For deeper scratches on uncoated stainless, you can use an abrasive pad like fine sandpaper (400-600 grit) or a scrubbing sponge and some olive oil to gently buff out and repolish the finish. White vinegar also makes an effective chrome and stainless steel polisher after you finish buffing out scratches.
These scratches not only mar its appearance, but can also affect its performance. Stick to gentle cleaning agents and use soft sponges or cloths for cleaning.
Magic Erasers and Bar Keepers Friend do contain abrasive components that can dull or scratch stainless steel if used too aggressively or against the grain. However, when used gently (with a soft cloth or sponge) and in the same direction as the metal's grain, its quite safe.
Sure - you can usually remove light scratches with either Bar Keepers Friend product or other stainless steel polish - you just need to make sure you polish in the direction of the steel grain - the link I sent is Bob Villa - a popular home improvement figure - and he explains how to do this.
Wash with water and soap, dry. Then, use a microfiber cloth with a dab of oil and rub parallel to the lines in the stainless steel. It restores the shine and disappears those lines for 6 months or so.
Dab a clean towel with a small amount of olive oil. Gently buff the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain. Wipe away any remaining oil with a clean cloth. Choose a polish and cleaner that you like.
If you live in a place with hard water, you'll be all too familiar with the sight of hard water stains on stainless steel. The white smudges and streaks are quite unsightly against clean silver surfaces. Thankfully, it's not anything to worry about so long as you don't allow the stains to sit for too long.
Toothpaste. Toothpaste is an abrasive product which you can use to lightly polish a surface. To reduce scratches on stainless steel, apply a fine layer of toothpaste with a soft cloth in the direction that your custom stainless steel panel has been brushed.
Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances as they can scratch or damage the finish: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool.
To bring back the shine, use a few drops of olive, vegetable, or mineral oil on a microfiber cloth to polish the stainless steel. Follow the grain and buff the surface well.
Don't Use Them On Your Car
Or any other delicate surface, for that matter, like silverware, glass, or metal surfaces. Dry erasers have the abrasiveness of a 3000 grit sandpaper – very fine, but can still mar shiny surfaces – like your stainless steel appliances!
If you like, you can buff out light scratches with a baking soda and water paste or Bar Keepers Friend, and deep scratches with wet sandpaper or a coarse scouring pad dipped in olive oil.
Scrub Daddy is soft, compressible, and more absorbent in warm water. In cold water he's firm and can remove stubborn debris without the need for added harsh chemicals. Safe scrubbing on over a dozen different household surfaces including glass, non-stick coatings, granite, ceramic, wood and stainless steel.
From the magnificent dress watches, robust outdoor timepieces to the dependable diving timekeepers, most are prone to be scratched – although to a varying degree.
There are effective products on the market made just for this purpose, such as 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, and Rolite Metal Polish. You can also try common household products, such as non-gel toothpaste or baking soda.
Use a microfiber or soft cloth when wiping down your appliances. Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.
A cleaner: There are specialized cleaners for stainless steel that leave it with a bright shine. If you do not have any on hand or try not to use chemicals in cleaning, there are other common alternatives, including dish soap, white vinegar, and glass cleaner.
If you scrub your stainless steel too hard with a Magic Eraser, you can actually make it look more dull. If your stainless steel appliances have scratches, try sanding them out instead.
DO use a non-abrasive cleaner. Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser, Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser, and Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray+Foam are perfect for regularly cleaning stainless steel sinks and cookware. Each of these products is non-abrasive and won't harm the chrome oxide barrier when used properly.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, and other elements, and its surface features a protective oxide layer. While this layer provides corrosion resistance, it's susceptible to scratching, which can expose the underlying metal.
To remove tough stains on stainless-steel appliances, wet a thick, clean towel with distilled white vinegar that has been brought to a boil. Make sure to use caution when handling the boiled vinegar. Step 2: Soak and Wipe. Place the damp towel on the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes.
If the surface layer is somehow damaged, a new layer of stainless steel usually forms soon, protecting the material from further corrosion. If the material easily rusts or corrosion spots appear, it may not be genuine stainless steel. Chemical Test: Chemical tests can be used to identify stainless steel.
Never use brillo pads to clean stainless steel pans. They can permanently damage the finish.