HELP! Tried to fix scratch on stainless steel fridge & made it worse.

5 years ago

Hello. Please help. I have a new stainless steel monogram refrigerator. I scratched it “across”, not in direction of grain. So I googled. It said to make a paste of baking soda and go in direction of grain w a soft sponge. So I did. This didn’t fix the scratch plus now it had a white hue around the area that I used the baking soda on. Now it has BOTH a scratch and a white splotch I can’t get rid of. It’s worse than it was before! I’m freaking out. I’m attaching the best picture I took. I think u can make it out. Trust me it’s much worse in person. Can anyone help? My husband is going to KILL me. Thx.

Featured Answer

DavidR

5 years ago

The deep scratch probably isn't fixable, I'm sorry to say. Maybe someone else has a better idea.

However, you can probably polish out the scratches from your too-coarse baking soda. Try a good brand of car wax first.

If that doesn't do it, I've had good results polishing out light scratches in hard surfaces with Mirror Glaze auto polish. The quart I have on the shelf is 30+ years old, but it appears that the current equivalent is "M205 Ultra Finishing Polish."

You'll probably need to rub and rub and rub. Use a soft cotton cloth such as an old tee shirt, not a paper towel. Follow up by polishing with a dry cloth.

You might also try jeweler's rouge, or a dedicated stainless steel polish.

PS - make sure that your fridge really is stainless steel, and not some kind of simulated finish.

PPS - if your husband is going to KILL you over a little scratch on the refrigerator, I think he needs to chill a bit.

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Comments (8)

cat_ky
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I dont have stainless steel, but, I did read this link the other day. I just went back and read it again. In your case, scroll down to numbers 3 and 4 and read them carefully. Hopefully, it will help you some. https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Scratched-Stainless-Steel
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lindsey_9002
5 years ago
Stainless steel cleaner should remove the baking soda residue. It comes in wipes or spray. There are many different brands and should be available at the big box stores. I like the wipes but it feels funny on your hands so wear gloves. It’ll be hazy when you wipe it on but then you buff it in and it makes the stainless steel shine. It’s supposed to help prevent fingerprints, smudges, etc. too. I’ve also noticed that it makes hard water deposits easier to remove with just water after it’s applied.
jellytoast
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"PS - make sure that your fridge really is stainless steel, and not some kind of simulated finish."

Yes! I have a KA french door fridge that is marketed and sold as stainless steel, but it is definitely NOT (I found out when it got a scratch and the entire "stainless steel" finish came off). Any cleansers or polishes with even the slightest amount of "grit" would ruin the finish. I would suggest trying any polish in an inconspicuous area first (maybe the inside edge of a door?).
cm2529
Original Author
5 years ago
This is G.E. Monogram, Does that help figure out the best way to fix this?
Izzy Mn
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I heard that some stainless is pretty low grade to make it more affordable. A magnet shouldn't stick to stainless, but they do on a lot because if thin low grade stainless over something else. Some kind of wax for cars may lesson the look. I worked at a place eone ago, kitchen, the only thing that was to be used for cleaning commercial stainless steel appliances was lemon oil, nothing else.
geoffrey_b
5 years ago
In an inconspicuous spot - try lighter and lighter grades of sandpaper. There is sandpaper - 3000 grit - that can polish a car. The key is to start with a lower (coarser grit) and progress until the finish matches. You can buy on Amazon.
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Elaine Roberts Drafters & Designers
5 years ago
You can try Flitz Metal Polish, I have gotten scratches deeper than those out of boat props with with, they make a line for Kitchen Appliances. Flitz