Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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NXR 30" gas range rusting like crazy

I bought an NXR range this year along with a GE Profile DW, a Whirlpool frig and a Broan hood.
I cleaned the SS with a damp sponge, a little mild soap to remove grease when needed followed by drying completely with a microfiber cloth but always had streaking and fingerprinting.

I googled "how to clean SS" without harsh cleaners and found a method of cleaning SS using a microfiber cloth with a little olive oil. I tried this and it worked like magic. The appliances seem to resist fingerprints and I just touch up once in awhile by buffing with the cloth.

Recently, I noticed that the NXR range has developed rust spots everywhere on the top surface. I have called the Duro Corporation and they are sending a replacement piece for the bullnose which is where the surface has actually begun pitting. The other spots, I buff off with the microfiber cloth with a little olive oil and it seems to remove them temporarily. I am really careful not to leave any moisture on the stove top. I am very upset and thought it was just NXR but after visiting your site I see that other manufacturer's must be using a lower grade of SS as well. The other appliances seems fine so far.



Other than complaining to the dealer, Duro, and the Better Business Bureau, does anyone have any suggestions about resolving this rusting/pitting problem?

Tina Gould
homeowner - New York, New York
September 5, 2011

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September 9, 2011

Poor quality stainless steel? Maybe, but more likely rusting is caused by some surface contaminant. From your description, you never use steel wool or anything which could leave iron on the surface, and that's a good thing, as any tiny bit of iron residue will start rusting.

What is possible and likely is chloride contamination from salt. You might spill a few grains, or have a little salty spatter from cooking.

I think I'd clean up after cooking with hot soapy water to remove any possible salt, and I'd avoid any abrasives. Some kitchen cleaners contain hypochlorite (bleach), so stay away them.

Nothing wrong with olive oil after cleaning if it works to your satisfaction.

It's no help for your problem, but porcelain enameled appliances are less troublesome.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Thanks, Jeffrey.

I found the photo interesting, demonstrating as it does the textbook situation that forming metal causes the outside edge to be tensilely stressed, which makes it anodic, and the area most prone to pitting.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 12, 2011