The sleek, pristine look is probably one of the reasons you chose a stainless steel sink. Unfortunately, these sinks can lose their beauty and turn into an eyesore when they develop scratches.
Good news: You can quickly get rid of scratches on your stainless steel sink and restore its original looks.
Below you’ll discover the top methods for removing scratches from your sink and how to prevent them from forming in the first place.
How to get scratches out of stainless steel sinks
Before you get down to eliminating the scratches on your steel sink, you need to check the kind of scratches. There are two types of scratches—minor/gentle and deep scratches.
Each type of scratch has a different removal method. Deep scratches require more time and effort to remove.
Let’s discuss how you can remove each type of scratch.
Removing minor scratches
The most effective methods for removing minor scratches from your stainless steel sink are listed below.
The liquid dish detergent method
It is probably the most straightforward method for getting rid of a gentle scratch. You only need to use a non-abrasive cleaner (it can be in liquid or powder form). If your detergent is in powder form, you should start mixing it with water to form a thick paste.
How to use
Step 1. Spread the detergent onto the scratch on your sink with a moistened cloth or sponge.
Step 2. Rub the cleanser with a small amount of pressure in the direction of the stainless steel grain. It is crucial because going against the grain would result in more damage to your sink.
Step 3. Check your progress every so often by flushing the cleaner with a wet sponge to see if you’ve removed the scratch.
Step 4. Once the scratch has gone, you can finish by coating your sink with stainless steel polish. Alternatively, you can use olive oil to cover your sink if you don’t have the polish.
Toothpaste scratch removal technique
If the previous method doesn’t eliminate scratches on your sink, you should take a more aggressive approach for minor scratches. It involves the use of toothpaste.
How to use toothpaste to remove scratches
Step 1. Apply toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Step 2. Brush over the scratch on your sink, making sure to go in the direction of the grain
Step 3. Be sure to monitor your progress from time to time by wiping away the toothpaste with a wet sponge or cloth.
Step 4. If the scratch is still there, keep brushing. You can add more toothpaste if necessary.
Step 5. After the scratch goes off, thoroughly clean the area and finish off by applying stainless steel polish or olive oil.
Getting rid of deep scratches
If the scratch removal methods described above didn’t work for you, then it means your sink has deeper scratches.
The only option you have left is to go for the big guns—the Sandpaper method.
WARNING: We advise you against using the sanding method if your sink is coated with a protective clear coat or has a synthetic surface if you don’t want to cause more damage to your sink.
Wet sanding method
You’ll need two sandpapers (1000-grit and 600-grit) and warm water for this method to work.
Step 1. Attach the 600-grit sandpaper to the rubber sanding block and soak it in a small container filled with warm water to wet it. The sandpaper should always stay wet when using it.
Step 2. Use a sponge to dampen the area with the scratch. This area, too, should stay wet as you continue working on it.
Step 3. Using light pressure, sand the scratch and work in the direction of the grain.
Step 4. If the scratch doesn’t go away with continued sanding, switch to the coarser grit sandpaper (the 1000-grit).
Step 5. After the scratch disappears, switch back to the finer grit and lightly sand the area, followed by a gentle outward to make the area blend with the rest of your sink.
Step 6. Now wipe the area with a wet cloth or sponge to eliminate loose grit that came out during sanding. Use plenty of water for this part and be as gentle as possible. Remember to wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain.
Step 7. Finally, dry the area with a soft towel and treat it with stainless steel polish or olive oil.
How to protect your stainless steel from scratches?
After the scratches have successfully come off, you don’t want to go down that road ever again. So, how do you keep your stainless steel scratch-free?
To start with, avoid using abrasive cleaning solutions or steel wool for your sink maintenance. These are notorious for causing scratches.
Equip your sink with a dish mat when cleaning heavy pots or cast iron appliances. It will help keep them from scratching your sink.
But make sure you remove the mat when not using to avoid trapping water underneath and causing discoloration.
Conclusion
Stainless steel looks all sleek and eye-grabbing until it starts developing scratches. It becomes to look unappealing. But luckily, you can revive its looks by using the scratch removal techniques we have just discussed in this guide.
You should choose the appropriate method to use depending on whether you’re dealing with a minor or deeper scratch on your sink. What other scratch removal techniques have you used before?