How do you remove scratches from a stainless-steel dish?
First of all, take care of your stainless-steel dish.
It is worth remembering that stainless steel cannot be cleaned with abrasive pads, as this is the best way to scratch it! Stainless steel it is not protected against scratching. You can try to remove or reduce these, if they are light scratches, but you will not be able to remove deep scratches, which would require that the dish is polished again, with polishing paste, an operation carried out by a professional.
First of all, we advise you to identify the "grain direction" of the stainless steel. You will certainly need a magnifying glass to see it accurately; the important thing will then be to rub in the direction of the grain, and on a perfectly clean surface. Clean your stainless-steel dish well before starting any operation, as dirt and deposits will further damage its surface when you start rubbing.
In any case you will need patience and time to remove or reduce the scratches, and you may have to repeat several times the operations that we suggest before you achieve a satisfactory result! and back to normal! Here are some tips and tricks for dealing with scratches. But it all starts with good stainless steel care.
Toothpaste
This is the most famous "trick", used to clean scratches on metal, as well as glass.
Wet a clean cloth, on which you place a little toothpaste. Dab the scratches in the grain direction, and let it dry. Rinse with clean water before drying thoroughly with a soft, microfiber cloth.
You can also use a soft toothbrush instead of the cloth to put toothpaste on the scratches. Rub the scratched areas always in the grain direction.
Remove the toothpaste with a cloth, and look at the result; if necessary, repeat the process until the trace disappears. You can then wipe with a clean damp cloth.
Clay paste or clay stone
A universal cleaner, clay stone, is 100% natural. It is a powder of Blanc de Meudon, from chalk, to which soap and glycerin are mixed to transform it into clay stone.
Take a damp cloth or sponge, on which you will place come clay paste. Gently rub, always in the direction of the stainless-steel grain.
Rinse and thoroughly dry your stainless-steel dish.
Cigarette ash
If you are a smoker, you can try to remove the scratches with cigarette ash.
Dust your stainless-steel dish over the scratched surface with the ash. Using a soft microfiber cloth, slightly wet, rub the surface in the grain direction of the stainless-steel. Repeat the process until you get a satisfactory result.
Stainless Steel Repair Kit
Stainless steel repair kits are available to remove deeper scratches. These kits often contain different grades of polishing pads and abrasive paste. Always rub in the direction of the grain to avoid deepening the scratches. We advise you to test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface.
These tips also apply to removing scratches from stainless steel sink tops.
How does the protective layer of stainless-steel regenerate?
Stainless steel's protective layer, often referred to as 'passivation', is mainly regenerated naturally through a process known as 'self-passivation'. The oxide layer rebuilds itself spontaneously after damage, provided the necessary oxygen and water conditions are present.
Initial oxide formation: Stainless steel contains elements such as chromium that react with oxygen in the air to form a thin oxide layer on the surface. This oxide layer gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance.
Self-passivation: If this oxide layer is damaged, for example by scratches or aggressive environmental conditions, it can spontaneously reform from the elements present in stainless steel, particularly chromium. This process is facilitated by the presence of oxygen and water.
Encouraging conditions: For self-passivation to be effective, it is important that stainless steel is exposed to ambient air or oxygen and water. For this reason, stainless steel surfaces in contact with highly corrosive environments may require special care to maintain their protective integrity.
Preventive Maintenance: Although stainless steel is generally highly resistant to corrosion, proper maintenance can extend its life. This can include regular cleaning to remove contaminants that could damage the protective oxide layer, and the use of appropriate cleaners that will not damage this layer.