Stainless steel refrigerators are sleek, modern, and timeless—until scratches start to appear. If your fridge is looking worse for wear, don’t worry! With the right tools and techniques, you can easily restore its shine and make it look brand new again. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix scratches on stainless steel refrigerators, step by step. But before we dive in, there’s one crucial pre-step: make sure your stainless steel is short-grain.
Pre-Step: Confirm Your Stainless Steel is Short-Grain
Not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless steel appliances come in two main finishes: short-grain (also called brushed) and long-grain (also called directional). The method we’re sharing today works best for short-grain stainless steel, which has a subtle, brushed texture. If your fridge has a long-grain finish, this method may not be suitable, as it could alter the grain pattern.
How to Identify Short-Grain Stainless Steel:
- Look closely at the surface. Short-grain stainless steel has a fine, cross-hatched texture.
- Run your finger across the surface. If the texture feels consistent in all directions, it’s likely short-grain.
Once you’ve confirmed your fridge is short-grain, gather your supplies and let’s get started!
Materials/Supplies Needed to Fix Scratches on Stainless Steel:
- Flitz Metal Polish: A high-quality polish designed to remove scratches and restore shine.
- Flitz Microfiber Cloth: Perfect for wiping down polished surfaces without leaving streaks.
- 6-Inch Waxer/Polisher: A handheld tool to make polishing quick and easy.
- Safety Gloves: Protect your hands while working with polish and tools.
- Microfiber Cloth: Fresh microfiber clothes for final polishing.
Step 1: Apply Metal Polish
Before you begin, put on your safety gloves to protect your hands and remove any handles or hardware to start with a flat surface. Attach the Flitz Microfiber Cloth to the 6-inch waxer/polisher tool. Apply a small amount of Flitz Metal Polish directly onto the cloth. A little goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount. This polish is specially formulated to remove scratches and restore the natural shine of stainless steel, making it perfect for this task.
Step 2: Buff in Circular Motions to Remove Scratches on Stainless Steel
Turn on the waxer/polisher and begin buffing the scratched area in circular motions. Work in small sections, applying gentle pressure to blend the scratches into the surrounding finish. This method ensures that the polish is evenly distributed and works its magic on the scratches. Continue buffing until the scratches are no longer visible. If deeper scratches remain, repeat the process until you achieve the desired result. Patience is key—take your time to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Step 3: Wipe Down with a Microfiber Cloth
Once you’ve polished the entire surface, use the Flitz Microfiber Cloth to wipe down each section. This step removes any excess polish and leaves your fridge with a streak-free, mirror-like shine. The microfiber cloth is designed to be gentle on stainless steel, ensuring that you don’t introduce new scratches or streaks during the cleaning process.
Step 4: Double-Check for Even Polishing
To ensure a flawless finish, take the Flitz Microfiber Cloth and hand-hold it onto the waxing tool. Go over the surface again in circular motions to ensure everything is polished evenly. This step helps blend any uneven spots and ensures a consistent finish. By double-checking your work, you can be confident that your refrigerator looks as good as new.
Step 5: Final Touch-Up by Hand
For the final touch, use a fresh microfiber cloth (not attached to the tool) to wipe down the surface by hand. Pay close attention to any remaining splotches or streaks, gently buffing them out until the surface is flawless. This hand-polishing step ensures that every inch of your refrigerator is smooth, shiny, and free of imperfections.
Pro Tips for Best Results to Fix Scratches on Stainless Steel:
- Work in a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting helps you spot scratches and ensure even polishing.
- Test on a Small Area First: Before tackling the entire fridge, test the polish on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility.
- Maintain Regularly: To prevent future scratches, clean your stainless steel fridge with a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner designed for stainless steel.
Final Thoughts
Fixing scratches on your stainless steel refrigerator doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools—like Flitz Metal Polish, a waxer/polisher, and a microfiber cloth—you can restore your appliance’s shine in just a few simple steps. Remember, this method works best for short-grain stainless steel, so always check your fridge’s finish before starting.
By following this guide, you’ll not only remove scratches but also extend the life and beauty of your stainless steel refrigerator. Ready to get started? Grab your supplies and give your fridge the makeover it deserves!
