Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Rust on new stainless steel appliances
Q. We have purchased 2 x display fridges for our shop. After a period of 4 months, rust has surfaced...is this normal ? The technician who built them came to have a look and he used a scourer to get rid of it...( also scratched the fridges)....I want to know if it is normal to have surface rust ?
Jenny Panops- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
April 12, 2012
Q. I too have a fridge problem of Rusting. LG. I am not going to sit back and just let them run over me. All of you must know that all of these brands wherever you purchased, they sold you something that said it was stainless steel, well stainless steel does not rust. PERIOD. Go back to the store you purchased from and tell them they sold you an item that said stainless steel and it is not; they sold you something under false information; they are to take care of your replacement; and they can fight the maker. IT'S FRAUD. If it is not stainless then you did not get what you paid for. Are we talking class action lawsuit?
Doreen Phara- Midland, Texas
April 21, 2012
A. I personally have not seen HCl rust GOOD (real) stainless steel. It does have drastic effects on many other metals.
I have used diluted HCl in my washing machine to remove lime scale from the heating element and all it does is tarnish or dull the shininess. The Washing machine is ca 20 yr and not one defect.
Try a Miele appliance.
- Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
June 19, 2012
Q. Hi Ted,
OK, so stainless steel is probably not a good choice of finish these days.
What is ?
- Laredo, Texas USA
June 22, 2012
A. Hi Jay.
I don't think high quality stainless steel (type 18-8, type 304, type 316) is a bad choice. What I think is a bad choice is low-grade stainless steel, or plain steel disguised as stainless steel to fool you.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and trends come and go, so I can't say what you should get. My wife and I chose black appliances ... but that's just us, and some readers are probably saying "OMG, black, what's wrong with those people?" :-)
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 22, 2012
I purchased a Whirlpool Gold refrigerator in August 2010. Within less than a year I had big spots where it looked like the stainless steel was wearing off. I was using a stainless steel product that the store recommended. The store, after many arguments agreed to replace the bottom freezer panel as it was the worst, but said I would have to pay $400 per door to fix rest of refrigerator. I said there was no way I was paying $400 per door when the refrigerator cost me $1500 about 2 years ago. I called Whirlpool and the customer service agent, while being very rude said I apparently used the wrong product. I said no you sold me a defective refrigerator. She also said that I was out of warranty. I said last time I checked stainless steel does not wear off. I even went back to the store and asked the salesman if it was "real" stainless and he said yes. Today I went to open my doors and my refrigerator has condensation on the inside, the temperature on the door is still 38 degrees, ideal temperature and both of my door on the inside were covered in rust. I was able to use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pad ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and a baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] paste to get it off. This should not be happening. My dishwasher, also Whirlpool Gold is only 5 months old. It also has streaks like someone dripped water in weird formations on the front. I am afraid to use anything on either product. I would rather have the fingerprints.
Jerri Gall- Stafford, Virginia USA
July 11, 2012
! I've noticed that the people in the department stores spray Pledge on the stainless steal appliances. I've never used this product on my stainless. The Dacor appliances, cooktop and double ovens, have been outstanding. The counter depth Kitchen-aid refrigerator has been a different issue. Water leaks down the ice machine. This is either from someone using the ice dispenser, or from the ice building up a fine layer from the back of the ice maker itself which leaks water from the inside out. I've purchased several stainless cleaning products, and I cannot remove some of the streaks on the front doors of the refrigerator.
So far, no rust problems. After cleaning up on a daily bases, I wipe the appliances down with a clean towel or a paper towel. When guests come over, I look at the refrigerator doors to make sure that water isn't leaking out of the tray. Kids love to switch the dispenser from ice to water. I usually tell them up front not to touch the dispenser, and let me do it for them. I've come to the conclusion that it's the price you pay for having stainless.
- Charlotte, North Carolina
July 20, 2012
! I just bought a Kenmore "stainless steel" microwave from Sears and installed it two weeks ago. I have not used anything but a wet paper towel (water) to wipe it down, and I immediately used a dry paper towel to dry it. It already has rust spots, and what looks like pitting on the door.
I guess at some point this sort of thing will do some damage to the companies that are selling these inferior products. I'm certainly going to be spreading the word, and I'm going to tell Sears, though I don't think they can really do anything about it unless they gave me REAL stainless steel replacements.
- Statesboro, Georgia
August 11, 2012
! I purchased a Jenn Air stainless refrigerator; within two days the refrigerator started showing rust spots. They sent a technican who recommended they replace all the doors.
Upon inspecting the new doors they had rust spots, were dented and scratched. The doors were taken back. I asked Jenn Air to remove the refrigerator and they refused. I am taking them to court.
