Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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No longer stainless steel but Stained Stainless Steel

Trying to be helpful, my babysitter, used ZEP (a product used to clean copper stains from lavatories) 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
2003

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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

2003

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I stained my sink with a grout cleaner. To remove stains I sanded my sink with fine wet/dry sandpaper. This removed all stains. I followed it up with ultra fine wet/dry sandpaper with rubbing compound [on eBay or Amazon] (used for cars). This polished the sink and removed the fine scratches.

Cathy Conty
- Slidell, Louisiana
2005

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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 Commercial Line [on eBay or Amazon] 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
January 26, 2009

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December 10, 2010

I spilled polish cleaner into my stainless steel sink. I'd appreciate solutions/fix suggestions.

Mickie Maurer
Hobbyist - Scottsdale, Arizona

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December 22, 2010

i used a product called Barkeepers Friend [on eBay or Amazon] on the backsplash of my new kenmore elite stainless stove. now I have a giant discolored spot because the finish was removed :( .
I didn't realize it was taking off the finish until it was too late. I even thought of buffing off the whole backsplash but their is a coating and now it just looks awful.

Can I use scratch be gone on this spot? any suggestions?

Elle Pedersen
student, metalsmith - Oakland, California

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Q. A section of a bath's stainless steel grab bar has some dark discoloration. The surface has a mottled roughened surface for a better grip, so abrasives don't work. I've tried baking powder and detergent but still I'm looking for a solution (no pun intended). I'm off now to try some WD-40 [on eBay or Amazon] . Any other ideas?

Miles Robbins
- Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
April 21, 2012