How to remove scratches from your kitchen countertops

Floating wooden shelves in the kitchen

Lauren Miller

The kitchen is so much more than a room where you prepare meals. For many, this space is a personal oasis where they can relax and enjoy time with an intimate group of loved ones. However, with usage, there is potential damage – such as countertop scratches “caused by small appliances, knives, pots and pans, improper cleaning, and normal wear and tear,” says Becky Rapinchuk, a green cleaning expert and inventor of Clean Mama. Wiping your surfaces clean can help prevent this from happening. However, if you use cutting boards and do your best to avoid pulling kitchen utensils across the counters, you can minimize the risk of damage. If your worktops already have scratches, you may be able to remove them. Here we get tips on how to do just that with ease – beforehand, on how to remove those microcuts from a variety of popular kitchen surface types.

Related: How to Fix Surface Scratches and Stains on Wooden Furniture

marble

Regardless of the surface you’re working on, Rapinchuk recommends testing your scratch removal method on a small area before working a large area. For marble surfaces in particular, she suggests “using a colander to sprinkle a little Arm & Hammer baking soda ($ 9.69, amazon.com) over the scratch.” Next, take a damp microfiber cloth to dampen the surface and rub the scratch in the direction of the grain, she continues. Meredith Barclay, a senior countertop retailer at The Home Depot, adds that you can also mix warm water and mild dish soap to remove scratches from marble. Just use this homemade solution and rub the area with a damp cloth. “Rinse the surface with a separate damp cloth dipped in warm water and buff the surface with a dry cloth,” adds Barclay. “Finally, polish the surface with a product like Goddard’s Granite and Marble Polish ($ 3.57, homedepot.com).”

quartz

Fortunately, Barclay notes that this countertop is hard to scratch at all. However, if you do see light or severe scratches, there are still a few ways you can bring your countertops back to their original shine. The first step is cleaning the area, says Rapinchuk, who recommends doing this with a paste of baking soda and water. Use one tablespoon of water to two to three teaspoons of baking soda. Finish by gently rubbing the paste into the scratch in circular motions, rinsing everything thoroughly, and wiping the slate clean.

The story goes on

Polish it off for a light scratch. Barclay recommends reaching for a quartz-formulated buffing or buffing product like Granite Gold Countertop Liquid Polish ($ 6.97, homedepot.com). Next, she says to use a half-dollar varnish and apply it to the area, then buff it with even pressure. Wipe off the residue after wiping it off. For severe scratches, “fill the scratch with epoxy (e.g. PC Paste Epoxy ($ 13.08, homedepot.com)) or resin and let it sit for 24 hours or more, depending on the product,” notes Barclay. After following this step, you should scrape off any residue to make sure the filling lines up with the rest of the countertop. “Use a razor blade to gently scrape the surface that is approaching at a 45-degree angle,” she explains. “Wipe off any loose material and thoroughly clean the counter before use.”

Stainless steel

“Make a paste of equal parts of baking soda and water – start with a tablespoon each,” says Rapinchuk of removing a scratch from this type of kitchen countertop. “Use your finger to rub a little of the paste into the stainless steel.” Then rub the area with a damp microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. You can also try special removal pads, like the Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit ($ 9.49, homedepot.com).

Wood

Just use fine-mesh sandpaper (look for a 240 version) to gently sand off a scratch, Rapinchuk says. Barclay adds that you should apply a mineral oil as a finish to this surface to prevent further damage or staining down the line.

Laminate

“Regardless of whether the scratch is near the surface or deeper than the laminate coating, it is recommended that you use laminate paste such as CalFlor FloorFix Wood and Laminate Floor Repair Kit ($ 19.38, homedepot.com) in a color that closely matches the surface . ” Says Barclay. “Apply the paste to the surface in thin layers and remove excess material with a spatula.” After this step, give 24 hours to dry before wiping the surface. Similar to stainless steel, you can also make a paste of baking soda and water – starting with a tablespoon each – to remove scratches. Next, rub the paste into the laminate with your finger. Rub the area with a damp microfiber cloth and rinse thoroughly.

Glass

First, use a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth to clean this type of kitchen countertop, explains Rapinchuk. Next, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and water together and rub the scratch in a circular pattern. Are you looking for another method? Try a gel-free toothpaste. Barclay says to apply this product to a lint-free rag and rub it into the scratch using small, circular motions. “After about 30 seconds of buffing, wipe the toothpaste off with a damp cloth and dry the area with the lint-free cloth,” she adds.

Soapstone

To remove a deep scratch in the soapstone, Barclay must apply pressure to the scratch with an 80 grit abrasive sponge. Once you’ve sanded that spot, she’ll suggest using an FDA-approved mineral oil or soapstone booster. “The mineral oil application should be repeated two to three times a day over a period of two to three days until the polished surface matches the color of the rest of the stone,” continues Barclay.

granite

Combine baking soda and water (one tablespoon to two to three teaspoons of baking soda), then rub the granite scraper in circular motions, advises Rapinchuk. Complete this task by rinsing and wiping the granite area. If that scratch is still visible, Barclay says to use circular motions to rub a grade 0000 steel wool pad over the scratch. Finish this step by reapplying sealant to the area to prevent future damage.