Is there a way to remove scratches from a brand new stainless steel sink caused by using the wrong cleaning sponge?
Asked by Logan Mackay 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 22, 2024
Oh no, I just made a major mistake! I accidentally used a scratchy sponge on my new stainless steel sink and now it’s all scratched up. Any idea how I can fix this? I feel like a total dummy…
Scuffs and dings add character, no need to stress about them.
A) I suggest using a polishing ball in a powerful drill, but then you’ll have to polish the entire piece… b) Alternatively, use sandpaper to create a brushed finish.
Is 400-600 grit what you’re thinking?
Feel free to buff it out each time you’re done using it, but also don’t stress if it ends up with some scratches.
https://a.co/d/isfO0VX
Just try to make your next marks in a circular pattern, it might look nice
Just give it a couple of years or less… you won’t even notice how it looks by then. It’s all part of the natural aging process.
So accurate….I just hope I can forget about it sooner rather than later. Haha
I can’t believe a sponge caused that. It looks more like a grinder pad did the damage. Those marks are pretty deep.
Eorgette McAleese Saltsgaver, I understand…the damage it caused was really unreasonable. I’m going to give away those unopened packages of sponges.
Shawna Ellis asik, do you remember what type of sponges they were using? I want to ensure I never purchase them.
Maybe consider adding a mat or sink protector rack at the bottom to protect it.
I know it’s new, but it was inevitable. Embrace it… so you can release that stress!!!
I’m willing to give it a shot…it would definitely be helpful if my husband understood that mistakes happen…but you know…he never admits to any…so. 🥴
Shawna Ellis asik 😭 tell your hubby to take it easy, life happens… 😏
If your husband is upset about it, remind him that accidents happen, Shawna Ellis asik.
Just smooth out those scratches to give it a brushed look. They’re definitely going to show more.
I believe it was from Frozen, right? Let it go, let it gooooo 🤷♂️🤦♂️ Sorry, it’s been a long day.
I totally understand how you feel! I did the same thing two days after installing my sink. It’s so frustrating! I ended up getting a silicone mat to cover it up when it’s not being cleaned. Sending you hugs.
Have you tried using Barkeepers Friend for stainless steel? It might help improve the appearance.
Lee, I attempted that solution…unfortunately, it didn’t yield any results.
Shawna Ellis asik, this situation would really upset me…
Shawna Ellis asik, you should check out Cape Cod cloths. They are specifically designed for polishing stainless steel. Just remember to follow the grain. I’d also suggest investing in a sink grate to prevent scratches from dishes. I took great care of my sink, but unfortunately, stainless steel is easily scratched.
Scott and I both agree on that point. That’s usually what is used to eliminate or reduce scratches on a watch case or bracelet.
About a month after we got our dining room table, my son accidentally put a big scrape on it with his toys. I was pretty upset, but my husband reassured me that it just added character. So I decided to let it go, and now, 30 years later, I couldn’t even tell you which scratch was the first one. The table has been through a lot with 3 kids and now 3 grandkids, and it’s been loved and used by all of them.
You can find sink restoration kits at larger stores that include different grits of sandpaper and abrasives for restoring.
Consider using a very fine sandpaper (400-600 grit) along with olive oil, following the steel grain.
Begin with 800, then decrease to 1000…next up is 2000, and then polish with mothers
I used a Stainless Steel Restore kit on my Stainless Steel refrigerator. It involved using different abrasive materials to remove scratches and restore the finish step by step.
It’s probably best to just leave it as is and get used to it
Forget about it. If someone judges you for the scratches in your sink, that’s their issue. Just let it be. No need to waste time trying to fix it. It might damage the metal. Let. It. Be.
Place a sink grate over the sink so it’s hidden and it will help prevent scratches from pots and pans. If you accidentally scratch it while cleaning, it’s probably best not to try to refinish it. It might not be made of thick grade stainless steel. Oh well, accidents happen!💁🏼♀️
I might just give it a few more scratches to make it match better.
I tried something similar on my old sink and it did the trick.
https://a.co/d/heWQNsv
It’s not worth the hassle to try and polish out scratches. You’ll have many more over the years. I know it’s frustrating. There are special compounds for stainless steel, but you could end up making it worse. The first step is to get rid of whatever you used on the sink.
Definitely toss out those sponges.
When we renovated the kitchen, my stepdad (who does contracting work) accidentally left spackle in the new sink and it dried. He suggested using a spackle knife to remove it, which ended up scratching the sink. But I realized he did the renovation for free, so I can’t really complain. I only remember the scratches when I clean the grate now!
I hate to break it to you, but the reality is that you may need to get a rack for the bottom and attempt to conceal it. I work in the stainless steel sink industry and have exhausted all other options.
You have the option to etch the entire bottom surface.
Use wet dry sandpaper of 400+ grit while sanding with water running and a touch of dish soap.
Ensure the wood grain is consistent in one direction, either left-right or front-back.
Buff out the imperfections gently, circular swirls are acceptable.
Make sure to use the 0000 steel wool pads.
Rab a sander and begin sanding with 120 grit, then move up to 240, and keep going until you reach 1 million.
There’s a rubbing compound that works (I’m at my cabin or I’d check now).
I did the same thing on the first day and it fixed it with some effort. We have a grate that helps hide other scratches we’ve accumulated and I don’t really care to buff them out right now.
I’d love to know the compound name when you have a chance. Thanks a bunch!
Shawna Ellis asik We’re heading up for the weekend and I’ll try to stop by tomorrow evening.
Oh, I didn’t realize. Make sure to pay attention to what you’re doing.
Probably because you never make mistakes…it’s just the bottom of a sink, that practical thing we use to keep everything else clean.
Why all the saltiness?
You’re quite the oddball
Sure thing Wayne.
What was the point of this snarky comment?? Just trying to boost your own ego by putting someone else down?? o take a hike.
Do I really need to worry about how the bottom of my sink looks? I hardly ever even see it 😂
Absolutely! ‘t stress about the kitchen sink looking perfect, just keep it clean.
Hey there! You guys are my favorite!! 🥰🤣🫶🏼
Electric buffer with buffing pad and compound (jeweler’s rouge)
Hey ladies… I’m talking to all the women out there, especially the younger ones who might think this behavior is normal or acceptable – it’s never okay for someone to make you feel dumb for making a mistake. It’s natural to feel upset for a moment but you should never be shouted at, called stupid, demeaned, hit, or anything like that. If you’re married or in a serious relationship, you’re an adult who deserves respect and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Men and women. And in return, we should treat our partners and children with the same respect.
OP… I’m not saying your partner did this at all. I just noticed your comment that he never makes mistakes (which we know isn’t true) and I see posts like this often with an underlying tone that it’s foolish to make a mistake. Sending love to everyone.
Throw away that sponge and the husband in the garbage can. I could neverrrrr imagine life with someone who treats you so poorly over a simple mistake
Is this a sink?
Here are a few choices for you: 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, and Rolite Metal Polish. And don’t forget to remind your husband to keep quiet – that sink won’t look new forever!
If this is granite or quartz and they drilled the faucet holes on site, it’s possible that stone dust got into the sink and caused those scratches when you cleaned it. No need to worry, it happens! Stainless steel sinks tend to get scratched over time. Consider getting a bottom grate to cover them up. I also like the idea that a consistent pattern of scratches would make them less noticeable!