Why does my stainless steel sink scratch so easily?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 16, 2026
When first in use your sink may appear to show up scratches easily. This is because the steel is protected during its manufacture by a layer of plastic film. However, rather like the bodywork of your car, stainless steel can scratch easily. Care must be taken therefore when cleaning or indeed during every day use.
How do I keep my stainless steel sink from scratching?
- Applying olive oil can help eliminate small scratches on your stainless steel sink. ...
- Using a non-abrasive pad, such as 3M Scotch-Brite® blue pad, is another method that can be used to buff the surface of the stainless steel sink and minimize the appearance of a scratch.
Is it normal for a stainless steel sink to scratch?
Why is my new stainless steel sink showing scratch marks after only a few weeks? Brand new but a few little scratches already: your stainless steel sink will be a little susceptible to this at first. However, there's no need to worry. This is completely normal, even with our top quality stainless steel.
Can you prevent stainless steel from scratching?
Stainless steel has very fine lines, or grain, in its material. Whenever you clean, wipe, or polish an appliance, always do so with the grain, not against it, to make the surface shine and protect it from scratches. Hard water can leave unsightly stains and streaks on finishes and fixtures, including stainless steel.
What causes stainless steel to scratch?
Kitchen grease, dirt, grime and gunk tend to stick to stainless steel appliances if not cleaned up quickly and left to dry. The priority is to avoid scrubbing. While you can scrub stainless steel, this will harm its grain. Instead, clean small messes immediately with just a little water and a soft cloth.
37 related questions foundDoes toothpaste remove scratches from stainless steel?
Apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush, and work the solution back and forth over the scratch following the grain. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste and see if the scratch is gone. Repeat the process until satisfied and apply a light coat of stainless steel polish or olive oil.
How do I stop my sink from scratching?
There are many different steps you can take to ensure you do not scratch your sink.
- Be Cautious While Cleaning. Never use wire cleaning pads on a stainless steel sink. ...
- Watch Out For Water. After use, dry your stainless steel sink and buff it gently with a cloth. ...
- Avoid Heat And Certain Chemicals. ...
- Consider A Washing Up Bowl.
What should you not put on a stainless steel sink?
Avoid leaving steel and cast iron cookware in your sink for extended periods of time. Iron plus moisture on top of stainless can lead to surface rust and staining. Rubber dish mats, wet sponges and cleaning pads are a no-no for a lengthy stay in your sink. Since they trap water, discoloration and staining can result.
Can Bar Keepers Friend remove scratches from stainless steel?
Fine Scratches on Stainless Steel
Pour a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend powdered cleanser in a small bowl. Add enough water—a few drops at a time— to make a toothpaste consistency. Apply a small amount of this paste to a clean, dry, microfiber cloth.
Can you resurface a stainless steel sink?
It is easy to refinish a stainless steel sink. Stainless steel looks great and stands up to all that happens in a bustling kitchen. It can also take a beating, getting knocked, dinged and scratched as it's used to wash dishes and prep food.
Will Brasso remove scratches stainless steel?
Brasso removes scratches from metal and plastic surfaces. Brasso is a type of metal polish that cleans and polishes metal surfaces.
Does stainless steel scratch easily?
The answer is yes. Stainless Steel will always scratch and because of the directional polishing marks on many models the scratching will show up quite dramatically initially.
Does baking soda remove scratches from stainless steel?
Baking soda is quite effective in removing light scratches on stainless steel. It has a powdery texture that serves as a gentle abrasive. Add water and baking soda to make a paste, put it to the surface of the metal and scrub lightly. Then wipe off the baking soda and wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Does steel wool scratch stainless steel?
Don't Use Steel Wool or Steel Brushes
Steel wool and steel brushes leave little particles on the surface of the stainless steel. These particles eventually rust and can stain the surface of the steel. Steel wool and brushes are also abrasive and can scratch the surface of your stainless steel.
Does vinegar damage stainless steel?
Never leave stainless steel to soak in solutions that contain chlorine, vinegar, or table salt, as long-term exposure to these can damage it.
Do you have to seal a stainless steel sink?
Using a high quality, waterproof sealant prevents water and debris from entering the gaps. If you want to avoid mould and water damage, sealing kitchen sinks (or bathroom sinks) is a must.
How do you polish a stainless steel sink to a mirror finish?
In some cases, club soda can also do the trick. Close the stopper in the sink, filling the basin with club soda. Rub the club soda into the sink's surface using a soft cloth and then drain, rinse and dry. Alternatively, you can polish stainless steel sinks with white all-purpose flour, according to Kitchn.
How do I polish stainless steel?
It's also the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel. Simply dampen a microfiber or special polishing cloth with some warm water and wipe your surface in the direction of the polish lines. Once you've ridden any unwanted smudges and residue, dry the material with a clean towel or cloth to prevent water spots.
How do you get scratches out of brushed stainless steel?
Use a liquid cleanser or make a paste with a powder cleaner such as Comet, Ajax or Bon Ami. Apply the paste or cream to the scratches on the Frigidaire or other item and rub the paste into the scratch, moving along the grain.
Is Magic Eraser safe on stainless steel?
Stainless Steel
Even with as durable as stainless steel can be, using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface. While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.
Which stainless steel is scratch resistant?
Scratch-Resistant Alloys
The steel most commonly used in watches is called 316L stainless steel (also "marine grade" or "surgical grade"), and it's made from iron with smaller quantities of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and other ingredients which may differ slightly.
Is Brasso the same as T cut?
Registered. i have noticed in years past, that brasso is the same colour as t-cut and smells the same.
Can I use copper polish on stainless steel?
Except: do not final clean with a stainless cleaner, use any copper polish. Always wear latex gloves when working with stainless and especially copper. This will eliminate leaving fingerprints on stainless and tarnishing copper, caused by the acidity in one skin.