If your stainless steel fridge door has developed some unsightly scratches, don’t worry – there are ways to buff them out and restore the appliance’s sleek appearance. Whether the scratches are shallow or more deeply etched, a few simple techniques can have your fridge looking good as new.
Buffing Out Shallow Scratches
For light, surface-level scratches, you can often buff them out using non-abrasive cleaning products and a microfiber cloth. Professionals recommend trying products like Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser, 3M 36101 Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound, or even plain whitening toothpaste.
To use, simply apply a small amount of the cleaner to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it into the scratched area, following the direction of the fridge’s grain. You may need to reapply the cleaner and continue buffing for a few minutes to see the scratches disappear. Be sure to wipe away any excess cleaner with a damp cloth when finished.
Tackling Deeper Scratches
If the scratches on your fridge door are more deeply etched, you may need to turn to a light sanding technique to smooth them out. Start with the finest grit of wet/dry sandpaper and lightly sand the affected area, again working with the grain of the stainless steel. If the scratches persist, gradually move up to a slightly coarser grit until they are removed.
Once the scratches are gone, continue sanding the entire door panel to blend the repaired area with the rest of the surface. Finish by wiping away any grit and applying a stainless steel polish or conditioner to restore the shine.