Letter 25067

No longer stainless steel but Stained Stainless Steel  

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Trying to be helpful, my babysitter, used ZEP (a product used to clean copper stains from lavatorys) on my stainless steel fridge and dishwasher. I have tried every product to return my appliances back to original - in vain. My only choice is to replace the panels and it's a whopping $1000.00 or more. I'm here to ask if anyone knows a way to restore the finish?

Thank you.

Sandra-Lia Lucatelli
Closing Agent - Clifton, Virginia

Depending on how bad the discoloration is, it can be a big job. However, you CAN do it with some work. It may not come out with the EXACT same finish as originally, but it should look good.

We suggest that you buff down the surface to remove the discoloration. (It is not possible to remove the discoloration with safe chemicals from our experience.) You will need to do this in a uniform manner, whether with a buffing wheel or by hand. A fine grade of Scotchbrite (TM) cloth can work well if done by hand in an even motion over the entire surface. You can also use a finishing polish with Ceric oxide or similar material to buff to a nice finish. (Jewelers Polish)

Good luck!

Lee Kremer Stellar Solutions, Inc. McHenry, Illinois

I stained my sink with a grout cleaner. To remove stains I sanded my sink with fine wet/dry sandpaper [link is to product info at Rockler]. This removed all stains. I followed it up with ultra fine wet/dry sandpaper with rubbing compound (used for cars). This polished the sink and removed the fine scratches.

Cathy Conty
- Slidell, Louisiana

My cleaning lady cleaned my kitchen appliances with grout cleaner thinking it was stainless steel cleaner. They are ruined! They have white stains all over, I have tried windex and W40 and the white stains don't go away. I'm afraid to sand my whole refrigerator, what if it gets worse? Please help!

Natalia Murcia
- Weston, Florida