Whirlpool Stainless Refrigerator Rusting?
 

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

You received polished steel appliances.

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

In my opinion, you only have two options, buy a new door or buy a new refrigerator.

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.

You don't actually wind up with a completely new door. The "skins" can be replaced. We had it done under warrranty.

Some refrigerators have removable door panels, but not all of them. My Whirlpool refrigerator needed a new door.

You may be able to buy an aftermarket decorative skin that may hide the rust. They sell them on Amazon. But, I think that any attempt to remove the rust with a chemical rubbing compound will just make the door look worse. It's not possible to match the factory finish on stainless steel.

My 9 year old Whirlpool side-by-side with freezer pull-out below (what The Villages was installing back then) had new skins installed on side-by-side doors. It was surprising how fast it was done.

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

Option 3 - my wife puts magnets over the rusty spots!

I got a metal roof that is galvalume I am told (5V). The open roof areas are clean of rust after 20 years. Now some of the peak is rusted solid. Roofer tells me some of peak is galvanized only and some galvalume.

Also have rusting on the good flat sloped surface of galvalume. That's due to solar panel aluminum frames. Rain drops carry aluminum oxide from the frame and THAT will rust the good galvalume sheets.

Cannot believe that was allowed 11 years ago.

OP, you might look into automotive repair products for rust. I really like Eastwood products, but many local stores carry similar items. These products transform the rust, or seal the rust, in any case you will probably never be able to match the original finish, so I would plan on some type of boarder around the area.

Please feel free to contact by PM if you would like to discuss further over the phone.

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!

Buy a new frig.

LOL, that’s exactly right, you summed it up exactly & I’m not trying to be a wise guy either!

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

Whirlpool Stainless Refrigerator Rusting?
 

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.)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Whirlpool Stainless Refrigerator Rusting?
 

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!

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.

Cheap builders grade appliances
 

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.