A lot of people enjoy using their microwave ovens for cooking. But over time, they can begin to develop scratches and nicks on their doors. So how do you get rid of those imperfections?
We have researched the best methods to get rid of those pesky microwave marks so you can enjoy a shiny new microwave again!
Microwave doors are either made of galvanized steel or stainless steel. Here's how you remove scratches from these materials:
- Clean the surface of the door. Make sure it's dry.
- Apply wax or metal polish on the scratches.
You likely have a few fine scratches on your microwave door unless you share your microwave with a T-Rex at home. These minor cosmetic flaws can easily be fixed. Continue reading to learn how to remove the fine scratches and the deep ones from your microwave door.
What Materials Are Microwave Doors Made Of?
Microwave doors are made from two types of steel: galvanized and stainless steel. It's essential to know the difference between these materials so we'll know how to deal with the scratches.
What Is Galvanized Steel?
A galvanized steel is steel that has undergone galvanizing. Galvanizing is a process where a thin layer of zinc is plated over the entire surface of the steel.
Once the zinc layer is fully formed, the steel is dipped in an acid bath to enhance the protection from corrosion further.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting mainly of iron, nickel, and chromium, the elements from which stainless steel is made. The exact composition of the alloy is not important, but it must contain at least 10.5% chromium, 6 to 26% nickel, and 1.2% carbon.
Chromium and nickel provide corrosion resistance, while carbon helps to make the alloy more durable.
Which Is Better For A Microwave Oven Door: Galvanized Steel Or Stainless Steel?
When selecting a microwave oven door, the type of material and finish are essential factors. Galvanized steel is an excellent choice for many reasons.
Galvanized steel's surface is rust-resistant and easy to clean.
However, it isn't particularly scratch-resistant, so it's likely to get scuffs or scratches. This is because galvanized steel is more ductile than stainless steel, so it can be easily dented and scratched.
Stainless steel doors are a great choice for several reasons. First, they're stronger than galvanized steel. Second, they can be cleaned quickly and easily, making them ideal for those with a limited time.
Unlike galvanized steel, stainless steel is not dependent on any coating that might peel or flake off over time, which could result in losing its ability to resist rusting.
So, the decision is pretty simple. If you want a microwave that is easy to clean, go with stainless steel. If you don't mind a little risk and adventure, go with galvanized steel.
How To Remove Scratches From A Galvanized Steel Microwave Door
A lot of microwaves have doors made of galvanized steel. This isn't necessarily bad, but it can lead to unfortunate problems if you're not careful.
And it's very easy to scratch a galvanized microwave door by accident.
The main reason why you need to avoid scratching galvanized steel is that it has a very thin layer of zinc. Scratches or dents will allow water to penetrate the metal, and the galvanizing process won't be as effective.
Nonetheless, here are the steps to remove scratches from a galvanized steel microwave door:
For Fine Scratches
1. Clean The Surface Of The Door
It's important to clean the surface from all types of dirt and grime. Make sure there is no residue on the surface of the door.
The goal here is to prep the surface for waxing and polishing. You can use a slightly damp rag or a sponge. Wipe the surface dry with a microfiber cloth.
2. Apply Wax/Metal Polish On The Scratches
You may apply the wax or metal polish directly to the scratches or dab a small amount on a lint-free cloth—Buff the affected area by following the direction of the scratch lines.
Add more wax or metal polish as needed until the scratches become invisible.
Check out this metal polish on Amazon.
For Deep Scratches
1. Clean The Door's Surface
Again, the same principle applies here. This is to prep the surface for the zinc spray.
2. Spray The Scratched Surface With Zinc Spray
Shake the can for at least 15 seconds, and don't get tempted to go beyond that. The sound of the mixing bearing is fun to listen to, and it's tempting to keep shaking it!
The purpose is to distribute the content evenly throughout the can and prevent the content from settling at the bottom.
