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!