How to Buff Scratches Out of a Plastic Microwave

Stir 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent into a bowl of water.

Dip a cloth into the soap solution, wring it out and wash the scratched surface thoroughly.

Dip the cloth into clean water and wipe the area clean of any soap solution.

Buff the panel dry with a clean cloth.

Shake the plastic polish well.

Apply a sizable dollop of the first polishing compound onto a soft, dry, clean cloth. Polishing compounds come in descending grit sizes -- apply the largest grit size first. Follow the label's instructions carefully to know which bottle to apply first.

Polish the scratches. Wipe the cloth over them in long back and forth strokes at a 90-degree angle to the scratches. Use medium firm pressure. Hold the other end of the microwave steady with your other hand if necessary. Keep wiping until all but the smallest scratches are filled in. Keep the area well saturated with polish. Apply more to the soft cloth if necessary.

Use a fresh, clean cloth to wipe the excess polish off the surface.

Apply a sizable dollop of the second polishing compound to a clean cloth. There should be none of the first polishing compound on the cloth. Buff the scratched area using small, circular motions and light pressure. Make three or four passes over the area. Keep the area well saturated with polish. Apply more to the soft cloth if necessary.

Allow the polish to dry in place until it forms a light haze.

Buff the surface clean with a clean, dry cloth.

Repeat Steps 9 through 11 with the third polishing compound (if available) if any scratches remain.