If you own a stainless steel refrigerator, then you’re all too familiar with the constant battle to keep smudges off the doors (especially near the handles). Although smudges are annoying, the real challenge arises when you notice the stainless steel is scratched. Scratches take a bit more care to remove than smudges. You can easily ruin the surface of your stainless steel refrigerator and leave unsightly scratches if you do not follow instructions carefully, so pay close attention! These top 4 methods for how to remove scratches from stainless steel will have your refrigerator looking as good as new.

**Note: When cleaning or buffing stainless steel, always wipe with the grain to avoid cross-grain scratching. Do not attempt to use this method on stainless steel that has been treated with a fingerprint free or synthetic coating. Products advertised as “smudge-proof” are likely covered in a synthetic skin, and should not be repaired using the following methods.

Test Your Stainless Steel

First things first: Make sure you’re dealing with authentic stainless steel. If your appliance has a synthetic skin or a clear coat, it can’t be repaired using the following methods. In fact, attempts to repair the scratches may make the damage worse. Before trying any of the methods outlined below, contact the manufacturer of your product to verify the refrigerator is authentic stainless steel without a synthetic coating.

How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel

You Must Remember: Don’t go against the grain! We’re not trying to sound trite; DO NOT go against the grain when buffing your stainless steel.

Scratch-B-Gone: Restore It All, Inc. offers a stainless steel restoration kit that removes 15-20 stainless steel scratches. The kit comes with everything you need to remove scratches, including a polishing compound, scratch removal pads, hand tool, fine cloth, and a video with instructions. Consumer reviews highly suggest that the manufacturer of the Scratch-B-Gone product offers exceptional customer service, so call them directly if you have any questions.

Revere Stainless Steel Cleaning Paste: This stainless steel cleaning paste includes a polish that may remove minor scratches. The product contains fine polishing compounds and food-grade citric acid that are blended with an environmentally safe soap. Consumer reviews are mixed, so read through the product reviews before making a purchasing decision.

3M Scotch-Brite General Purpose Hand Pads: Scotch-Brite’s hand pad 7447 is designed for hand blending finishing on stainless steel. Use the 7447 to blend surface scratches by carefully making long strokes with the grain. Do not use circular motions or rub against the grain. You should test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the scratched surface.

Home Remedy: If the thought of applying an abrasive pad or commercial cleaning agent to your refrigerator makes you want to run for the hills, try this less abrasive method: Mix 1/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a paste. Apply paste to a damp, soft towel, rub gradually harder in the direction of the grain, and then buff with a damp clean towel.

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any damage caused by using the following remedies. A Fast Local Refrigerator Repair does not endorse any of the products mentioned in this article.