Creating A Beautiful Home

Stainless Steel Appliances: How To Clean And Buff Out Scratches

by Serenity Harris

If you have stainless steel appliances, chances are, you probably have a problem keeping them clean and free of fingerprints. You may have a scratch or two on them as well, and that may make them look a little unsightly. Stainless steel appliances that are plain stainless are a lot more difficult to keep clean than other appliance colors, like black, white, or satina, which are supposed to mimic stainless. Stainless steel requires a little bit of extra maintenance to keep it looking new. Here are directions on how to buff out any small scratches you may have and how to clean your stainless steel.

Buffing Scratches

Scratches on your stainless steel can happen everyday from your jewelry, from simply rubbing against it, and even from fine dust particles. Getting rid of those scratches takes a little time, but it can be done. It just needs to be done properly, and with the right tools. See below for instructions.

You'll need a stainless steel scratch repair kit, or you can buy fine grit sandpaper, a sanding block and a rubbing compound. All of these items can be found at your local big box hardware store. 

  • Begin by making sure your stainless steel is plain stainless. Do not attempt to buff out scratches on a stainless steel-like appliance surface, such as the satina mentioned above, or on stainless that has a coating to help resist fingerprints.
  • Start sanding the scratch along the grain of your stainless using your finest grit sandpaper. Do not sand against the grain.
  • Sand the scratch until it is gone. If the fine grit sandpaper isn't working, move up to the next grit level of sandpaper, or use the rubbing compound.
  • Once the scratch is completely gone, you can sand the rest of the panel in the same manner to blend the area you buffed.
  • Finish off the job by applying a coat of stainless steel cleaner/polish with a microfiber cloth to your entire appliance.

Cleaning Your Stainless Steel

Only use stainless steel cleaner/polish on your stainless steel appliances. Do not use any other type of cleaner on your stainless steel. You can find this type of cleaner at your local hardware store. You can clean your stainless steel as often as you need to, although once per week should be enough. The cleaner will help get rid of those unsightly fingerprints, puppy nose marks, and everyday dirt and dust. 

  • Apply the stainless cleaner/polish using a microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaner onto your cloth, then wipe onto your appliance.
  • Rub the cleaner evenly on your stainless steel along the grain. Do not go against the grain.
  • Allow the cleaner to dry.

Keep your stainless steel clean and free of scratches to help make your stainless steel appliances looking great for many years to come. If you need professional help with repairs, contact an appliance repair provider, such as A 1 Quality Appliance Inc.

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