28th Oct 2009
Does a Stainless Steel Fridge Scratch Easily?
While stainless steel refrigerators do not scratch very easily, but it can be done, one difference between a stainless steel refrigerator and a stainless steel look refrigerator is, a stainless look one has a facade on it. That means that it can come textured which will make it harder to scratch as well as harder to dent, imperfections will not be seen as easily.
Some stainless steel look refrigerators are: the Whirlpool “Satina;” GE “Clean Steel;” Amana “Ultra Finish Steel;” Kitchenaid Architect Series II, “Monochromatic Stainless;” Kenmore “Ultra Satin;” Frigidaire “Titanium;” Maytag “Silver Ultra Finish,” “Satina Stainless Look,” “Monochromatic Stainless steel,” “Monochromatic Satina.” If a stainless steel look refrigerator is scratched, the damage is permanent. Trying to remove a scratch with a specifically made for real stainless steel or a rubbing compound could make the damage worse.
Once you determine if you have an actual stainless steel fridge remember even though stainless steel is a tough alloy, it can get surface scratches from overly abrasive cleaning, or cleaning with the wrong type of cleaning pad. As well as jewelry, someone writing (pressing) down hard on the surface etc. If a scratch is not very deep, there are stainless repair kits that most home improvement stores sell. Most of the time these will contain rubbing oil or rubbing compound, as well as several different types of abrasive scratching pads. These will only remove small surface scratches that are not deep.
Remember when trying to remove surface scratches from your stainless steel refrigerator, to rub with the grain of the stainless steel and not against it. If you rub against the grain more scratches could appear. If the scratches are very minute, using a lubricating agent such as WD-40 will often help the scratches get rubbed away. However do not use products such as WD-40 if young children are going to be near or touching on the area of the treated spot, those types of lubricants can pose a health risk if ingested.
Deep scratches often have to be buffed out by a professional or in the event that it is very damaged, a new refrigerator door can be ordered to replace the damaged door. If you are very worried about scratches on your stainless steel, brushed stainless steel is actually stainless that is purposely scratched with a sander, this type of stainless does not show scratches or wear and tear as easily. Stainless steel is beautiful and adds a dimension of class to your kitchen; however it does take hard work to keep it looking classy and beautiful.