3. Spray And Let It Dry
Lastly, you want to let your spray set and dry thoroughly. Once your door is dry to the touch, you are all set and can use your microwave as usual.
The video below might give you an idea:
See this zinc sprayer on Amazon.
How To Remove Scratches From A Stainless Steel Microwave Door
Scratches on the surface of your microwave door are not a big deal unless they become deep enough to cause grime and bacteria to thrive.
While stainless steel is a durable material, it's not immune to scratching.
If your stainless steel microwave door is getting scratched, you can take the following steps to remove the scratches and make your microwave look new again.
For Fine Scratches
You can follow the same procedure for removing fine scratches on galvanized microwave doors. Alternatively, you can use a cookware cleanser and polish, metal polish, or wax.
View this cookware cleanser & polish on Amazon.
For Deep Scratches
You may want to try rubbing out a deep scratch with an abrasive pad. A scouring pad, which usually contains a soft abrasive material like the Rejuvenate scratch eraser pad, is a good choice. You'll also need to add some olive oil.
Dab a little olive oil on the scratch to apply the olive oil. Let the scratch absorb the oil for a few minutes. Then rub the oil into the scratch with the scrubbing sponge or abrasive pad.
See this scratch eraser kit on Amazon.
Is Buffing Effective In Removing Scratches?
Rubbing or polishing compounds work on the molecular level to level out the scratched surface. These compounds can also contain abrasive particles (yet gentle to the surface) that help polish the area they're applied to.
There are a few different types of compounds used for buffing and polishing.
These include waxes, polishes, pads, and abrasives. You can choose from paste, paste-like products, or gel when it comes to polishes. Waxes are usually soft pastes or gels.
Before starting, it's best to apply a thin layer to a clean surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use the buffing pad or abrasive to the surface and buff away.
Be careful to apply even pressure with the buffing pad and to use a circular motion while at the same time following the direction of the grain.
Check out this rubbing compound on Amazon.
Can Paper Towels Scratch Stainless Steel?
You may be tempted to use a paper towel for stainless steel microwave doors.
While paper towels help wipe off spills and splatters, they can be too rough enough to leave marks or scratches on the surface of your stainless steel microwave door.
A microfiber cloth is softer and is more recommendable.
Can Toothpaste Remove Stainless Steel Scratches?
One of the most effective band-aid solutions to remove a scuff mark from a microwave door is applying a small amount of toothpaste.
Put some toothpaste on your wife's toothbrush and work the brush in the grain direction. Rinse and repeat until the scuff marks are gone.
Finally, apply a thin layer of olive oil or stainless steel polish to give your microwave that polished look.
Baking Soda On Stainless Steel Scratches: Is It Effective?
Baking soda is an excellent, inexpensive alternative to other scratch removal solutions. You only need a small amount of baking soda, a soft cloth, and water.
Mix baking soda and water to produce a paste. Rub it into the scratch. The baking soda will soften the mark and allow you to buff the scratch away. Use a soft cloth to dry the spot.
Is It Still Safe To Use A Scratched Microwave?
When a microwave oven gets scratched inside, it can cause a safety hazard. Deep scratches on the interior can cause arcing. Arcing, by the way, refers to sparks inside your microwave when it's in use.
Arcing can happen when deeply scratched microwaves are combined with certain metallic items on plates, such as aluminum foil. The deeper the scratch, the higher the probability of arcing.
While arcing doesn't pose a serious health risk to humans, it can be hazardous to electrical appliances and a safety hazard at home.
In addition, most microwaves have an internal coating that reduces EMW (electromagnetic wave) and protects the food from its impact.
You will need to repair the damaged area if this is the case. However, it is best to consult the manufacturer to determine the proper course of action.
Our Final Thoughts
It is inevitable to have scratches on microwave doors. Nevertheless, this article teaches us how to remove them using everyday household items such as baking soda and toothpaste.
This method works very well for both galvanized and stainless steel. However, consider using a commercial, industrial product specifically designed for microwave door scratches for a more permanent solution.
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