Stainless steel is a favorite material in kitchens and homes because it looks sleek, resists rust, and lasts a long time. You’ll find it on fridges, stoves, dishwashers, and even countertops. But no matter how strong it is, scratches can make it look dull and old. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new appliance! With a few simple tools and the right method, you can fix it yourself at home. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove scratches from stainless steel quickly and safely—even if you’ve never done it before.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before learning how to remove scratches from stainless steel, it’s important to understand a few basics. Stainless steel may look strong and shiny, but treating it the wrong way can make scratches worse. To fix it the right way, you need to know two key things: the depth of the scratch and the direction of the grain.
Check the Type of Scratch (Light or Deep)
Not all scratches are the same. Some are shallow and only affect the surface, while others go deeper into the metal.
Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Light scratches are surface-level and hard to feel with your finger.
- Deep scratches are clearly visible and you can feel them when you run your nail across them.
Why it matters:
The method you use depends on how deep the scratch is. Light scratches often go away with simple items like toothpaste or baking soda. But deeper scratches might need special tools like a scratch removal kit or fine sandpaper.
Know the Direction of the Grain
Stainless steel has something called a grain, which looks like faint lines running in one direction. Just like wood, it’s important to always clean and fix scratches by following this grain.
How to find it:
- Look closely at your stainless steel surface under good light.
- You’ll see very fine lines running either left to right or up and down.
- That’s your grain — always rub or polish in that same direction.
How to Remove Light Scratches from Stainless Steel
If the scratch is small and only on the surface, don’t worry—it’s easy to fix! You can use things you already have at home or pick up a gentle cleaner made for stainless steel. Here are a few safe and simple ways to remove light scratches from stainless steel.
Use Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is gentle but powerful for removing small surface marks.
Steps:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to make a thick paste.
- Dip a soft, clean cloth into the paste.
- Rub the scratch gently in the direction of the grain.
- Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry completely to avoid water spots.
Try a Non-Abrasive Cleaner
You can also use a special stainless steel scratch remover that’s made to safely remove fine lines.
Example: Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser or Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish.
Steps:
- Apply a small amount of cleaner to a soft cloth.
- Rub it in a circular motion, then finish in the direction of the grain.
- Buff gently until the scratch fades.
- Wipe clean and dry the surface.
Apply Toothpaste for Tiny Marks
Toothpaste isn’t just for teeth—it can fix small stainless steel scratches too!
Use this method for very light marks:
- Use white, non-gel toothpaste (avoid colored or whitening ones).
- Put a small amount on a soft cloth.
- Rub in small circles over the scratch.
- Clean off with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.
How to Remove Deep Scratches from Stainless Steel
If the scratch on your stainless steel is deep and you can clearly feel it with your finger or nail, home remedies may not be enough. In these cases, you’ll need stronger tools. But don’t worry—with a bit of care, you can still fix it yourself. Here’s how to remove deep scratches from stainless steel safely.
Use a Scratch Repair Kit
For deeper marks, a stainless steel scratch repair kit is one of the best solutions.
What’s inside the kit:
- Special buffing pads or sanding blocks
- Polishing paste
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Steps:
- Choose the right pad as directed in the kit (usually color-coded for light or deep scratches).
- Apply a small amount of polishing paste to the scratch.
- Rub in the direction of the grain using steady pressure.
- Wipe clean and check the area.
- Repeat if needed until the scratch fades.
Try Wet Sandpaper (Advanced Method)
This method is only for those who feel confident and have experience with DIY fixes. It’s useful for very deep scratches or stubborn damage.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Use ultra-fine sandpaper—preferably 1000 grit or higher.
- Wet the sandpaper with water to reduce friction and prevent damage.
- Gently sand the scratch in the direction of the grain only.
- Wipe clean and inspect. Repeat if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.
How to Clean and Polish After Removing Scratches
Once you’ve removed the scratches, it’s important to finish the job by cleaning and polishing your stainless steel. This step not only restores the shine but also helps protect the surface from future damage. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Step 1: Wipe Away Any Dust or Residue
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe off any dust, paste, or sanding residue.
- Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry before polishing.
Step 2: Apply a Polish or Olive Oil
To make your stainless steel shine like new:
- Apply a few drops of stainless steel polish or olive oil to a clean microfiber cloth.
- Rub it onto the surface, following the grain of the steel.
- Buff gently until you see a smooth, shiny finish.
Why Polishing Is Important
- Restores shine to dull surfaces
- Helps hide minor swirl marks
- Adds a protective layer that makes future cleaning easier
How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Fridge
Your stainless steel fridge is one of the most visible appliances in your kitchen, and scratches can be frustrating. Thankfully, you can restore its shine and smoothness with these simple steps.
Use a Scratch-Removing Compound
If your fridge has noticeable scratches, a scratch-removing compound can help.
Steps:
- Apply a small amount of the compound to a soft cloth (make sure it’s non-abrasive to avoid causing more damage).
