless designed for stainless steel
• Ceramics, like plates or mugs with rough bottoms
• Dirty cleaning cloths

“Used microfiber cloths can hold onto microscopic dust and sand particles that, when rubbed on a stainless steel appliance surface, can cause scratching,” says Gomasi. “We found that we had considerably less damage when using new cloths when compared with older ones.”

Does WD-40 remove scratches from stainless steel?

Yes, WD-40 can reduce the appearance of minor scratches and add shine, but it might not be suitable for all finishes, says Pascale. To avoid damage, test it on an inconspicuous area first, then spray a small amount on a soft cloth and rub in the direction of the grain.

“For polishing WD-40 is more effective, while toothpaste is best for very light scratches,” says Cherinak.

Can toothpaste remove scratches from stainless steel?

Yes, but test a small area first to make sure it won’t harm the finish. Use non-gel toothpaste since it is mildly abrasive.

“Both WD-40 and toothpaste work best for light surface scratches and enhancing the shine of stainless steel, however their effectiveness is limited on deep scratches and neither of them will permanently remove the scratches from the stainless steel,” says Sokolowski.

About the Experts

• Alicia Sokolowski is President and CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company and products manufacturer in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Delah Gomasi is Managing Director at MaidForYou, a house cleaning agency based in Sydney, Australia.
• Fahad Javaid is General Manager of Operations at Zanduco Restaurant Equipment Supply.
• Shlomo Cherniak is owner of Cherniak Home Services, which offers handyman services to the Baltimore area.
• Ross Pascale is director at Neeet House Cleaning Services in Melbourne, Australia.