For the best results, use dedicated repair and polishing kits like Scratch Pro or the Scratch-B-Gone Homeowner Kit. For lighter scuffs, a polishing paste paired with a microfiber cloth—like the Scrub Daddy Power Paste or Rolite Metal Polish—is highly effective.
You can find stainless steel scratch remover kits at your nearest hardware store, or you can use the following steps with fine-grit sandpaper. Wet the sandpaper. Wrap the wet sandpaper around a sanding block. Using light pressure, begin buffing out the scratch working only in the direction of the grain.
Remove deep scratches from stainless steel by cleaning the surface with a mild detergent and water. Use wet sandpaper (400-600 grit) to sand along the grain, then switch to finer grit paper (800-1000) for smoothing. Finish by applying a stainless steel polish or rubbing compound to restore shine.
DO NOT use cleaners containing ammonia, chlorides (bleach) or other harsh chemicals. If exposed to bleach, your stainless steel sink should be rinsed immediately to prevent corrosion.
Using a Magic Eraser on a stainless steel sink is heavily debated. While some people use it to remove stubborn grime, it works like ultra-fine sandpaper and can cause fine scratches, spiderwebbing, or dull spots if used incorrectly.
Using a dry Magic Eraser can be way too harsh on stainless steel. When dry, the melamine foam works almost like sandpaper, which can leave scratches or dull spots.
Yes, you can use vinegar on a stainless steel sink, but it must be done carefully. Because vinegar is highly acidic, it is excellent for dissolving hard water stains and mineral buildup. However, leaving it on for too long can corrode the metal, causing dullness, discoloration, or surface pitting.
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.
Stainless steel gets its corrosion resistance from a thin, invisible, self-healing chromium oxide layer. When this layer is scratched off or chemically broken down, the metal becomes vulnerable to rust and staining.
WD-40 doesn't actually repair scratches, but it is excellent at temporarily hiding very light surface marks and removing paint transfers (like when another car scrapes yours). It works by acting as a lubricant and temporarily filling in the scratch or dissolving the foreign paint.
Yes, Bar Keepers Friend can remove light surface scratches and scuff marks, such as those caused by metal utensils. However, because it contains a mild abrasive, it works by essentially "buffing" the surface. Always rub in the exact same direction as the steel's natural grain to prevent adding new, visible scratches.
The "best" scratch remover depends on what you are trying to fix, as a scratch on a car requires entirely different treatment than one on a wood floor.
To remove deep scratches from uncoated brushed stainless steel, you can wet-sand the metal using successively finer grits of sandpaper to buff out the gouge and blend the finish. Always sand in the direction of the metal's grain.
Use household items like baking soda, toothpaste, or nail polish to buff out light surface scratches. For deep scratches or special glass, try commercial products or seek professional help to avoid further damage.
Buffing a stainless steel sink restores its shine and removes fine scratches. Wash the sink with dish soap, sprinkle with baking soda, and scrub gently in the direction of the grain. Rinse and dry. Apply a stainless steel polish (like Bar Keepers Friend) using a microfiber cloth, following the metal's grain.
Never use chlorine bleach, ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex), or abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or scrub sponges on stainless steel. These products can strip the protective chromium oxide layer, cause permanent rust-prone scratches, and permanently discolor the metal.
Mixing vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda causes a rapid, neutralizing reaction that generates carbon dioxide gas. This produces a thick, bubbly foam because the dish soap traps the escaping gas. While the fizzing looks powerful, it neutralizes both ingredients and effectively leaves behind salt water.
Murphy Oil Soap can be used to clean and shine stainless steel, especially to cut through built-up grease and remove stubborn fingerprints. However, because it is an oil-based soap, it must be highly diluted and completely buffed off to prevent a sticky, dull residue.
To ensure optimal maintenance of stainless steel, we recommend the use of ethyl alcohol or a solution of water and alcohol. Spraying directly on the surface, followed by drying with a soft cloth, ensures impeccable results. For those who prefer more natural approaches, vinegar and lemon are good alternatives.
7 Mistakes You're Making With Stainless Steel
No, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner will not damage stainless steel if you use it properly. However, it can cause dulling or discoloration if left to soak or not rinsed off, as it is a highly alkaline degreaser.
WD-40 doesn't actually repair scratches, but it is excellent at temporarily hiding very light surface marks and removing paint transfers (like when another car scrapes yours). It works by acting as a lubricant and temporarily filling in the scratch or dissolving the foreign paint.
Different Ways To Fix Scratches on a Car
Simply wash and dry the car, apply liquid scratch remover (which costs about $20) or another rubbing compound to a clean microfiber towel, and rub against the affected section in a back-and-forth motion for about 60 seconds. Let dry and buff off excess with another towel.
The best cleaner for stainless steel depends on the mess. For daily cleaning and fingerprints, warm water and a few drops of dish soap work best. For grease, smudges, and a polished finish, commercial products like Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner are top-rated. For rust or hard water, use Bar Keepers Friend.