How to Remove Scratches from Plates

Are Those Really Scratches?

Most "scratches" on ceramic and porcelain plates are not actually scratches at all — they're metal deposits left by cutlery sliding across the glaze. The metal from forks, knives, and spoons transfers onto the plate surface, leaving gray or silver marks that look like scratches but sit on top of the glaze rather than in it. These can be removed. True scratches that go into the glaze are permanent.

What You'll Need

• Bar Keepers Friend
• Baking soda
• Dawn Platinum Dish Soap
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Soft dish brush

How to Remove Cutlery Marks (Metal Deposits)

Method 1: Bar Keepers Friend (Most Effective)

1. Wet the plate surface
2. Sprinkle a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend directly on the gray marks
3. Rub gently with a damp microfiber cloth in circular motions for 30–60 seconds
4. Rinse immediately and thoroughly
5. Repeat if marks remain

Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid which dissolves metal deposits on glazed surfaces without scratching.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste

1. Make a paste with baking soda and water
2. Apply to the marks and scrub gently with a soft cloth
3. Let sit 5–10 minutes, then scrub again and rinse

Less powerful than Bar Keepers Friend but safe for all glazed surfaces including bone china.

How to Tell If It's a Metal Deposit or a True Scratch

• Metal deposit: Gray or silver color, sits on the surface, comes off with Bar Keepers Friend
• True scratch: Goes into the glaze, feels rough to the touch, cannot be removed

Removing Scratches from Plastic Plates

True scratches in plastic plates cannot be fully removed. Light surface scratches can be minimized by rubbing with a small amount of baking soda paste in circular motions, which smooths the edges slightly. Deep scratches in plastic are a sign it's time to replace the plate.

Preventing Cutlery Marks

• Use wooden or silicone utensils when possible
• Avoid dragging metal cutlery across the plate surface
• Stack plates with protective padding between them
• Clean cutlery marks promptly — the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove

Final Thoughts

Bar Keepers Friend is the most effective solution for removing cutlery marks from ceramic and porcelain plates. For delicate surfaces like bone china, use baking soda paste instead. True scratches in the glaze are permanent — but most "scratches" are actually removable metal deposits.