Erase Scratches From Your Stainless Steel Pan Like A Pro

Removing scratches from your stainless steel pan is a straightforward process, but it's important to first establish the depth of the scratch. For light scratches, a non-abrasive, stainless-steel scratch remover compound will fill in the fine lines and smooth out the surface. You can use products such as 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, or Rolite Metal Polish, or household products such as non-gel toothpaste or baking soda. For deeper scratches, an abrasive pad and some cooking oil (olive oil works well) can be used to buff out the scratch, always working with the grain of the steel.

Characteristics of Removing Scratches from Stainless Steel Pans

Identify the grain direction of the stainless steel

To identify the grain direction of stainless steel, you can look for very fine brush marks or thin lines on the surface, which may be easier to spot using a magnifying glass. The grain direction will usually be vertical on appliances, and in sinks, the lines can run horizontally at the back and in the opposite direction on the longer sides.

If the stainless steel still has mill scale on the edges, the grain direction will be that of the length. If the steel has sheared edges, then the short direction is the grain direction.

If you are unable to identify the grain direction by eye, you can polish the surface to a high shine and then acid-etch it. The grains will then appear under magnification. Alternatively, you can perform insitu field metallography to determine the grain direction.

Clean the pan with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and warm soapy water

To clean a stainless steel pan, you'll first want to identify the direction of the steel's grain. All stainless steel products have small parallel lines running across their surfaces; these lines are the grain. Once you've determined the direction of the grain, you can begin cleaning. Take a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and warm soapy water and gently rub the surface of the pan, always moving in the same direction as the grain. Avoid using circular motions or going against the grain, as this can worsen existing scratches or create new ones.

If your pan has tough, caked-on food residue, you can fill the pan with water and wait 20-30 minutes before washing it with a soft sponge, warm water, and dish soap. For burnt-on residue, you can also add apple cider vinegar or a cleaning powder like Bar Keepers Friend to the water and bring it to a boil before scraping off the food residue with a wooden spatula.

Once you've cleaned your pan, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and maintain its shine.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner to buff out light scratches

To remove light scratches from stainless steel, you'll need to use a non-abrasive cleaner. This method will fill in the fine lines and smooth out the surface.

First, determine the direction of the stainless steel's grain. All stainless steel products have small parallel lines running across their surfaces; these lines are the grain. Clean your stainless steel appliances and cookware as soon as you notice they're dirty to prevent any additional damage and give yourself a smooth surface to work on.

Next, choose a non-abrasive cleaner to buff out the scratches. Baking soda and non-gel whitening toothpaste work just as well as commercial cleaners. If you're using a powdered cleaner, turn it into a paste by mixing it with a few drops of water.

Now, rub the cleaner or paste into the scratch, working in the same direction as the grain. You can use gentle, straight strokes to rub in the cleaner. Because the compound isn't abrasive, it's okay to rub back and forth over the scratch. Do not rub in circles, as this can damage the surface further.

Finally, wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp and then a dry cloth. Examine the metal's surface and rub in more cleaner if needed. If the scratches are still visible, they might be deep and will need a more abrasive solution.

For deep scratches, use wet sandpaper or a scouring pad with olive oil

If your stainless steel pan has deep scratches, you can use wet sandpaper or a scouring pad with olive oil to remove them. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Using Wet Sandpaper:

• Choose fine-grit sandpaper, around 400-grit, for deep scratches.
• Soak the sandpaper in water for 1-2 minutes to lubricate it.
• Identify the direction of the grain of your stainless steel pan. Look for very fine brush lines going either side to side or up and down.
• Using gentle but even pressure, rub the wet sandpaper over the scratch, following the direction of the grain. Always work in straight, back-and-forth motions and avoid circular motions, as they can damage the surface.
• Repeat the process with a finer grit sandpaper, such as 600-grit, to smooth and shine the surface.
• After removing the scratch, clean and polish your pan to restore its shine.

Using a Scouring Pad with Olive Oil:

• Choose a coarse, maroon scouring pad for deep scratches.
• Pour a few drops of olive oil onto the scouring pad.
• Identify the direction of the grain of your stainless steel pan by looking for fine brush lines.
• With moderate pressure, buff the scratch with the oiled scouring pad, always working in the direction of the grain. Avoid circular motions, as they can cause further damage.
• Work on a slightly larger area than just the scratch to achieve a uniform appearance.
• Repeat the process if necessary, and finish by removing the excess oil with a clean, non-damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean and polish your pan to restore its shine.

Remember, these techniques should only be used on uncoated stainless steel. If your pan has a protective clear coating or synthetic surface, these methods may cause more harm than good. Always check your owner's manual before attempting scratch removal.

Polish the pan with oil after removing scratches

To polish your stainless steel pan with oil, use a small amount of mineral, vegetable, or olive oil. Dip a clean, dry microfiber cloth into the oil of your choice and rub the pan in the direction of the metal grain. You can always add more oil to the cloth to get your pan shining.

• Dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing pads, steel wool, or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can permanently damage the surface.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, then wait until the oil is hot to start cooking.
• To prevent pitting corrosion, which causes small, irreparable dents in the bottom of your pan, wait to add salt to pasta or similar dishes until after the water is already boiling.

Frequently asked questions