:: Removing Scratches from Stainless Appliances ::

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A dark photo—but notice the front of the fridge- smudges and scratches all over.


I was working in the kitchen this weekend--
and one of the things I worked on was my stainless steel—like so many now days, I do have some stainless in my kitchen. 
I fought hard to get it.  At one time I had wanted Stainless Steel counter tops… but was told No, on account of the maintenance and care.
What?!
Maintenance and Care?  Yep. 

I am married to a “Sheet Metal Man”. 
Before T.H. retired—he worked…well pretty much all his working life in the sheet metal industry.
At one time he worked for the company that builds and supplies McDonald’s Kitchens all over the world.  When you walk into McD’s (and other restaurants) and see all the shiny sheet metal counters and cabinetry, vent hoods, ranges …the works; they supplied them.  He had worked for the leading company in supplying these items.
Those days are long gone now…but not his savvy or knack for making it shine. I personally …love it!  I have a stainless fridge, coffee-pot, vent-a-hood and 1 small counter (near the stove).  I’d have stainless steel counters if he’d let me.

Anyway—back to cleaning—here is what I’ve learned from the “Sheet Metal Man”
Getting the smudges, water marks and scratches OUT!

SUBJECT:  The front of my Fridge.

 
WHO? : Instructor (a.k.a. :The Sheet Metal Man) 
FACT:   Stainless Steel has a ‘grain’ to it, just like wood.  So you always go with the grain, otherwise, you get scratches. 
 

SUPPLIES: 

• Scotch Brite™ hand pads
• All Purpose Cleaner ( I used Mrs. Meyer’s APC – in Lavender)
• Baby Oil (generic is fine)
• Paper Towels
• Elbow Grease (Man power)

HOW TO:  ~ Begin by making several passes in a vertical (or with the grain) motion.  Spray with all purpose cleaner. Try not to stop and start in the middle…but follow through on the vertical scrubbing motion.  If you stop and start you will get stop and start scratches.  Similar to brush strokes when painting a piece of furniture. NOT PRETTY.
First, use the course Scotch Brite ™ (gray)  then use the finer piece (maroon)  If you have the green scotch brite™ pad…it will work, but you will need lots of elbow grease depending on the severity of the scratches in the surface.

Now my turn--

The LOWER Door of my fridge (which by the way—it is hard to photograph your stainless steel fridge, Who knew?!)


I followed the same technique as T.H.  - ehem… “The Sheet Metal Man”; and once I was through with that, I used a  paper towel and wiped in the same vertical motion with a couple of drops of baby oil and rubbed it all down.


Ta-dah!
Bright and Shiny.

I also used the baby oil to wipe down the coffee pot.  It helps to keep it streak and smudge free for a while. :)

   

Pin this picture!
 

Stainless... Like it, love it...can live without it?   Me, well, You know what they say-- sometimes it's better to listen to those who KNOW.  Looking back, I think I'd prefer a plain ol' white refrigerator now.  Oh well, live and learn!  There is a lesson here for me in this stainless steel maintenance--- I just know it. :) 



Til next time, Be Blessed! 




Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy Godis with thee whithersoever thou goest.~ Joshua 1:9