Be aware that the warranty covering the above is only for 30 days.
buyer - Sparta, New Jersey
December 20, 2012
Q. So I've had multiple stainless appliances of the years. (More than 20! we've moved a lot!!) Both the real thing, i.e., Sub Zero/Thermador/Wolf etc., and apparently, unbenownst to me, the lesser quality stainless (described here as GE, KitchenAid, etc.) and I have never had an issue with any of the finishes. Ever. And although the majority of these appliances were in a constant "conditioned" space, some were installed/in use in outdoor kitchens! That said, I was just getting ready to order all new (lower end) Kitchen Aid stainless appliances for a condo we have. Given my previous experience I wouldn't hesitate, however, this condo is direct oceanfront so now I'm concerned about potential corrosion/rust issues due to the salt!! Oddly enough, I wouldn't even have been aware of the potential rust issues but discovered multiple complaints while reading dishwasher reviews! Who knew? Which brings me to my question, are these lower end appliances going to be more at risk if installed in an oceanfront condo? (FYI, because it is Fla, the A/C runs 99% of the time so it's not as if there'll be constant exposure to the salt air, though there are a few times of year where we can and do open all the windows/doors for the day.)
M. Carr- Central, Florida, US
February 21, 2013
A. Unfortunately this rusting issue is not limited to lower end stainless steel appliances. I spent $17k on top of the line professional viking series and few weeks ago. The rust started to show on the refrigerator doors. No muriatic, bleach were used or even came indoors at any time. They are still under extended warranty. I mentioned the problem to the service guy 2.5 weeks ago and that is the last time I heard from them. What happened to these companies. I will keep posting my progress. No, I will not try anything new to clean or try to get rid of the rust. They have to replace it.
Hany Boutros- Los Angeles, California
March 17, 2013
Q. Ted Mooney - I spent the last hour reading all the letters dating back to 2005. There were several products recommended on how to clean rust from inferior Stainless Steel. Yes I purchased a Whirlpool package and my refrigerator is pitted only a few months into the purchase. Stainless steel is supposed to be durable but the manufacturers have found a cheaper alternative. Here is my question, what product would you personally use to #1 fix the problem and #2 protect the finish to prevent future occurrences? The products mentioned above were aluminium persulphate, Magic Eraser, Noxon 7 ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , De-Solv-It Stainless Steel Reviver, Scratch-B-Gone & Barkeepers Friend ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Looking forward to your recommendations. Thank you.
Amin Khalifa- Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey, Camden
July 18, 2013
A. Hi Amin, sorry for your hardship. I'm only the website moderator, not an expert. But I think you'll want to use the least aggressive product which will do the job. I'd probably try a liquid/paste metal polish and count on it to leave a protective waxy film; but if the scratches/pits were too deep, then Scratch-B-Gone.
Here's the thing: if you asked what tool to use to dig a hole, people would always have to ask "how big a hole" because a teaspoon would be fine for seeds in an herb pot, a hand shovel would be right to bury a box with your kid's pet turtle, but a steam shovel would be used to excavate a foundation for a skyscraper. See, you could dig the skyscraper foundation with a teaspoon but it would take most of eternity; and a heavy equipment operator could bury the turtle with a steam shovel, but nobody does that.
Here's the tie-in to my silliness: you don't fill scratches, you grind away the metal around them until the surrounding metal is level with the scratch; and you can't possibly "grind away" all the metal around a deep scratch with a mild wipe or polish; but you don't take sandpaper to an appliance if you didn't have to. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 2013
Q. I bought a stainless steel Bosch fridge. In less than a year its door started getting some stains all over. I also paid $500 for guarantee.
Sears's technician said "it is not acceptable" and took some pictures but Sears neglects the problem and comments it is a cosmetic issue and Sears cannot do anything about it! I have no idea what to do. Where should I complain?
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
August 13, 2013
A. Hi there,
Use Barkeepers Friend to clean the rust, and then stainless steel polish.
- Curepe, Trinidad, West Indies
October 3, 2013
Q. I purchased a Whirlpool Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator on March 19, 2013. I paid $1544 which does include additional 2 year Warranty. Six Months later I have Rust below the Water Dispenser on Left Door. Magnets DO Stick to it but Magnets DO NOT Stick to my Stove or Dishwasher which are also Stainless Steel and made by GE, as some have already said.
Whirlpool says it is Cosmetic and is not covered. I say it is a Defect in the material the door was made out of. Any suggestions on getting door replaced? How can I tell IF it is really Stainless Steel? I will be writing Lowes and Whirlpool. I DO NOT GIVE UP.
Brenda Adams- Smithville, Georgia, USA
October 24, 2013
Q. After reading alot of these comments I have heard almost brand mentioned as having rust problems except Samsung. Has anyone ever had a problem with their stainless steel Samsung appliances rusting?
