[Steve]

Originally Posted by dblwyr

Maybe try this first… Removal of oxidized stains and even “surface rust” can be done by using a paste made from baking soda and water or a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. If using baking soda and water, use a cloth or soft bristle brush to rub the baking soda paste in the direction of the grain.

Wow! I didn't know Heloise was on TOTV. She is the baking soda queen!

[Sunshine77]

Hi,

From my past experience, using steel wool on a stainless appliance leaves scratch marks.

There is a product called "Bar Keepers Friend". It is a white liquid which comes in a plastic "bottle" (gold background, blue & white lettering). You can get this in big box stores or the supermarkets. It lists on the front "stainless steel" and "porcelain". "Removes Rust, lime stains and tarnish". "Soft Cleanser". I would try some of this on a portion of the fridge that is not very visible to make sure it won't leave marks; but I have seen it recommended as a cleanser for stainless steel sinks. It's inexpensive and worth a try. Good luck. (If you find it works well, buff the area afterwards with a soft, microfiber cloth to help restore the original finish.)

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by PoolBrews

I have use steel wool on bicycle handlebars and my outside stainless steel kegerator with great results. Takes the rust spots off very quickly.

If that does NOT work, I would take a metal grinder with a stone or wire brush attachment and remove the rust. Grind away ALL of the rust and go deep enough. Then paint it with silver paint.
......You may need to build the ground-away areas up to level the surface. Use some type of fiberglass filler, like used in automotive repair. Then find a paint that matches the stainless tone.
.......That should be a less expensive repair than replacing a whole new skin.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Ksfirefighter

This happens also when the builder-contractor initially cleans the tiles with muratic acid. My screw heads were rusted on the door hinges, but my appliances weren’t installed until later!

Acid should be rather quickly washed off with clean water and then dried quickly to prevent rusting of steel.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

Type 410 stainless has iron in it and it will rust. Not all stainless is stainless so to speak.

Exactly ! Have to be so careful, ask so many questions and answers not always available... same with flatware, and ESPECIALLY if considering the purchase of a S steel sink ! Same applies to "leather" furniture, so many terms used to INTENTIONALLY CONFUSE most people.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by dblwyr

Maybe try this first… Removal of oxidized stains and even “surface rust” can be done by using a paste made from baking soda and water or a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. If using baking soda and water, use a cloth or soft bristle brush to rub the baking soda paste in the direction of the grain.

I've used that with success, both B.S. and Bar Keepers, our "stainless" steel grill is especially poor quality stainless and is, obviously, exposed to the weather even with a cover. Both solutions have worked in my case.

[Carlsondm]

Originally Posted by Steve

Wow! I didn't know Heloise was on TOTV. She is the baking soda queen!

Don’t laugh. It works. My former cleaning company used bar keepers friend powder, water and a rag or sponge to clean stainless appliances. Rinse, dry, and it sparkles. I had to inquire before I left. I threw out my other stainless cleaners. Not as good.

[Troopie]

Just buy Barkeepers Friend scouring powder (I get it at Lowe's). It's a mild abrasive. Rub the rust spot with a little bit of that on a wet cloth or paper towel. It will rub the rust right off. I do this every time a rust spot shows up. Works like a charm!

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by gcanonge

Any ideas on how to repair the rust on my Whirlpool refrigerator around the water dispenser?

Clean off the surface rust with Barkeepers Friend, then treat the damaged area with Ospho, to keep it from rusting again. Then apply a decorative veneer like a bezel around the dispenser window to hide the damage. Good luck.

[ChiBoyR55]

The builders buy appliances in bulk and get a cheap model to put in their homes. Builders grade stuff, but charge premium prices. Wait until it dies and replace it with a quality name brand that is not el cheap-o.