Stainless steel is a durable material that can take a lot of abuse. But it’s not completely scratch-proof, so your knife can eventually start to show signs of wear and tear.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to get scratches out of stainless steel knives. Depending on the condition of your knife, you may need to use specific products or techniques.
WD-40
WD-40 is one of the most commonly used household products. It has been around for over 60 years and is considered a multi-purpose oil that can be used on just about anything.
Originally, it was developed by a chemist in 1953, who worked in a small lab in San Diego. It took him 40 tries to create the perfect formula for a rust-preventative solvent.
While WD-40 does have many uses, there are a few things you should avoid using it on. For example, it can be dangerous to use it on electronics.
For a safe alternative, you can mix vinegar dish soap to remove rust stains from your knife blade. Apply the solution to your knife with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. This will also help prevent the rust spots from re-staining your knife blade. It is best to soak your knife in the mixture for at least an hour. This will help dissolve the rust spots and make them easier to remove.
Sandpaper
If your stainless steel knife has been scratched, you can use sandpaper to get them out. However, it’s important to rub the sandpaper in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel.
If you don’t, the sandpaper will leave scratches that are harder to remove. Also, it will make the finish uneven and look bad.
In addition to sandpaper, you can also use a rubbing compound or baking soda. In either case, use a soft cloth to apply the product to the scratched area.
Then, rub it back and forth in the same direction as the scratched area. It should take several rubs to remove the scratch completely.
The next step is to polish the sanded area. This is important because it will help the stainless steel blade to become smoother and prevent the appearance of new scratches.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a common household item that is used for many cleaning purposes. It is also an excellent natural product to remove stains and fingerprints from stainless steel items.
Unlike WD-40, vinegar is not toxic to human skin. It has mild acidity that can easily remove dirt and grime from your knife without damaging it.
After scrubbing the scratch, spray the surface with a vinegar solution and leave it to soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help it to get rid of stains and marks that you may have missed while scrubbing.
Then, rinse the stainless steel cutlery thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth. This will restore a shiny finish to your knife.
Water
Stainless steel is a popular material for kitchen appliances, sinks, and other fixtures because of its sleek look and durability. However, it can also be susceptible to scratches and other damage from everyday use.
Fortunately, it’s possible to minimize these signs of wear and tear without having to replace parts. The trick is to get scratches out of stainless steel as quickly and easily as possible so you can continue using your products.
One way is to use a non-abrasive compound that’s been designed to be used on stainless steel. These compounds come in powder form or can be mixed with a few drops of water to make a paste.
Place a little of the compound on a microfiber cloth, and gently rub it over the scratch in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel. You may need to repeat this process a few times until you’re satisfied with the results. Then rinse and dry the scratched part.