Shelley Behr- Zelienople, Pennsylvania, USA
November 19, 2013
Q. I have rust issues on the bottom freezer drawer of my Samsung French Door "Stainless" refrigerator. Lowes and Samsung will not do anything to help. I have all stainless appliances much older or the same age as my refrigerator that have not rusted. This is my first experience with "stainless" rusting. I have worked in commercial kitchens with all stainless and have never seen it rust until now. I think the manufacturers are using poor quality stainless and passing it off to the customer and the consumer should not be responsible for their fraud and product defects. Anyone aware of a class action lawsuit? I read of one in California with Krislov Law. I will contact them. If you know of a class action lawsuit or would like to start one, please email me. Something has to change!
Amber Scouller- Gig Harbor, Washington
January 15, 2014
Q. I bought my whirlpool French door fridge in November 2013. I just went to wipe it down and noticed a bunch of tiny rust marks that were found under a magnet. I've had a stainless steel prior to that and it never had one spot on it. Trying to get through to whirlpool now but from what I've read hear it doesn't sound good. The fridge is barely 3 months old what's it going to look like in a year!
K. Pagano- Silver Creek, New York, USA
January 28, 2014
A. I have read many of the complaints listed about the rusting of the stainless steel appliances and noted that a couple of months ago our whirlpool fridge started with small rust spots on the bottom freezer pull out drawer.
I do not know if this would work for everyone but so far it has provided satisfaction to us. I used a top grade car cleaner/wax to remove the rust spots. Following that I applied several coats of car paste wax and although several months have passed, I, so far, do not see any more rust spots and the appliances (Fridge, oven and dishwasher) are without rust. This has worked for us and initially takes a little rubbing to remove the rust but so far has been successful. I continually check for rust spots and thus far none.
- Montebello, California. USA
February 8, 2014
! ! Hello. I wanted to thank you all for the information above. I have felt that I was alone with the problem of defective "stainless steel appliances". It is obvious that manufacturing has going really bad in America and we as consumers are left to pay a high price for manufacturers' mistakes or greed. I wanted to suggest bringing these issue to our Congress so they will ask the manufacturers or impose better laws that protect the consumers. I also suggest to post pictures of our rusted appliances on Face Book including the names of the appliances and the store that sold them because to me they are by now aware of the fact that they are selling defective merchandise without any regard for the economical hardship that it brings to the consumer. Let's get busy to restore our trust in our ability to buy without the fear of being taken advantage of.
- Palm Harbor, Florida USA
June 22, 2014
Hi Marina. First off, apologies for cropping the pictures such that readers can't see how nicely maintained your kitchen is, but we have practical limits on the size of photos we display here, and I didn't want to reduce them to the point where the rust couldn't be plainly seen, so I had to crop them.
You are clearly right that the quality of stainless steel in kitchen appliances sucks today, but as Forrest Gump said, "maybe it's both", and I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I believe that something was used on those appliances that wasn't safe for them (like a bleach-based cleaner), or acid was used in the kitchen or garage, that accelerated this rusting (because it's two appliances probably separated throughout their manufacturing and transport life, and the microwave further from the floor isn't suffering the same way).
I'm sure Congress knows how misrepresented these crappy appliances are today, but for some reason, rather than listening to us whine, they prefer to have the Fortune 500 entertain them on yachts, serving them Caviar & Chivas Regal, likely with buxom bikini girls on their laps :-)
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 2014
A. Sounds more like a job for Consumer Reports magazine to me.
As Ted points out, even properly passivated stainless can encounter damaging circumstances. We often strongly suggest to customers of our passivation products to never warranty their stainless products against corrosion as they have no control over the environment that the product is located in. Kitchens tend not to be very corrosive places until a muriatic acid based floor or tile cleaner gets used in the vicinity of the appliances. That being said, most of the time corrosion that sets in within days of installation of a stainless railing or some such is due to iron contamination that occurred in the fabricator's shop and was not dealt with.
Last winter we saw a severe problem in the aftermath of many large stainless fabrications that were transported a long distance on the back of flatbed trucks. They were supposed to have been wrapped and covered for protection from the road salt but most of them were not. I've also heard of large fabrications being transported by cargo ship across the ocean and showing the damage of the marine atmosphere when they arrived.
Ray Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.
McHenry, Illinois
July 8, 2014
!! Yes I agree to what I am reading. Our LG Stainless Steel range has the same small rust spots all over . And Home Depot will not cover that under Warrantee -- they said it is cosmetic and that is not covered. What is now in order is a CLASS ACTION SUIT against the companies that put out this GARBAGE AND ARE NOW GOING TO FIND OUT THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE!!
