How to Clean Appliance Surfaces: Remove Scratches, Stains, and Blemishes
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Your appliances aren’t just tools in your kitchen or laundry room—they’re also an investment that adds style and function to your home. Over time, surfaces can develop scratches, stains, or blemishes that make them look older than they are. The good news? With the right cleaning methods and products, you can restore much of their shine and keep them looking fresh for years.
At PRS Appliances, we want to help you care for your appliances the right way. Here’s a guide to cleaning and protecting various appliance surfaces.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Common issues: fingerprints, streaks, minor scratches.
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Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth with a stainless steel cleaner or a mix of warm water and mild dish soap. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
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Removing scratches: For light scratches, apply a stainless steel scratch remover kit or non-abrasive cleaner with a soft cloth. Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads—they’ll make scratches worse.
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Prevention: Regularly wipe surfaces down and avoid using chlorine-based cleaners.
Glass Surfaces (Oven Doors, Cooktops, Microwave Windows)
Common issues: baked-on stains, smudges, grease.
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Cleaning: A mixture of baking soda and water makes an effective paste for stubborn stains. Apply it to the surface, let it sit, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
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For cooktops: Use a specialized glass cooktop cleaner with a scraper tool to remove burnt residue.
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Prevention: Clean spills immediately before they harden.
Enamel and Painted Finishes
Common issues: chips, scratches, discoloration.
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Cleaning: Use warm water with mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can strip paint.
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For stains: A soft cloth with baking soda paste can gently lift discoloration.
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Repairing chips: Small enamel or paint repair kits are available for touch-ups.
Plastic Panels and Controls
Common issues: yellowing, scratches, sticky buildup.
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Cleaning: Wipe with a cloth dampened in diluted vinegar or mild soap solution.
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Removing scratches: Use a plastic polish or a product like toothpaste (applied gently) to buff out small scuffs.
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Prevention: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, which can cause fading or cracking.
Tips for Long-Term Surface Care
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Always test cleaners on a small, hidden area first.
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Avoid abrasive pads unless the cleaner specifically calls for them.
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Dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to prevent streaks and water spots.
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Use appliance covers or mats where possible to minimize wear.
✨ Keeping your appliances in great condition is easier than you think with a little regular maintenance. A clean, polished surface not only looks better but can extend the life of your appliance.
For professional advice or replacement parts to keep your appliances running like new, visit PRS Appliances today—your local source for affordable, high-quality appliances with the spirit of aloha.