- Focus on one section at a time. Gently rub the compound in the direction of the grain.
- Wipe off any excess and clean and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.
Polish with Olive Oil for Shine
After removing the scratches, polish your fridge to bring back its shine.
Steps:
- Dab a small amount of olive oil onto a clean cloth.
- Rub in the direction of the grain to avoid any new scratches.
- Buff the surface until it’s shiny and smooth.
How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Removing scratches from a stainless steel refrigerator is very similar to cleaning a fridge, but there are a few extra tips to keep in mind, especially for areas like door handles and tight spaces where scratches can easily hide.
Similar Steps to Removing Scratches from a Fridge
You can follow the same basic steps as for the fridge when removing scratches from the refrigerator:
- Use a scratch-removing compound for light scratches.
- Polish with olive oil or a specialized cleaner to restore the shine.
Use Q-Tips or Small Soft Brushes for Tight Corners
For those hard-to-reach areas, like door handles or the corners of your refrigerator, a Q-tip or small, soft brush works wonders.
Steps:
- Apply your chosen scratch remover or polish to the tip of the Q-tip or brush.
- Gently rub the compound in the direction of the grain within tight spaces.
- Wipe away excess product and clean the area well
Repeat Light Scratch Method or Use Kits for Deeper Ones
For light scratches, simply follow the light scratch removal methods mentioned earlier in this article.
For deeper scratches, you can apply a scratch repair kit (as discussed earlier) to get rid of the damage and restore the finish.
Things to Avoid When Fixing Stainless Steel
While it’s easy to remove scratches from stainless steel with the right techniques, it’s equally important to avoid certain mistakes that can cause more harm than good. Here are some things you should never do when fixing scratches on your stainless steel appliances.
Don’t Use Steel Wool or Harsh Scrubbers
It’s tempting to use steel wool or other harsh scrubbers for stubborn scratches, but avoid them at all costs.
- Steel wool and rough scrubbers can scratch the surface further and damage the protective finish of your stainless steel.
- Always use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive pad to prevent additional marks.
Avoid Bleach or Chlorine-Based Cleaners
Although bleach is often used for cleaning, it’s not suitable for stainless steel. Chlorine-based cleaners can cause discoloration and can damage the finish over time.
- Never use bleach or products that contain chlorine on stainless steel.
- Instead, choose a gentle stainless steel cleaner or natural products like baking soda or olive oil.
Don’t Scrub Against the Grain
One of the most important rules when working with stainless steel is to always scrub with the grain—not against it.
- Scrubbing against the grain can cause visible scratches that are hard to remove and can dull the finish.
- Look closely at your stainless steel and follow the faint lines that run in one direction to protect the surface.
Tips to Prevent Future Scratches
Once you’ve successfully removed scratches from your stainless steel appliances, it’s important to take steps to prevent future damage. Follow these simple tips to keep your stainless steel surfaces looking shiny and scratch-free for a long time.
Use Soft Cloths for Daily Cleaning
To maintain your stainless steel’s appearance and prevent scratches, always use soft cloths when cleaning.
- Microfiber cloths are the best option as they are gentle on the surface and won’t cause scratches.
- Avoid using rough towels or abrasive sponges, as they can leave marks.
Bonus Tips for Removing Scratches from Stainless Steel
If you’re looking to get the best results when fixing or preventing scratches on your stainless steel appliances, here are a few bonus tips that can make the process even easier and more effective.
Add a Scratch Test Area Tip: Test Your Method in a Hidden Spot
Before applying any scratch removal method or cleaner to your stainless steel appliance, always test it in a hidden area first.
- Choose a small, inconspicuous spot, like the underside of a fridge or behind the door handle.
- This ensures the method you’re using won’t cause any unexpected damage or discoloration.
Recommend Eco-Friendly Options Like Vinegar or Baking Soda
If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives, there are natural solutions that can effectively remove light scratches without harsh chemicals.
- Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can help buff out minor scratches and bring back shine. Mix it with water for a safe cleaning solution.
- Baking soda is another great option. Create a paste by mixing it with water, and gently rub it on the scratched area to help smooth the surface.
Mention Common Appliance Brands That Respond Better to Certain Methods
Different brands of stainless steel appliances may respond better to certain scratch removal methods. Here are a few brand-specific tips to keep in mind:
- LG stainless steel surfaces tend to be more durable, but you might need a specialized cleaner to avoid streaking.
- Samsung stainless steel is often more sensitive to abrasive cleaners, so be gentle when applying products like baking soda or scratch remover kits.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve shared easy and effective methods to remove scratches from stainless steel. Whether it’s a light mark or a deep scratch, the good news is that it’s fixable with the right techniques and tools.
- For light scratches, use simple solutions like baking soda paste, non-abrasive cleaners, or even toothpaste.
- For deeper scratches, try using a scratch repair kit or the wet sandpaper method if you’re comfortable with more advanced techniques.
- Don’t forget to clean and polish your stainless steel surfaces afterward for a shiny, smooth finish.
