Hey, that's a common issue with stainless steel bins, especially in busy urban settings. Don't worry, most light surface scratches are pretty easy to fix at home. Here’s a natural, step-by-step way I’ve used that works well.
First, clean the area around the scratch with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry it thoroughly. For very fine, hairline scratches, sometimes just using a microfiber cloth and a bit of olive oil or vinegar can help minimize their appearance. Rub gently along the grain of the metal.
For more noticeable scratches, make a simple paste from baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft cloth, again rubbing gently in the direction of the metal's grain. Rinse and dry. If the scratch is still there, you can pick up a specific stainless steel polishing compound or a non-gel toothpaste. Apply a small amount to a damp cloth and use the same gentle, linear motion. It might take a few minutes of buffing. Wipe clean.
For deep scratches, you might need to use a very fine-grit sandpaper (like 600-grit or higher) first, always wet and always with the grain, before polishing. Remember, the key is to follow the existing grain pattern to blend the repair seamlessly.
With a little patience, your trash can will look sleek and scratch-free again. Regular cleaning and avoiding abrasive scrubbers can help prevent new ones. Hope this helps