Stainless steel is the epitome of modern kitchens. If you are like me, you have invested in stainless steel kitchen appliances to give your home a sleek and contemporary touch. However, just when you think you have achieved the perfect kitchen design, scratches inevitably accumulate on your appliances. Not to worry! I have been down this road before, and today, I will share the top three ways to fix and polish scratches from stainless steel.
Toothpaste Magic
The first remedy I always attempt includes something I already have in my home: toothpaste! Yep, a good teeth-whitening toothpaste can help you remove minor scratches from stainless steel appliances. Here are the instructions for performing a little toothpaste magic to fix and polish scratches on stainless steel:
- Apply a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste directly to the scratch.
- Gently rub the toothpaste onto the scratch using a soft cloth, following the direction of the steel grain.
- Continue rubbing for a minute or two, then wipe away the toothpaste using a damp cloth.
- Dry the area using a clean cloth.
Baking Soda Solution
Next up on our list of miracle workers is baking soda. It is not just for baking delicious cookies and cakes! You can use it to remove scratches from your stainless steel kitchen appliances. Thank the heavens for this multi-purpose, popular baking ingredient! Here are the instructions for applying baking soda to remove scratches from stainless steel:
- Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste onto the scratch and gently rub in the direction of the stainless steel grain with a soft cloth.
- After a few thorough strokes, rinse the paste with water and thoroughly dry the surface.
Commercial Cleaners
Of course, not all scratches will give in easily to household remedies. For deeper and more stubborn scratches, you might need to bring out the big guns—commercial stainless steel cleaners. Here is how I use commercial cleaning products to fix and polish scratches on stainless steel:
- Purchase a cleaner specifically for stainless steel products.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area to see whether discoloration or further damage will occur.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Scratches on stainless steel can be a real heartbreak, but with my tips, you have a fighting chance to restore that brilliant shine. Remember, always start with the mildest method and work your way up if necessary. When learning what to know about stainless steel, keep your stainless steel surfaces clean and dry to prevent future scratches and spots. Happy polishing!
