How To Get Scratches Out Of Coated Stainless Steel Appliances

How to Get Scratches Out of Coated Stainless Steel Appliances (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s face it: coated stainless steel appliances are the divas of the kitchen. They’re sleek, shiny, and absolutely dramatic when they get a scratch. One minute you’re sliding a baking sheet out of the oven, and the next—bam—your fridge looks like it survived a knife fight. But before you panic (or start Googling “broken fridge near me”), take a breath. We’ve got your back. At Appliance Doctors in Mississauga, we’ve seen it all—from rogue butter knives to overzealous toddlers—and we’re here to share the secrets to fixing those pesky scratches yourself. And hey, if things go sideways, you know where to find us.

Why Coated Stainless Steel is Both a Blessing and a Curse

Coated stainless steel is like that high-maintenance friend who’s worth the effort. It resists fingerprints, repels smudges, and looks chef’s kiss perfect… until it doesn’t. The thin protective coating (usually a clear layer or colored finish) is great for daily wear, but it’s not invincible. Scratches happen, whether from:

• Accidental scrapes (looking at you, rogue pots and pans)
• Abrasive cleaners (FYI: steel wool is not your friend)
• Pet claws, kids’ toys, or that time you tried to “reorganize” the kitchen at 2 a.m.

The good news? Most light scratches are fixable with stuff you already own. The bad news? If you go full Hulk on your fridge, you might need a pro. More on that later.

DIY Scratch Removal: Your Step-by-Step Survival Guide

1. Assess the Damage

First, figure out if you’re dealing with a surface scratch or something deeper. Run your fingernail over it:

• If your nail doesn’t catch, it’s a surface scratch. Party time!
• If it does catch, you’re in “call the appliance repair experts” territory. Deep scratches often require professional refinishing or part replacement—especially on pricey items like commercial fridge repair units or high-end stoves.

2. Grab Your Kitchen First-Aid Kit

For light scratches, try these household heroes:

• Non-gel toothpaste (the gritty kind works like a mild abrasive)
• Baking soda + water paste (1:1 ratio)
• Olive oil or baby oil (for blending scratches post-buffing)
• Microfiber cloths (terry cloth towels can make things worse—trust us)

3. Buff Like You Mean It

• Apply your chosen product in circular motions, following the grain of the steel.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Dab on oil to restore shine and mask tiny imperfections.

Pro Tip: If you’re fixing a scratch on your oven or range hood, avoid harsh chemicals. Stick to baking soda to protect the coating.

When DIY Won’t Cut It (And You Need to Call the Pros)

Look, we get it. Sometimes DIY feels like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. If your scratch is deep, wide, or in a super visible spot (like the front of your dryer or washing machine), it’s time to tag in Appliance Doctors. Here’s why:

• We’ve Got the Right Tools: Specialty polish, professional-grade buffers, and replacement coatings you can’t buy at Home Depot.
• Cost vs. Catastrophe: For major scratches, a fridge repair or dishwasher repair might cost less than replacing the whole panel.
• Guaranteed Results: No “oops, I made it worse” moments.

Fun Story: Last week, a client tried to fix a scratch on their stove with sandpaper. Let’s just say… don’t be that person.

The Big Question: How Much Does Scratch Repair Cost?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Prices vary depending on:

• Appliance Type: A refrigerator repair will cost more than a range hood repair (bigger surface area, folks).
• Scratch Depth: Surface buffing is cheaper than recoating.
• Your Location: Since we’re in Mississauga, labor rates here are competitive.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

FYI: Always ask for a quote upfront. At Appliance Doctors, we’re transparent about pricing—no “gotcha” fees.

4 Common Questions (Answered Without the Jargon)

1. “Can I use WD-40 to fix scratches?”
Nope. WD-40 is great for squeaky hinges, but it’ll leave a greasy mess on coated steel. Stick to toothpaste or baking soda.

2. “What if the scratch is on my washer or dryer?”
Same rules apply! Just avoid water near electrical components.

3. “Will buffing void my warranty?”
Possibly. Check your manual first. When in doubt, call us—we work with warranties, not against them.

4. “How do I prevent future scratches?”

• Use felt pads under small appliances.
• Clean with microfiber + mild soap.
• Avoid dragging pots/pans across surfaces (we know, easier said than done).

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos (But Know When to Call Us)

Scratches happen to the best of us. IMO, a few battle scars give your kitchen character—but if you’re staring at a gash that looks like it belongs in a horror movie, don’t sweat it. That’s what Appliance Doctors is here for. Whether it’s a freezer repair, oven repair, or just a quick buffing job, we’ll make your appliances look like new again.

So next time you spot a scratch, ask yourself: “Can I fix this with toothpaste, or is it time to call the best appliance repair team in Mississauga?” Either way, you’ve got options. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always duct tape. (Kidding. Please don’t.)

Need a Hand?
Give Appliance Doctors a shout! We’re your local experts for dishwasher repair, stove repair, and all things coated stainless steel. Affordable, reliable, and way less stressful than DIY disasters. 😉