Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?
TPenning
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2012-10-14 8:28 AM (#147652)
Subject: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


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Posts: 151
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Location: Manitoba, Canada
I bought two used appliances for my trailer, a propane gas cook top and a three way fridge. Both are pretty dated in appearance, and I'd like to spruce them up so I don't have a new trailer interior (still building, it's a shell) with old appliances set down in the middle of it all. I'm assuming the stove top is stainless, but it has rust spots on it, so maybe it's not? Either way, I want to get rid of the rust. The fridge has a wood look finish on the door, it's probably that stuff that's more like wall paper. I'm going to see about refinishing that with some assistance from the local body shop.So, the stove top? Buff it out? paint it over? I'm concerned about paint and heat and off gassing, has anyone refinished their stove tops?
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2012-10-14 4:36 PM (#147656 - in reply to #147652)
Subject: RE: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


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Location: Vermont
There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, and some are more prone to corrosion than others. In general, the higher the chromium content, the less likely the steel will rust. Check with your manufacturer or warranty to determine the chromium content of your stainless-steel sink, and if shopping for a replacement, be sure to opt for a high chromium count. STAINLESS STEEL CLEANING TIPS Luckily, you don't need to buy a new stove top to tackle rust now. Try these easy, homemade cleaning solutions to make your stainless-steel sparkle:- Vinegar: Simply pour a generous amount of vinegar onto a soft scouring pad* for an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. The stain will lift immediately.- Lemon juice and baking soda: Create a paste from equal parts lemon juice and baking soda, then scrub with a damp sponge. For tougher stains, leave the paste on for 15-30 minutes, then wipe clean.- Lemon juice and cream of tartar: Mix one tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste, then smooth it on rust spots and rub it in vigorously with a soft sponge.- Club soda: Buff rust scuffs with a soda-dampened cloth.- Lighter fluid: If all else fails, try pouring lighter fluid on a clean cloth and scrubbing the rust spots clean. For safety, keep in mind that lighter fluid is highly flammable and can be toxic for the environment, so use this option as a last resort -- and never around an open flame (make sure all nearby stove burners are off).In no time at all, your stainless sink will shine brighter than that cast-iron pot -- just keep the two away from each other to avoid more rust in the future!*Avoid hard metals and heavy scouring pads, as they can easily scratch the surface of your sink. A commercial solution... http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/sinks

Edited by PaulChristenson 2012-10-14 4:40 PM
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illini
Reg. Mar 2009
Posted 2012-10-14 8:11 PM (#147658 - in reply to #147652)
Subject: RE: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


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Posts: 123
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Location: illinois

Bar Keepers Friend works really well on stainless steel. You can find it with all the household cleaners at Wal-Mart. It may or may not do the rust but it's worth a try since it will do a great job on normal everyday stains.

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RTSmith
Reg. Nov 2003
Posted 2012-10-15 8:07 AM (#147664 - in reply to #147652)
Subject: RE: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


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Posts: 804
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Location: Tenn/Ala.
I have often used 0000 steel wool to clean minor rust from S/S.
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blackcows
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2012-10-16 5:20 PM (#147704 - in reply to #147652)
Subject: RE: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


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Watch eBay...I bought a brand new stainless steel top for about $25.  You could also get a cover so it isn't seen.

 

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TPenning
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2012-10-23 7:10 AM (#147850 - in reply to #147652)
Subject: RE: Stainless cook top has rust, how do I make it look better?


Veteran


Posts: 151
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Location: Manitoba, Canada
Lots of good ideas! Thanks
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