Thomas Herceg- morganville New Jersey
July 30, 2014
Hello My name is Thomas Herceg and I want to add to my previous statement about the LG gas range I spoke about.
That is, in addition to the "stainless steel" rusting and NOT being under warrantee, about 1 month after we started using it I was broiling a steak in the top oven of the double oven range.I opened the oven door to check on doneness and to turn the meat over. This act in doing so apparently MELTED THE KNOBS which control the heat settings of the top burners.
The knobs LOOK EXACTLY LIKE METAL but no they are cheap PLASTIC not even designed to withstand heat. You would think that if a big appliance company was going to put fake "METAL" looking knobs near a HOT broiler oven they would not melt.
I swear this is true.
- morganville New Jersey
August 23, 2014
Not even 2 months old! RUSTED! With a little help from the b 52s and a bottle of OXI CLEAN DISHWASHER BOOSTER I scrubbed those nasty rust stains OUT! Mind you, take it easy with the scrubby side of the sponge, I applied FULL STRENGTH and did a few areas at a time rubbing in circles and VOILA!~ Had I known NOT to use white vinegar perhaps we would not be having this conversation, would we? anyhow, the oxyclean seems to have done the trick! Am sure it will have to be repeated, but for now, I am looking at my shiny new fridge SANS the rust and it feels pretty satisfying! Good luck to all and hope this helps!
- south orange New Jersey usa
August 9, 2014
Hello all:
I have read all the responses above back to 2004. 10 years of consumers complaining about small rust spots on their name brand, very expensive, "stainless steel" appliances. One person commented on Samsung, well hate to burst your bubble, but Samsung is among the scumbags as well. My husband and I waited 15 years to upgrade our kitchen appliances. I was so thrilled to get these state-of-the-art products since I love to cook. Well less than four months after purchasing and nearly 6K, we have tiny rust spots on the Samsung refrigerator and the Samsung slide in range as well as the Lowe's brand range hood. The only product that we bought about 6 months before the others was a Bosch dishwasher (no spots). We also upgraded our cabinets with matching stainless steel handles and drawer knobs-no rust. Even the inexpensive GE Profile microwave has spots on it. I do use bleach in the kitchen but not on the appliances. I had real stainless steel appliances in the early 90's and they never rusted, I just got rid of them because I hated the constant finger prints from everyday use. It's just sickening. One thing I am a stickler about is a bright, clean shiny kitchen. Frustrated American Consumer.
Thanks for letting me chime in.
- Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
August 26, 2014
I purchased a Whirlpool stainless steel refrigerator from PC Richard & Son, 1 year and 3 months ago. I wasn't looking for stainless but was talked into it by the salesman. I was never told rust problems could develop. I took the 5 year warranty with PC Richard & Son. Rust appeared on the inside and outside of the doors. I was told it wasn't covered under the warranty because the problem was cosmetic. When I read the Contract it stated physical damage is not covered. To me, physical damage doesn't just happen like rust. Physical damage is a dent caused by an object or person. I feel that customers should be forewarned that stainless steel could develop rust.
I have read all the above posts and I would be interested in joining a class action suit.
- Inwood, New York
August 27, 2014
August 28, 2014
I respectfully suggest that the grade of Stainless Steel is much more important in assessing corrosion resistance than the blanket term: "Stainless".
316L Stainless Steel is much more corrosion resistant than the 304 grade designed for heat resistance (for example).
One has to have one's wits about them when attempting to differentiate oranges from lemons.
All Stainlesses ain't Stainless Sol!
Sorry, but hope this helps.
Regards,
Bill Doherty
Trainer - Newcastle, NSW Australia
Hi William. While that's very true, the issue is that consumers will never have enough facts about the manufacturing history to make any assessment based on material of construction ... which they also will almost never know anyway. Things may be different down under, but here in America class action suits are the only realistic tool for change. Only the lawyers make money, with the consumers getting back pennies on the dollar, but the suits do help dissuade manufacturers away from bad practices.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 2014
August 29, 2014
Ted,
I respect your opinion and believe that these consumers have been "hoodwinked".
Caveat Emptor is probably inappropriate when consumers believe that their suppliers have their best interests at heart and that suppliers believe their reputations and follow on sales will be built on performance & trust.
We live in a different world unfortunately.
Most of these appliances are manufactured in 3rd world countries whose populace does not share our ethics and values.
Price is the only consideration.
I guess that sooner or later consumers will wake up to the fact that the appliances which used to last 10, 15 or 20 yrs now only last a month past warranty.
Maybe then it will be time to take Manufacturing back home?
Regards,
Bill
Trainer - Newcastle, NSW Australia
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